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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  Love my endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By chaeuser - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome SUV. No one in our town even has one. Neighbor thought it was a BMW. Wife uses it for work, and kids have lots of room. I love the torque, this thing really grabs the road. Drives really smooth, nicer than most we tried. Only one I drove that was nicer was the lexus, and that cost 20000 more!

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  It was this or a Pilot... - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dungeoner - March 22 - 11:53 pm

  And I chose the Endeavor. I can honestly say, Ill never second guess my decision either. The vehicle drives like a dream. Ive driven the Pilot, Highlander, Trailblazer, Durango & Grand Cherokee(V8). All were wonderful, but only the Pilot & Endeavor drove like I wanted my wifes SUV to drive. The torque in this thing needs to be felt to be appreciated. It might not have seating for 7 or 8 people/children, but the 5 that do fit, do so comfortably. The steering is tight & responsive & the drive is stellar. If I had the funds, my wife & myself would be driving one. Everything seems solidly made & built. If I had to gripe about something, it would be the gas mileage on this capable engine.

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  No ifs, ands or buts - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By justin - March 22 - 8:06 pm

  While its not the Evo X, its still a great car and fun to drive. The CVT is one of the best features on this car. While other cars lose speed when up-shifting, the Lancer w/ CVT just keeps gaining speed.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rod92106 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We rented this vehicle and took a 2000 mile drive vacation. It was an outstanding experiance. I am currently looking to purchase my own.

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  Get Some New Colors - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By drholland77 - March 19 - 10:33 am

  This is the second car of this style Ive had. The first was an Eagle Talon. It is fun to drive. I love the feel, its like scooting along on the highway. Its gas mileage is great if you dont drive like a high school kid. The looks cant be beaten for the price.

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  Hands down - this is the best SUV for your money! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By indianadad - March 19 - 9:05 am

  Mitsubishi does not do a good enough job marketing this vehicle. They are either pricing it to regain market share or the other brands are way overpriced. That being said, I had checked out most other small SUVs, focusing on the American & Japanese models. They are all in the 25-30K range to get the features this one has. With rebates and negotiations with the dealer I got this great quality SUV for about $19,200. For this price, who else gives 18" alloys, keyless ignition, fog lights, auto & adjustable HID headlights, tinted windows, auto heat/air, rain sensing wipers, super crisp LED multi-color info. display, wireless Bluetooth, 6 speaker satellite radio and much more??? No one!!!

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  Overall, Great Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steph S. - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Galant. I shopped for several months before buying in May. I test drove the new Altima, Camry, Stratus, and Accord. The Galant out does them all in performance and design. And, what a great price! If you are in the market to buy a mid- size sedan you must test drive the new Galant. Watch out for the gas mileage - you will not get 23 MPG!

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  2002 Mitsubishi Mirage LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By chad kassinger - March 16 - 12:40 am

  The Mitsubishi Mirage is a great car to drive around and just have fun with especially for a teeager or a younger person. It looks sporty and has pretty good power for a 4-cylinder vehicle. Im thinking about fixing mine up, they make excellent import tuner cars.

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  As happy as could be - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By darsek - March 11 - 1:06 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a couple years now, I purchased through Hertz rental sales (great experience). I really, really love this car! It is great in snow, rain, shine, fog, city, on freeways or on backroads. I understand some are not happy with the horsepower, but what do you expect? This car is a 4-cyl. and costs under $20,000 used. Nothing has broken and it has not broken down, unlike my friend who has to take her VW Golf in once a month because every little thing breaks on her car. I would absolutely buy this again, although I dont have much need for AWD...it is nice to have but I think it is bad for the gas mileage. You may want a car with better gas mileage if you commute a long way.

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  Love my XS! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Macadamia2 - March 10 - 2:53 am

  I have had my 2001 Montero Sport 3.5XS for almost four years now and I love it! I have had absolutely ZERO problems with this SUV and it is still just as fun to drive and sharp to look at as the day I bought it.