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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  It is a fun truck to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Chris Holder - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The biggest drawback is I drive everyday on The Baltimore Beltway I need more power to get up to speed. Once up to speed and hopefully not getting run over, this truck is quick and very responsive. The braking is very good and the handling in wet or slick driving conditions is great. The consumer reports say that the cargo area is the smallest in the class. I can put four fat guys and all their golf bags in the truck. So much for little to no space

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gabby - March 25 - 6:53 pm

  I have had my Endeavor for 4 years now and have 115,000 miles on it. It has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It still rides very nice and I have not had any major mechanical issues. One problem with struts right after I purchased it, but that is all. I cant recommend a vehicle more for reliability and good looks!

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  Great Car for the Money! - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By telkbear - March 25 - 6:33 am

  I have been very happy with Mitsubishi products in the past, so we thought it would be a good move to get another. I am glad we have! Lancer ES has surprisingly good power to get on and off the interstate when needed, and it is very easy on gas! Visibility is great with all of the large windows. The cooling/heating seems to be a good balance for the entire car. A smart buy!

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  Too bad for the paint job - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bpd295 - March 24 - 11:43 pm

  After owning the vehicle for six months, the paint in the rear quarter panels is chipping by the rear doors. I took this to the dealer and they nearly laughed at me. The service manager encouraged me to file a fraudulent insurance claim to so that they could get compensated and repaint the vehicle for me. Body shop people stated that this is a design flaw and a lot of Lancers are having this problem. I was actually told to just budget for body work every year. Such a shame because I love the car otherwise.

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  Great car for the Price - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mbcowboy - March 23 - 7:06 am

  Great driving car, starts well in -30- 40C temps. Warms up quickly without much pre-warming. The CVT is great, has the power that i need. Has a lot of features for the price compared to other vehicles. I had compared different sub-compacts for price and driving quality and the Lancer was still the best.

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  Top of its class - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kevin - March 21 - 7:50 pm

  This is the first new car I have ever owned. I have to say Im very happy. The engine is a great balance between performance and efficiency, the 5 speed is smooth, good brakes, and is LOADED with features. I have an ES with the sun and sound and sport package. I wanted a GTS, but got a good deal, it has everything but the 18" rims and the 2.4L. The interior is minimal, yet attractive and roomy. I love the stereo and steering wheel controls. No other car in its class can compare. I drove an 09 Corolla, for the same price it had 15" hubcaps! And the transmission sucked as it was slooooow. This car is beautiful and has a great warranty. I cant recommend this car enough.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mealster - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Outlander a few months ago and I love it. The ride is smooth. The front & back seat have plenty of room. The only downside is that there is not much cargo room. A little more would have been nice. But overall, no complaints about this vehicle. I just wish folks would stop calling it a "glorified station wagon". =)

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  Good value for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By mljkrjpwj - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used with 25000 miles. Have had no major problems. The ride is rougher than other mid- size SUVs. Had to replace tires at 35000 miles. When vehicle is cold the transmission feels as if it has difficulty shifting from 1st into 2nd and 2nd into 3rd.

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  VRX- fun to drive - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By BigSheek - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and new dash is eye catching. Sleek new lines but gas mileage could be better. Less than what was advertised.

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  My MS XS kicks butt! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Macadamia - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my MS XS! Ive had it for over a year now and have not had one problem (knock on wood) other than a factory recall which was fixed promptly. Sure, you dont get great gas mileage, but what do you want from a 4,000 pound SUV. It has just enough power, rides so smooth for a truck and looks better than any other SUV around (in my opinion)!