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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  My 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Douglas M. - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle, well built

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  Best Secret - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lastman3 - September 7 - 11:06 am

  My Endeavor gets 17 mpg around town and 22 on the higway. Its V6 engine pulls the Sierras with no problems at all. It is a solid vehicle and it is dependable. It has had very few reported call backs. With the seats folding flat, it does everything I need it to do and more. My wife now wants a second one for herself - I cant think of another car or SUV that can do what the Endeavor does for the same price/performance.

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  It looks better than it is - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jacobmunden - September 6 - 7:43 pm

  Really, the title says it all. I got my fully optioned AWD outlander sport in 2012 and have put around 10,000 miles on it. As far as reliability, its been great, though youd expect that from a brand new car. The driveability of the car is far from sporty. While it may be AWD with paddle shifters, it doesnt offer much fun to the driver. The gas mileage on it is absolutely average. I do have to say, it looks pretty good on the outside, especially with the rim package! If youre looking for a car with good gas mileage or a bit more performance, look elsewhere.

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  Raidin - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By mike - September 4 - 3:50 pm

  I love this truck. I have never had any vehicle that gets so many second looks and stares. It rides great, drives great, looks great, its just an all around great truck. No other truck that I looked at could come close in price when equipped with just the basics my Raider came with.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By adrian - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this truck. I never had a truck that I look foward to driving everyday. Anyone who gets this truck will be happy. The accessories are awesome and affordable.

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  Still Loving It After 4 Months!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Michelle Freeman - September 2 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased my car in early September of 2004 and I love it still after 4 months of use. I drive a lot (already over 10,000 miles) and I find it very reliable. It is roomy and comfortable. I live in Houston which has the worst traffic in the country and I am impressed on how much pick up it has. I step on the gas and it takes off like a rocket. I need a car to respond given the amount of traffic I encounter daily. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a decent car, with great warranty and economic price. My mother has a 2003 Galant ES and other than that version having good pickup, there is no comparison starting with the interior room.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Julie - September 2 - 8:46 pm

  I bought mine used with 32000 miles on it. I have had NO problems with it at all. Have to replace brakes and oil thats it. I couldnt be happier with my Outlander. I have a few friends that have one too. From a 2003 to a 2007. Cant beat these vehicles. I drive 100 miles a day.

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cory izzo - September 2 - 8:10 pm

  I just bought my 04 Galant a week ago and i have just got to say how amazing it is. The ride is quiet and smooth. the engine is very powerful at 230 horses and makes everyday driving a joy. the exterior is a head turner. i really couldnt ask for more. I just got out of a 97 Cherokee with 203k on it and had nothing but problems. Though the interior could have used a few updates, i really cant complain, the overall ride is great.To anyone in the market for a new car, really consider a look at this car. drives awesome for not a lot of dough.

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  Great buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By vm - September 1 - 6:23 am

  I love the way this car handles. I needed a car that was more gas friendly for my job and am very satisfied. I have had Mitsubishi cars for 12 years and have never been disappointed.

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  Best Small/med. size SUV out there!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Serge - September 1 - 3:40 am

  Purchased this Canadian version model LS AWD V-6 and realize it is the Best SUV that I have driven! It is so smooth and comfortable on the road, you think you are driving a sport sedan. You dont even need to floor it when passing 3-4 slower vehicles on the highway, it surges with such authority and speed...the engine revving sound will please your hears! Consumption: Did 9.6 litres for 100 kilom. on the highway at around 110-115 kilom. Love this truck!!