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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  The new Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pcmacbob - March 11 - 5:10 pm

  I just purcased a new Eclipse and have fell in love with it with one exception. The radio is suppose to play mp3 CDs (which it does) but after creating a few of them and inserting them into the 6 CD changer and trying to eject them all of a sudden one wont eject and know the cd unit wont even play anything. I looked in the manual to see if there is a way to manually eject the cd, but it says that you need to take it to the dealer. This might and probably will be a problem for buyers of the Rockford system. I did not see anywhere in the manual what CD manufacturer you should use for the stereo. My first tank I got 25 mpg. I have the 4 speed auto and love it also.

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  Best Car in Its Class - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mneddy - March 11 - 5:10 pm

  Love absolutely everything about the 2007 Eclipse GT. The design is the best. It is extremely fun to drive. It sticks to the road like glue. It is very good in winter driving. This car is absolutely comfortable and FUN to drive.

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  There was no doubt which was the best! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By evorg - March 10 - 10:50 pm

  I tried all the SUIVs - Honda, Mazda, The Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tuscon, and the Saturn VUE. The Outlander blew them out of the water! It is the best buy with the best options and best warranty.

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  A special vehicle - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Joe - March 10 - 1:00 pm

  The 2010 Endeavor is my second of the series. My first a 2004 was given to my daughter when I purchased the new one. I loved the first one, and have driven the 2010 about 4500 miles since buying it three months ago. It has all wheel drive plus all of the bells and whistles. I love the drive, the comfort and its many features, including the Bluetooth, back-up camera and navigation system. Prior to purchasing my 2010, I drove and priced the Pilot, Highlander and Veracruz. The Endeavor was clearly the best value and the most fun to drive. My hope is that Mitsubishi continues to produce the Endeavor. I have had two friends purchase Endeavors after riding in mine. A special vehicle.

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  Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tbzfb - March 9 - 10:00 am

  For the money, this is a great vehicle.

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  321,000 and still going - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By nmcgahee - March 8 - 12:17 am

  My little Mitzi (After 200,000, they need a name) just turned 321,000 miles with only a radiator replacement at 200,000. I love this car. I just wish Mitsubishi still made them because I know she cant last forever. Biggest problem now will be finding parts when they are needed.

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  Reliable for the Price - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By 2000 Montero sport - March 7 - 12:00 am

  We have put over 95,000 on our vehicle since we purchased it. To date, we have not had to replace or repair any major components and it has been extremely reliable. I have found that general maintenance at times tends to be expensive. To replace and access problems requires many labor hours. Its resale values are appear to be low, which is great for buyers but bad for sellers.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jaimiej - March 4 - 11:26 am

  I dont know why "experts" are so harsh on this vehicle. We initially looked at the 2015 outlander sport based on looks alone. Even the ES base features are nice such as blue tooth. The outlander isnt noticeably slow as some reviews state, and it more than makes up for that by incredible MPG even with 4x4. Some reviews also said the engine is loud, but I didnt notice that over the awesome premium sound system that comes standard. The warranty, price and quality are unmatched. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  good car!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rknap - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is the only car bought in 40 years that had no problems requiring repair or adjustment!!!!!!!!!

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  I love it, I love it, I love it. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Trish - March 2 - 10:13 pm

  This car is just awesome. So much fun to drive. Dash lights are beautiful at night. I dont check my gas mileage cause the car is made to drive fast. I make road trips often and the car is very comfortable. Sound system is excellent. Love the rear fold down seats. Two sets of golf clubs and luggage will fit great. I had a wind deflector installed on the sunrooof and the wind noise with the roof open is gone. I have the orange one and it is such a head turner. When driving alone, I recline the rear of the passenger seat and it helps with the blind spot. This allows for a better view out of the smaller side rear window. I suggest you buy one today.