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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  A Bit Disapointed! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gardengroveguy - November 17 - 4:36 am

  This new Outlander is light years ahead of the outgoing one. It even rates above the new Rav4 and C-RV, in most respects. It is a better value, more stuff, and great quality. And here comes the "but!" This thing has the worse case of torque steer that I have experienced since I owned a 200 hp front wheel drive Fiat! Stomp on the gas and you better be holding onto that steering wheel, with both hands. And she wanders on the freeway, it feels like its up on tip-toes...wandering! And bring your Dramamine, because the rocking movements caused by diving when braking and accelerating will cause sea-sickness! Nice effort Mitsu...but you missed out on the important stuff...like being able to drive it smoothly!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lamb - November 16 - 4:36 am

  I have been very pleasantly surprised by my 04 Endeavor! It has had zero problems, has excellent stability and handling, has car-like comfort, has good size and room for the price, and has good acceleration. The lease is almost up and Ill get another and probably buy this one.

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By xochimahuac - November 15 - 5:20 am

  We bought this SUV a month before having our first baby and we love it. It has a huge trunk to put everything we need to travel with the baby, and it is quite comfortable. It hasnt had any problems and the body style and alloys make it look very nice.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Archquark - November 13 - 8:40 pm

  I just retired in March 07, 2007 and the wife and I wanted a vehicle for trips to Nova Scotia from our home in Ontario. We looked into several other SUVs but we both liked the Outlander right away. It has a lot things that appeal to us. Comfortable seats, ability to switch to manual control (we both drive manuals, mine 2001 Jetta TDI and her a 2004 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe) 4 wheel disc ABS with EBD, active skid control, great sound system etc. Just wish they had made third seat an option and left more room for storage for all us boomers whose children are in their 20s and 30s.

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  Super Car clearly a Best Bet .. - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By eagleeyez - November 13 - 6:29 am

  Just bought 2007 Outlander for my son , compared to competitors (subaru forester, hyundai santa fe, jeep liberty and others ) this car is fantastic . The V6 is powerful and silky smooth, handling and breaks are tight , and the seats are very comfortable , just finished 900 mile trip. Car has the optional Rockford Fosgate stereo which is also very nice ..Oh and yes it gets great gas mileage and its loaded with safety features such as side air , front air , side curtain air stability control . In truth there is no comparing the underpowered poorly implemented 4 cylinder junk from buru , and hyundai , jeep has a weak v6 that guzzles gas . Would buy the Mitsu again ..

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  Great Family Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By very nice car - November 12 - 5:03 pm

  My 2004 Mitsubishi Galant has a very roomy back seat area, but the front head room could be a little higher. Also, the steering wheel tilt could have a little more range. Overall, this cars driving comfort is great. The road noise is a little loud, but overall it is a very good driving car.

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  A sporty commuter thatll make you smile - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Mike - November 12 - 1:03 pm

  This is such a big change from driving my 00 Corolla. Theres more space, the interior layout and design is far more stylish and I absolutely am in love with the sleek and boxy body. Wind has little impact on this substantial vehicle when traveling on the highway and youll often feel like youre going faster than you really are. The seats manage to be firm, yet comfortable and provide the necessary support during highway trips. The interior looks classy and feels pretty sturdy and not altogether cheap. You wont mistake it for a luxury car but you wont mistake it for an economy car either. The engine delivers spirited performance overall and gaining speed in the highway or city is easy.

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  Mit. Mirage 01 - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Wendy French - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is sporty and was a great price! I love it! I plan to buy anoother in a year.

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  Interior is Shoddy. - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PvtPart - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Car performs great. However, weve had a lot of problems with the interior. Cigarette plugs pulling out, seatback adjusters giving out, window motors falling apart, ect. Many times we had the car back for warranty work. Not happy at all with it.

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  BEST COUPE IN ITS CLASS - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JTX - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Hot car. I test drove many others and settled on the Eclipse GTS for the shear power and handling. This is the best coupe in America right now!!