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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  Best car we have ever purchased - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By C&M - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV we have ever purchase. The gas mileage is better than most, it drives so smoothly, and it is so fun to drive! We have owed other SUVs with varing success, and the Outlander has been the best.

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  Mitsubishi Endeavor, WOW - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rob - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Incredible ride, great looks, comfortable $ affordable

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  First Enveavor, second Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ficuss - April 4 - 12:46 pm

  Versatility of a mid size SUV and comfort of a large car, that is what I wanted and what I got. The 2005 Endeavor rides and turns like a tight sports car. Fit and finish are perfect. The motor/exhaust combo gives off enough "growl" to make you feel you are going fast even when you arent. The gearing is such that you always feel like there is plenty of power waiting to be used if needed. It has just enough gadgets to satisfy all but the uber gadgeteers. The first month of ownership have been a pleasure especially comming off of 4 years of a troublesome experience with a G.M. SUV.

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  Good So Far - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RJB - April 4 - 9:00 am

  This maybe one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. I have had two Mercedes and they were not as much fun as my Ralliart. It is a very nice car!

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  Love my Lancer 3 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - April 3 - 10:00 am

  As of October 2010 with over 55,000 miles still loving my 2006 Lancer SE. I had to get new tires at 50,000 miles and the brakes are about due for service (at 58,000 miles!!). I used to tell people my 1993 Honda Civic was the best car I ever owned, but I think my Lancer has beat it. Nothing but regular maintenance after 55,000 miles and 4 years, incredible!

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  DONT BELIEVE THE EXPERTS ! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By JCLZEKE@AOL.COM - April 3 - 9:52 am

  This is my third Mitsubishi. 1991 Galant, 2003 Outlander we still own with 210,000 miles and this 2015 Sport GT. Ive owned it for 4 months, 4000 miles and We LOVE it! Ive owned Honda, Toyota, Nissan truck and Chevys. All good cars and trucks, but Mitsubishi NEVER gets the credit it deserves for a Japanese vehicle of Superior quality and lower price than its better advertised competitors. These are Wonderful vehicles, precision built and designed. Available in the U.S. at lower prices for who knows why? lack of advertising... Take advantage of these deals and get a Well designed, quality built Japanese vehicle for a great price! They run FOREVER with just proper maintenance, the exterior stays beautiful with minimum maintenance. how many times Ive said to my son "OH U washed the Outlander (03)? His answer "NO it rained"... it looked Great. I Love our new 2015 Outlander Sport, the Rochford Fosgate Sound system is Awesome. Performance with the 2.4L is great, mileage is about 25-26 around town. Took her out in unplowed 14 of snow in 4WD LOCK No problem at all. Heated seats, mirrors, adjustable drivers seat, steering column... 4WD, glass roof, back up camera, much, much more for 20 something K? Plus 10 year/100,000 warranty. I love it! All I can say is give it a chance? Dont listen to the ""so called Expert reviews?

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  Amazing Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brian - April 2 - 12:26 am

  I have wanted a Mitsubishi for a few years now. I am in college and I had an 04 Mazda3. We had so many problems with it, it was time to get rid of it. I saw the new Lancer and I fell in love with it. I am a red guy, so I saw the commercials with the Rally Red Metallic paint job and I fell in love with the car. I needed the Sun and Sound Package for sure. The navigation was a little too expensive for me, but the car is great without it. Within a week of looking at them, I bought one. I have the only Rally Red Metallic GTS CVT with the Sun and sound package that was available in the state. It was very hard to find, but the salesman did a great job at getting it for me.

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  2005 Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mike - March 31 - 4:36 pm

  All around great vehicle. Great in snow (AWD). Very repsonsive and sporty, but also absorbs the bumps in the road very well. I would buy this vehicle again.

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  Lancer Ralliart Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lace - March 30 - 11:10 pm

  This is a very fun to drive car. It handles well, even in the rain. I always get compliments on my ride.

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  Great SUV!! Best Exterior Design! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By John G - March 29 - 3:30 pm

  I love my Montero XLS! Unbeatable exterior design and its attractive and practical on the inside too. Engine is powerful for a 3.8L V6 and the self-select 4WD has 4 settings for different driving conditions. Very comfortable and solid ride. Awesome sounds system and 3rd row seat. Good value versus the competition. I chose the Montero over the Pilot and 4Runner because of its styling, true 4WD feature and overall quality and value for money.