Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  Hard to Eclipse an Eclipse - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bradleyc - October 30 - 4:43 am

  This is an all around fun GT car. No, its not a "sports car" like a Porsche, its a GT car like a Lancia or Alpha Romeo. The car has excellent pick up and good cornering. The car can be pushed much harder than most drivers realize. As such, early body roll halts at .7 Gs and then you can really feel the car dig in. The torque band is very broad, but if you push the revs a little bit (4200 RPMs) the car definitely takes off.

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  excellent car overall - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By fruiz83039 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  the most comfortable suv i ever drove

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  Best New mid-size SUV on the Market - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By C Wheeler - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Looks like a stallion, rides like a dream, handles effortlessly. This is my 3rd SUV, by far the best, puts Toyota to shame on the driving performance and feel. I highly recommend this SUV to anyone who wants comfort, style, and perfomance

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  Excellent SUV and Fun to Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Angel F. Hernandez - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Since the day that My wife and I have purchase the Endveavor, we have been vaery happy. On my wife end, it is a SUV that we can afford with having all the comforts for a family. On my end, a reliable vehicle, safe for my family and responce just life a sport vehicle when needed, most of it my family is comfortable with plenty of room. Finally, an SUV with plenty interior room and performance.

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  Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Patricia Gaul - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a sports car before, so it is hard to compare. I love the way it looks, though. It is not a family car so you cant criticize the small back seat. It handles very well and has lots of pick up for a 4 cyl. The gas mileage is also impressive.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By amy morris - October 26 - 8:26 am

  I bought the Endeavor because I needed a safe and reliable car for my family. I have two small children and this car is perfect. It has a hugh amount of space in the back (enough to fit my double jogger with room to spare), and has all the amenities a family car should have. Front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, DVD player, leather interior(which is great for those spills), it is so fun to drive and I really feel safe. I love this car!

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  Tremendous 2 or 4 drive option! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BobJ - October 25 - 9:43 pm

  The best thing about this car is the ability to drive in either 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive option. I live in the Northeast and I use the 4 wheel drive in bad weather. The rest of the year I will use the 2 wheel drive option--- I get about 30 mpg with this option. ALL THE SUVs should have this option.

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  Best car ever owned - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By james - October 25 - 10:03 am

  Ive owned over 20 cars during my life, and the Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally is the best yet. Its fun to drive, reliable, gets great gas mileage, and handles the highway and country roads equally well.

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  One of the BEST vehicles I have owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Kevin - October 24 - 11:17 pm

  Me and my wife purchased ours in 2008, a 2004 Silver XLS model with 30k when we purchased it. It was used as our primary vehicle and traveled ALOT of miles since we lived just outside of Orlando and due to family and work we had to travel a average of 50-60 miles round trip for just work/family. During our ownership we had no issue with the Endeavor other than a rear drivers side window actuator going out which was only $70 in parts and extremely easy to fix yourself. The engine didnt give us a single issue and the transmission shifted smoothly like the day we got it. Interior materials are not high end quality, but still very good quality. The paint on the side mirrors and door handles are bit thin and showed fade/oxidation even though I hand washed and wax and sealed the vehicle. Interior cargo room is amazing...able to transport decent size furniture from Ikea many times and packing for long vacation trips with no issue and easy access too. Unfortunately a Toyota Tundra hydroplaned through 3 lanes on the opposite direction of traffic, crossed the median and slammed into our Endeavor during rain. Our Endeavor was totalled but did its job to protect my wife, mother in law and my 2 year old son who was sleeping when the Tundra hit us. We walked out with no major injuries..just a couple bruises but my son and mother in law walked away without a scratch. My wife loved the Endeavor and still after they discontinued them would like another one. Great vehicle and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a affordable dependable SUV.

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  the review - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jddyr - October 24 - 10:00 am

  i just love my new car. it runs so smoothly and it rides like a sports car.