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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  Outlandish - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By camusgirl - June 7 - 2:23 am

  This is my second Outlander in three years after an AWFUL lease experience with Toyota where I will NEVER purchase another vehicle! Mitsubishi is right across the street and is wonderful to deal with, both in sales and service. The Outlander does everything I need it to do and more! Its gas mileage is above average (between 25 - 28 mpg) and its comfort is excellent with the lumbar package in the front leather seat. The Sunroof and sounds make the ride a joy and it is not HIGH off the ground so even in evening wear with high heels I can slide into the seat comfortably. I cannot wait to purchase a 2007 with a V6!

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  Eh... - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By DV - June 6 - 9:23 am

  Came from Hondas and Acuras so this was somewhat of a let down as far as build quality goes - interior has some rattles - brakes squeaked at first - paint quality is terrible - clear coat is coming off already on my bumper. Exterior design is great except for the hideous wheel well gap you can fit a small body into - whats the deal with Mitsu and their big wheel wells on eclipses?? As of right now, so long as I dont have any major issues and she doesnt leave me stranded, Im happy. Going forward though, Im gonna stick with what I know and thats Honda.

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  Traded a Lexus RX330 - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TONY - June 2 - 6:06 pm

  Traded 2004 Lexus RX330 that I absolutely hated. Fell in love with the first time I saw it. I can afford a much more expensive car but with gas prices going through the roof I chose to opt for a 4 cyl that runs on regular gas.

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  Own SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By SalaiTuk - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to Drive but need more HP.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By irish girl - June 2 - 10:00 am

  The first week I had this car I was rear ended at a traffic light. I realized that this was a great car as it did not even get a dent. It is built solid as a rock. I currently drive 140 miles a day highway and the car can keep up with the best of them. I am looking to trade it in for a new Spyder. I have no doubt that my 2000 vehicle will give a new owner much pleasure for years to come.

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  I love my car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By climberswife - June 1 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my Endeavor brand new in 2005. I have put over 80,000 miles on it and have not had any problems. The interior is larger than similar SUVs. It is so stylish on the inside and out. The standard features on all of the models are out of this world for the price. I would absolutely recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Love the Diamante - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Matt Labonte - June 1 - 6:06 am

  I love it. Took it to Los Angeles (from Portland, Oregon) just after I bought it, and the fuel economy was devine at 30 mpg. Rather good for a 3.5 V6 engine, in such a large car. The car rides very smooth, absorbing the bumbs in the road well. Handling is on par, and the car is very comfortable overall. Sure you can get an Acura, or Lexus for around the same price, but the cool thing about the Diamante is that you dont see them on every corner. I like having a car that is fairly rare.

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  07 Outlander LS Praise - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bob - May 31 - 11:26 pm

  My 07 Outlander LS has less than 1,000 miles, but it has already delighted me with its good gas mileage. I recently got 28.6 mpg on a 150 mile trip and for a while was actually averaging over 29. The vehicle is spunky when it needs to be. Its controls are well placed and easily accessible. The dash is easy to read. The 6-speed tranny is great, and gives you freedom to shift easily into a higher or lower gear. For example, down shifting for engine braking. This is a comfortable car for even a 6 footer like me and how can you beat the 10 year/100K mi. warranty? Weak spots in design? Maybe its a bit difficult to see behind yourself, but no more so than in most SUVs. This is a very good buy for the buck.

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  The Basic Fun Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike - May 31 - 4:03 am

  The OZ-Rally package definitly spiced up the exterior look, and I was happy with all the accesories that it came with. I do wish it had a bit more power to it though. Everything has been fine on it so far though.

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  Great for the Price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dan - May 30 - 4:20 am

  This is our second Outlander (owned 2003). Was happy then and am very happy now. Bought this one used with all the options exc. Nav. This car, even with substandard interior materials and pronounced road noise is super fun to drive. My wife likes all of the storage in my Outlander. Road noise is pronounced but the stereo is out of the world. If you live in a pot hole infested area I would not recommend the car, but the highway ride is super smooth. This is the best used SUV. Overall for the money this is the car to buy. While its not perfect, it offers more stuff and good reliability for not much money in used format. Im considering already buying a 2010 used in 2010.