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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  No Buyers Remorse Here - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By YRFox - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have now had this car about seven months and it is everything that I thought it would be. Very comfortable, huge trunk(almost as much storage space as I had with my Volvo and Subaru Station Wagons before buying this), great stereo, very responsive engine and good handling. I looked at Lexus and Infiniti too but decided to get the Diamonte and I am still comfortable with my decision.

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  Poor Mans Lexus - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jonnie O - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have the beautiful 14K Gold MS LTD. I live in a nice neighborhood where some folks can afford the Lexus & Acura SUVs. Mine looks better and runs just as good for less than half the price! I bought it one year old with 25K but it still looks and runs like new. Never a problem with the vehicle. Friends family and neighbors all love it and compliment it all the time. Like it better than the Pathfinder I had before this vehicle.

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  It IS Good! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By PJOIPIE - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for my wife and she absolutely loves it. The 4 cyl is fine even though reading a lot about it being underpowered. Got the loaded model and the heated seats are great- however we wish the gear shift lever had lights for Park, Reverse ect, as of now they are lit up on dash. 1 recall allready, now its pulling to right and dealers says factory fix suggestions are not working so probable be another recall for that.

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  Excellent bang for the buck! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jimmy - January 17 - 3:33 pm

  This is a fully juiced GTS! For the tech-toys that come along with it, this car is a no-brainer. Having read many reviews in advance, I was concerned about the lack of power, but after test-driving the car, I found that it had all I needed. Anymore (i.e., Ralliart or Evo) would just get me into trouble. If you are more concerned with excellent looks and cutting-edge tech goodies at a great price, you cannot beat this car.

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  I it lots and bunches - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tcha-Miiko - January 15 - 1:00 am

  My Outlander started as a rental unit but now has a home. I drive it in East Idaho in the deep snow drifts we get here and black ice conditions with no problems. On warmer days it zips along nicely on the freeway. On railroad crossings and bumpy back country roads it does rattle a bit, but the reviews mentioned that and it is not a problem. It tracked well when I stomped on the brakes to see how they did on an icy road-tracked straight ahead and continued ok when I let off the brakes. It does build up road slush in winter conditions in the wheel wells but it is easy to clean out when I stop. A great vehicle, looks good, rides nice. Looking forward to seeing how it does in the summer.

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  Endeavor is Built to Endure - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RYAN - January 14 - 9:30 pm

  Overall I have had my Mitsubishi Endeavor now for about a year and have put about 15,000 miles on it. So far it has had no problems what so ever. I have been on many different trips, some distances of 700 miles. I also have been on many back roads and country areas and it still performs perfectly. The snow is nothing in this thing, you have no problems getting around. Only thing I wish was that the interior was a little nicer, such as an improved dash and seats. But overall I think its my favirote SUV under $40,000.

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  Right Size and Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John - January 13 - 5:03 am

  We compared cross-over SUVs and the Outlander was clearly the best value. Our first requirement was front wheel drive or 90/10 AWD (which eliminated the Nissan Xterra and others). Our second requirement was no premium fuel (which eliminated the new Mazdas, the Nissan Murrano, and most turbos). Our third requirement was 6-cylinders, which eliminated the Honda CR-V. That only left the Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and Hundai Sante Fe as options. The RAV4 was too small and the spare tire on the hatch is annoying. The interior of the Sante Fe was cheap/ugly. The Outlander outclassed the competition, especially with the 100,000 mile/10 year warranty. I am still very happy after a month of driving.

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  Love my new 07 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MitsuFanCanada - January 13 - 2:20 am

  The 2007 Outlander providers the right balance between price and performance. Just had our first "road trip" GTA East out to Niagara Falls. Handled well, great travelling through the traffic on the 400 series highways and the fuel economy wasnt bad. I think Ill enjoy driving this SUV for a long time.

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  Overall Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GREU - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good experience, not really any complaints to date other than insurance rates for this SUV. Be sure and check insurance prices as they are high and add to the overall cost to drive.

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  GOOD CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LIDYPR - January 10 - 10:00 am

  THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. ITS REALLY COOL TO DRIVE AND IT IS REALLY ENJOYABLE TO HAVE. I BEEN REALY HAPPY SINCE I HAVE IT THE CAR IS GOOD ON GAS AND ALL THAT WONDERFUL THINGS. IF PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT TYPE OF CAR THEY SHOULD BUY ILL SAY THE MITSUBISHI LANCER.