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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  FUN CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By SERENA - January 18 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HANDLES REALLY TIGHT ON TURNS AND PICKS UP FAST FOR AN AUTOMATIC HAS 162HP. GAS IS GOOD IF YOU DONT PUNCH IT A LOT. HAS AN AWESOME STEREO 315 WATTS. GETS A LOT OF LOOKS.

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  The Endeavor ROCKS! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lauren M - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Mitsubishi that Ive owned...two Eclipses before the Endeavor. Theres obviously a huge difference between sports cars and SUVs but the Endeavor doesnt ride like I thought an SUV would. Its so, the interior is so spacious asmooth and the ammenities are astounding.

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  Try One, Quality Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GoodBuy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car about a month now. Feels very solid when driving. Turns corners very tightly which is handy getting into parking spaces. The 120 hp engine accelerates well and sounds good even when revving. I have the stick shift which I prefer on small cars. The car is put together very well. I could find no flaws. The interior is very well appointed for the price. All of these cars come with power windows and CD which is nice.

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  Love My Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ray - January 16 - 12:36 am

  I rented a 2006 white Mitsubishi Montero SUV in Fort Lauderdale in October 2005 for 4 days. I fell in love with the entire structure and feel about this beautiful vehicle. The funny thing is that I didnt want to rent a SUV, I wanted a luxury car to drive on my vacation. I week after I got home I purchased a new 2006 Mitsubishi Montero for myself. I love it.

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  Underrated and underappreciated - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By manythemiles - January 15 - 10:06 pm

  Bought car used in December 2011 with 144k on the odometer. Have driven the car 10k since purchase and am very pleased with it. Car gets very good gas mileage and has so far proven to be reliable and simple to maintain. All required maintenance can be done by anyone who has a basic knowledge of cars. Engine is well laid out and the small engine allows easy access to most components. Interior materials are of high quality and would rival the best. Dashboard layout isnt terrible, but I wouldve appreciated a higher radio placement. Cupholder is small and its effectiveness can vary. Blocks radio. Overall though, I think I will be holding onto this one for a while. Very satisfied overall.

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  Diana - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Diana Harms - January 15 - 4:03 am

  I like this SUV would like a little better mileage . I think service is excellent and the suv is great on long trips

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  The car survived the college student but not the accident - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By alycop - January 14 - 3:18 pm

  Ill be honest, I am a college student and I did not maintain the car well. I received the car in 2011 at 67k and the tires, battery and brakes needed to be replaced. Since then I had nothing more than a burnt out headlight. It ran great, got good highway mileage for an SUV, and had plenty of room. Sometimes it would take a second turn of the key to start, but that was because I procrastinated (big time) on oil changes and such. 2.5 years and 30k miles later I had an accident after my tire blew from hitting a hubcap. We spun out, I over corrected, slid to a ditch and rolled over. I came out with out a scratch, my boyfriend got a mild concussion, but my poor car was totaled.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By TexasJoe - January 14 - 5:43 am

  After owning several cars over my lifetime I can say this is definitely the best so far. The car is very reliable, inexpensive to own, gets great mileage (20-24 city and 32-38 highway depending on my lead foot). The engine has a lot of power if you need it to. Taking turns sharp will automatically throttle the engine to keep you from losing control (did I mention my lead foot?). Interior comfort has really spoiled me on other cars. I have recently car shopped with a friend and wasnt happy with the interiors of newer cars in comparison. My only complaint is the leather is Black. In Texas, that makes for hot summers but the comfort makes up for it.

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  Great all around vehicle! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Shirley Price - January 13 - 5:50 pm

  Tired of being pelted with cigarettes, pushed around by wind, and being srayed with garbage truck stuff I traded in my 2004 Toyota MR2 Spider for a Mitsubishi Montero Limited. The Limited has great pick up, a luxury car ride, and every creature comfort. I no longer fear aggressive / distraced drivers, bad weather, not so safe neighborhoods, or buying too many groceries. Its gas mileage isnt great, but I knew this before purchase. My cost for insurance was a surprise, I guess the rate assumes if I were to hit something it will be flattened. Maybe thats why I like her so much; the Montero is a great mixture of luxury, beauty and brawn.

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  dont buy one - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jenlilie - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is good for someone away at school because you can fit all youre stuff and a friend, but i have a baby not a friend and we are always on are way somewhere and usuall running late. This car is slow there is no kick at all, you cant have someone in the back seat anf fold down the other seat to fit the dog in the back cause its one peice. The inside is very narrow .