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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  105,000 miles - Major Problems About to Hit? - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By endeav04awd - September 28 - 5:38 pm

  I bought this SUV in 2006 with 14,000 miles on it. Enjoyed the comfort, the power, the visibility, and the price. Mileage is average - about what I would expect for the body design and an AWD drivetrain. The AWD has done wonders for tire ware - very even with quality tires. Early on, had the classic water pouring into the passenger and/or driver side floor; 2 trips to the dealership to fix . I get maintenance done regularly. But, engine oil every 3k - 5k with synth oil, & @80K engine started to develop cam/lifter clatter upon startup (goes away once engine warms up).

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  Not worth it if theres problems... - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By reson8 - September 28 - 8:00 am

  4 days after I purchased the car, I needed both front & rear brakes. The explanation was that it had been sitting on the docks in California for two months before I bought it and that the salt water probably caused corrosion of the calipers, rotors, etc. Unacceptable (IMHO)!!! Other problems here and there. Looking back on it, I did not get my moneys worth for what I paid ($26k+). I would not have purchased this car back then...but hey...I didnt know better (I was young- only 25).

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  Best full-size SUV in the world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Firebat - September 27 - 10:43 pm

  Best full-size SUV in the world!!!

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  Best cheap coupe in the world!!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Firebat - September 26 - 10:33 pm

  Best cheap coup in the world!!! It is so wonderful that Mitsubishi reaches out to the less fortunet of us.

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  Best Sport Sedan in the world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Firebat - September 25 - 3:46 am

  Best sport sedan in the world!!!

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  AMAZING!!! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Anthony - September 24 - 10:46 am

  Im coming from driving a 2002 ford ranger, so Im new to the compact suv class. My father has a 2008 Highlander Hybrid and Im getting better fuel economy than him. The 2.4 engine is perfectly sized, I did put a K&N drop in air filter in, and I am very responsible with oil changes and injector cleaning cycles. My best tank since Ive owned the vehicle was 30 MPG!! And my worst was still at 22 so I cannot complain. Im a teenager so I do enjoy a sporty ride, and this car delivers.

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  VR-X - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By saumaugher - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I had a Cadillac Catera Sport previously and the VR-X is a better vehicle. The engine is smooth and powerful and it handles great for a front drive. No body roll on curves but still has good ride. Only complaint, I think the steering is a little too light.

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  RELIABLE TRUCK - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By montero due - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great , never had aproblem with it and still going strong. i changed the tires at 80000 miles. Been towing a 6x8 u haul every 3 moths up from SF to LA though the grapevine with no probs, gets goos gas milage. spartan interior but fullty functional, never had a problem going though the mountains either.

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  Great Midsize for price - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JJC - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great suv for the price. Handles great and has lots of room.

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  Great for the price - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By snazzeemazzee - September 23 - 8:06 pm

  Ive enjoyed owning this SUV. Ive gotten compliments on the style and raves from friends who have borrowed it. It is great for driving on the beach, even in loose sand it handles quite well. I wish the gas mileage was better though.