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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  Bad News - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Barktl - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The handeling is very poor on dry roads and wet roads. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle. The Wheel width is to naoorw verses the height of the vehicle.

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  mitsubishi endeavor 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By stuartandkay - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love driving this vehicle - the smoothest ride around - love stereo system - everything!!!!!!

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  2008 xls outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By s. mitchell - March 30 - 1:23 am

  I Love it!!!! Got it a couple of weeks ago and I have nothing but good things to say about it..Runs great, looks great, so much fun to drive. Looked at several types of crossover suvs and this was by far the best one. I will say that the XLS Model is the way to go. All the gadgets are very cool.

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  Move over Honda Pilot - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Chad Arnold - March 28 - 3:26 am

  I cant be more happy with my 2004 Endeavor. I researched both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota 4Runner / HIghlander. What I found was I can have a new SUV with a beautiful ride, sleek look and plenty of comforts AND not get killed in the pocket. The AWD system has been an added pleasure. The 315 Infinity system has a gorgeous sound. The ride is very smooth with minimal road noise. The warranty is out of this world. The look of the interior with the LCD displays and blue lit backgrounds are both futuristic and beautiful with a nice metal finish. Not having the 3rd row seat is a drawback for some. I dont need it. It also makes the 2nd seats roomier and provides nice cargo space. A lot of vehicle for the money!

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  terry - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tralic - March 27 - 8:26 pm

  The ride is extraordinary. The seating is very comfortable and the interior design is a work of art. All controls are convenient. The smoothest SUV I have ever experienced

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  Great value & features - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Casey - March 27 - 11:34 am

  Im in my 13th year in the car business and I dont work for a Mitsubishi dealer. This is the best SUV in the class. The engine and transmission are time tested and solid. Yes its still timing belt driven but this engine is going to last!! The ride quality is smooth and quite. The upgraded Rockford Fosgate sound system is fantastic, spend some time playing with all the different sound options and find the one that sounds best with your music. Plus you get one of the best warrantys out there.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By G4 - March 27 - 5:43 am

  Ive owned my Galant for 2 years now, no problems except a hose that broke and the ever troublesome glove box latch. My glove box would fly open going over bumps or pot holes in the road! It only cost us $25 for the part to replace it though. Brakes are great except they squeak all the time. Fun car to drive in the summer, not good in the snow/ice at all. Very reliable, but mine is a V6 and the gas gauge drops pretty quick and the manual says to give it premium fuel, ouch! We were thinking about trading it in but just couldnt give it up because its such a reliable car that has a great body design and looks good even 10 years later.

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  What a Deal! A quality Vehicle - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fratomdev - March 27 - 1:46 am

  I researched every mid level SUV out there on every car site I could find. What got me to look at the Outlander was that I couldnt find any complaints from people that bought a used one. The same was not true for the RAV4, CRV, Ford Escape or the Forester. I originally was going to buy a 2007, but decided to test a used 2006 LS AWD. Both my wife and I felt the 2006 was quieter and road better. I havent driven in the snow, but I am sure it will be great up here in Syracuse where we get 160" a year, thus why I wanted an AWD. The interior is big compared to my Camry. The quality is impressive.

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  Love It!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By KellyY - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My friend has a 2001 and absolutely loves it. I have been on the sandy beaches and off road camping with her and our children, ithandles great in any situation.

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  montero limited 2002 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By micheal - March 26 - 2:00 am

  very nice van, i really enjoy it it build is very sporty lookin i get very nice compliment