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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  I agree; do not listen to paid "expert" reviews. - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By norfla71 - September 1 - 1:35 am

  Just bought mine last night; traded out of a 2017 Jetta S and what a difference! Frankly, I wanted the Outlander first but got a better deal on the VW; however, a good deal is not that good if you cant live with the car daily. We needed something bigger for road trips and box store runs that would fit a family of 4 and 2 dogs. After 3 days (2 night test drive included) we are over the moon, as they say. Had I listened to any number of negative reviews, rather than reading actual, real world owner reviews, we would have paid several thousand more for much less vehicle. The pros are awesome MPG (averaging over 35 combined, but I drive to keep the tree green), lengthy standard features list (especially in SEL trim, which is why it we chose it over a cheaper SE), comfort (front seats, ride, NVH; my 7 mile old Jetta already had a nasty rattle in the drivers door that no dealer could fix), great ingress and egress, very good infotainment system (base system rocks; IMO not worth upgrading to the optional system), easily garage -able and very good value for the dollar. The cons are mostly nit-picking; that smaller size limits interior space. However, we bought it knowing that 3rd row was not going to be used, and needed more space than the Sport model had (Sport also cannot tow, and we need that capability). It lacks all the current active safety features, which are included only in an expensive package. At least BSM and RCW should be standard. The camera lines do not turn unless, again, you upgrade to that expensive package, which included 360 surround. You have to take your eyes off the road to scroll through SXM folders as the wheel control will only scroll through whats on the current folder. Finally, there needs to be more info available in the dash. Even basic vehicles these days come with a minimal TFT screen, and it would be nice to see whats playing on the radio or what speed my CC is set at. Overall, as another review said, this is an undiscovered gem in a crowded market. Im hopeful the Nissan really infuses some cash into this brand, and cant wait to see what the next gen will look like (though it will, most likely, also compete in a higher price bracket, taking another affordable option off the market).

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  RZs OZRally Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ROBERT ZIEGLER - August 31 - 11:00 pm

  Comfortable on long trips and great fuel mileage. Headroom is very good. Sound system much better than expected. Excellent air conditioning.

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  Sound Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bg - August 31 - 9:06 pm

  Bought new in 2001. Runs well, strong pick up. Only major problem was after 3 years, the black paint became pitted and top of car had all white spots. This is my second new Galant, the last one was a 1996 model. The 96 model ES had a 4 cylinder but was more comfortable.

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  One of the top cars for me - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By jivko atanassov - August 31 - 8:00 pm

  I didnt want to buy the Diamante initially because of size or fuel scares. The Diamante has surpassed all my expectations, the car is luxurious, lots of standard extras sometimes I need some engine power to get out of difficult road situations. This car has all the power needed and then some. The traction control has saved me a couple of times also. ABS is also there. The gets 20.5 mpg average. And this is a luxury full size sedan with 3.5 liter engine. I got it with all extras for less money than the added cost for the same extras alone in another brand. Go figure. Nice product, poor marketing. For a family of four it is a perfect car And if I have to chose again now? Yes!!!

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  Montero - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By CLALawDog - August 30 - 12:56 pm

  This is my second Montero. I have driven SUVs most of my adult life and the Montero is, by far and away, the best. There are so many SU-wanna-a- bes on the market that few true 4WD SUVs are left to compare. However the Toyota, Jeep, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are the top of the class. If you truly want or need a 4WD, stick with one that has driver-selected 4WD, not automatic all wheel drive. That is nothing more than a sales tactic and cost enhancement.

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  SUPER - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By astu - August 30 - 10:00 am

  We are so happy with our vehicle. People who are looking for SUVs (Medium Size) should consider this first. You will be happy!!

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  I am IN!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By R-you-In - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The search for a good CAR/SUV has come to an end. What a frustration those other guys give. When the features are there the price is high, when the price is low the features are gone. This has it all.

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  hot car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dee7 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to cruise in ...i got lots of complements from students at school ...mostly girls love it!

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  Not all SUVs are the same !!! - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Kids out of the house.. - August 29 - 2:11 am

  Its been two years (2015) since I bought my outlander sport and initially I gave it high marks , but after driving it every day , I have changed my opinion . There are much better alternatives too choose from . Last , but not least , Mitsubishi is not interested in the US market , they give us sub par products . I do not recommend buying this small SUV . Cons : Cheap plastic interior Noisy engine Rides like a horse Average gas mileage Average technology Too fam small of tear seats Pros : Great warranty Hope this helped.

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  surprising contender - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By elenagracia - August 28 - 10:43 pm

  I did quite a bit of research looking for my first SUV, and I wasnt sure I was going to be able to find one without making the jump to the luxury class -- and luckily, I found the Mitsubishi Endeavor. This is a incredible amount of car for the money, and it is not your standard SUV box. Outstanding reliability, distinctive styling inside and out, and solid performance make this a serious contender for SUV shoppers. The Limited editions leather seats and premium audio system make this a posh ride, and the AWD lets me take this anywhere -- sand, snow, you name it. After putting almost a 1,000 miles on it in 10 days, Ive put it through its paces. This truck is definitely worth checking out!