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:

• 

  Freshest crossover on the road - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By zx_knight - May 20 - 12:44 am

  Power- Its lacking in this area in comparison to the others in its class but the CVT tranny really makes good use of the 148hp. It gets a little fun when using the paddle shifter (The paddle shifter sold me on the car). Only issue I have is that you cant tow anything, I dont know how that compars to the rest but its a forgivable issue. Suspension- This little truck could out handle alot of cars. Definitely shines above the rest, especially in 4wd mode :). Seating- Im 6"1 and have 2 children in car seats and we fit with little issue. Im a lil cramped in the leg department but I could still do long distance trip in it easy. I even talked my sister in to buying one. There fresh

• 

  Popular Cars - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Andrew Baxster - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I do not like popular cars that everyone is driving such as the Accord or the Camry. I tested other cars such as the Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima and VW Passat. Of all the cars I tested, the Galant proved to be the best built car out of the bunch. It has power like no other midsize and feels very refined. The car drives verey nice and looks decent.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By wagales - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I was very impressed with the new look of the Galant online, and even liked it better in person. Interior is much roomier than my 2000 Galant was, and styling, both in and out is excellent. You can actually read the gauges through the steering wheel. Trunk is large and has a passthru area for long stuff. Iwas somewhat aprehensive about the 4 cylinder, but it;s peppy on the Interstate with plenty of passing power. Ride is stiff and sporty, but this will probally soften a bit like my 2000 did. Very impressed and very happy.

• 

  All I Need - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MostlyCinical - May 11 - 2:00 am

  After driving for a year, it has lived up to my high expectations. I read the reviews of "not enough power," but waited until I drove it to form my own opinion. The clutchless manual gives the passing and highway entrance you want. I the automatic mode is tuned nicely to the engines power. The ride is beautiful. Take it on some windy country roads and go hard into the turns and itll make you smile. Tell your back seat passengers to recline and theyll smile. I found the Infinity stereo to be OK, I had to turn the bass down or it would distort. No mechanical or body probs. Great entrance and exit height. Range is 300 miles between fill-ups.

• 

  Love the car-Hate the dealership - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Candy - May 6 - 11:11 am

  I purchased my 2015 Outlander Sport at the end of 2015. 2 months after I bought it, I received a recall notice, so I made an appointment with the dealership for Saturday Morning which is about 25 minutes away. To my surprise when I got there the dealership had closed down. No letter no phone just puff gone. Trip made for nothing. Called Mitsubishi and the closes dealership to me is 2 1/2 hours away and they dont do Saturdays. Miss a days work because they have a recall. I am not happy. To bad too I love my car but will not purchase again because of the dealerships. Oh one more thing had a road trip and after a while the front seats were not comfortable. Had to sat on a pillow.

• 

  I love this car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ChardonnayBee - April 30 - 6:03 pm

  I have had this car for awhile now and I absolutely LOVE it! Its just the right size for me and its really fun to drive!

• 

  Love my little car! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By goreandglitter - April 29 - 12:20 am

  After much debate and research I decided on the mirage as my new car .. My top reasons being gas mileage, cuteness and color. Ive had it for 6 months it has driven over large branches in the road, huge puddles and handles snow like a pro. Ive tried making it slide without luck. 2 large adults fit comfortably in the front seats .. There is a substantial amount of cargo room in back .. And I have zero issue whipping past other vehicles.. The fact that it doesnt make the loud Vrrroom noise of other cars is misleading .. It goes .. Just quietly. Absolutely love my car and cant wait to take it on more road trips!! I got hit hard 2 days after purchase..Kept all occupants safe and fought back

• 

  Montero miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fairlane500_1957 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  With less then 1,000 miles on my new Montero I feel I have a few things to point out. I like the way this vehicle handles tight turning radius, firm ride, good power. Im anxious to see how it does pulling my camper. Its rated for 5,000 pounds towing and my camper only weighs 2,200 so it should pull it with ease. But well see when we hit the mountains. Thats the only concern that I had was the V-6 having the power I needed.

• 

  2003 galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By loraine - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great!!!! I absolutely love the exterior of the car. I own the 2003 mitsu galant LS v6 fully equiped with sun, sound and leather package, which has drawn many compliments from other drivers. I stongly recommend buying this vehicle, over camry, altima, and accord.

• 

  This SUV Rocks! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Endeavor - April 25 - 8:00 am

  The 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor is easy to handle and turns and parks more easily than I ever imagined. Its gas mileage is not as bad as some fellow SUV owners get. The Endeavor gets 23 mpg compared to a friends Explorer Eddie Bauer at 16 mpg. It has classy lines and design. I can now haul vertical blinds and bigger items.