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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  Great - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Snoyl - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 2001 Nissan Xterra.It rode rough and was a gas hog average milage was 13.5. My Montero Sport rides alot smoother and gets 19 mpg. Also performance is much quicker than the Xterra and handles alot better also.

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  My Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MitsuDriver04:-)5spd - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a really Good car, So far i love it. I have the base model (ES) and it comes with a lot of things standard like power windows, power doors, keyless entry, Am/Fm/Cd stereo that is one of the best stock car stereos i have ever heard.

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  its aight - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By nufftrouble - August 16 - 10:26 pm

  I have the oz and i find for it being the top line of the car models they could have at least given it more horsepower or made the rims 16. The car lacks power and has bad handling. This car has so much restrictions on it. Its a good car for the price but with the name lancer they should put whats known in lacers, horsepower

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  Very satisfied with my Outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wheeldog - August 16 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my Outlander in December 2008 after researching a number of vehicles. I kept coming back to the Outlander for its combination of performance and utility, its value, and its unique features (hard drive nav, paddle shifters, tailgate). I am very happy with my choice. The V6/6spd auto combo is very smooth and plenty powerful for a vehicle of this class. Unlike other reviewers Im completely happy with noise levels, highway or back roads. Exhaust noise is nearly imperceptible.

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  Thanks again - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy2x - August 16 - 4:26 pm

  I have spent $432 average per year in maintenance for 5 years or $2159 in total and that includes the timing belt & p/s belts, brake pads & turned rotors once, 2 tires, battery, wipers, headlamps, 2 flats and LOFs of Mobil 1 at 5000 mile intervals. 24 average MPG and a boost of about 5 MPG after the new timing belt. It has been hit 6 times and has always remained road worthy mechanically. It has been 6 months after the most recent collision. I replaced the sulfated battery at the dealership it was inspected for mechanical and safety items. My 2002 Galant continues to exceeded my expectations. I look forward to owning another Mitsubishi Galant very soon.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Shawn - August 16 - 12:36 am

  I love this car...I mean SUV...I feel like I am driving a car everytime I get in and take off. It really drives smooth. I love the Warranty offered with the car as well. I couldnt ask for better than what I got. OUTSTANDING!

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  Ups and Downs - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By John - August 15 - 4:53 am

  I love my Lancer OZ but she has been a headache. Note to drivers: do not get into an accident. After an accident and the car has no value left to it and the problems are irrepairable. It still drives like a dream with 50,000 miles but it has noises like you wouldnt beleive. Horrible in the snow and rain but on nice days, handels and zips like a dream.

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  Rides Comfortably - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Charles - August 14 - 9:20 pm

  I wanted an SUV to do some occasional hauling of things that wouldnt fit in the back seat of a car. But I also wanted a smooth ride like a car. I found it in this Montero Sport. I bought it used with 33000 miles and it now has 74000. The only thing that Ive had to replace were the front wheel bearings and original tires. Ive been very pleased with the reliabilty, smooth ride and 18-19 MPG with the 3.5 liter engine.

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  Love it! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Julie - August 12 - 11:46 am

  I thought my Jetta was fun to drive. I never imagined an SUV could handle better, be more responsive, and generally be more fun to drive. Definitely didnt have to downgrade to get a Mom-Mobile.

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  Great Car no Go - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Randy G - August 12 - 6:36 am

  I really love my car - Lancer OZ, but the engine is what it lacks. Ive added a Injen Cold Air Intake, MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust, B & M Short Shifter, Denso Iridium Plugs, Carbon Fiber Dash Kit, and a huge stereo system. I only wish it had 200 hp. Gotta recommend it though, grew up a Ford guy and switched to Japanese vehicles for better quality, less recalls, etc. No problems 3 years and 45,000 miles later.