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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  Not a cookie cutter SUV - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By benneva - January 6 - 7:12 pm

  I have been looking for a new SUV for a year. When I went to the grocery I would see 2 more vehicles just like my 06 Honda CRV and in the same color. The Outlander is not a CRV or RAV4 and that is a good thing. I test drove Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai. I traded my 06 Honda CRV for this car. The Outlander is sportier, has better seats, and it is fun to drive. I am really happy with my decision.

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  Excellent - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kevin Perkins - January 6 - 5:30 pm

  The car handles beutifully and is very powerful. The accelleration is overwhelming and it looks phenominal. I have had this car for two months and notice a difference from my last car.

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  New Mitshu Sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Soderholm - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a sporty yet not too soft of a ride. The sound system and power sunroof are wonderful features! The engine is a bit of a putz but is quiet overall. There is sufficient leg room in the rear seat for passengers and enough room in the back for hauling "stuff". Great car!!

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  Lincoln Ride for Honda Price - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kells - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Plain in nature, this car is great fun. I had never owned a Mitsubishi before, but I love it. It gives me a ride comfort similar to my Jaguar did. Much less engine performance but tremendous gas mileage! I would highly recommend this car.

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  Feel in love after test Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By One Big Fan - January 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I feel in love with this vehicle on our test drive. We went to the dealership to drive the Subaru Forester and Outback Wagon. My wife was not very impressed with either of those vehicles, so we turned tot he Mitusbishi. She really liked the styling of the Outlander but i was a little leery of the 4 cylinder egine and the lack of horspower. So we test drove the Endeavor and can home a few days later with the Pearl White XLS. Just a great vehicle. I look forward to many years of happy returns.

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  I love this car!! :) - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lisa - January 3 - 7:26 pm

  I just got rid of a 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage LS to buy a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally, and this car is so much more peppier and "alive" than my Mirage! This is an extremly fun car! Its very comfortable, and everything is in perfect reach! It runs great! Of course Ive only had it for a few months, and every new car will be perfect in the beginning. I had my Mirage for 4 years, and I never had a problem with it, except that the paint on the front bumper of my car was somehow cracking and getting dull...Im not sure what happened there. I guess its too hot in Arizona!! :)

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  Most Fun for an SUV at Such a Great Price - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Louana and Racquel - January 3 - 10:03 am

  I love the way the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander drives and I would recommend it to anyone that needs a little extra room without having a big gas bill. I have one other SUV, but this one is the most fun to drive.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ecald - January 3 - 1:56 am

  Bought this car new in 2005. 47000 miles now and never had a problem. Gas mileage could be better, but we use regular 87 instead of recommended premium. We will definitely look at replacing with a newer limited in a couple of years. Great car for anyone!!!

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  Great Used Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Greg - January 2 - 2:00 pm

  I bought this car to drive to work back in 2003. It had 9,975 miles on it when I bought it and it now has 149,700 on it. Ive never had anything done to it other than normal maintenance. The only thing thats ever gone bad is the battery and brakes. Its been the best car Ive ever owned.

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  The Galant has Come a Long Way - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By StanBear - January 1 - 1:00 am

  I must let everyone know how far Mitsubishi has come in this evolution. Having owned two of the previous style Galants (99 and 02) as well as Maximas, etc, I feel qualified to make a judgment. The big thing they finally got right was the room. This car has a fantastic roomy back seat, even more so than Maxima in past. Beyond that the quality is up to snuff, and the driving experience is terrific even though only the 4-cyl. engine. I enjoy driving it more that our 2004 Cadillac DeVille DTS. Though the 4-cyl is slightly on the noisy side, it is the best of breed. There is always enough torque and power available (better than the 89 Maxima V6). The car moves out so easily its hard to believe, even on passing.