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:

• 

  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By htexbb - June 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought the 2004 Endeavor just as the 2004.5 were coming out. Its fully loaded and we took it to Florida in July carrying our two large dogs. We were able to put a carrier on top for our luggage and incidentals for our dogs. We have room between the seats for smaller items such as their food and bowls, water. The ride is great. We looked about a year before we got the Endeavor. We love it and we get the 3 yrs of oil changes free. I would recommend this auto to anyone.

• 

  Happy Owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shorty - June 18 - 6:43 am

  First Mitsubishi, and very happy. Great car for small family (I have the third row seat option) and ideal for economical trips. I live in a hilly area, and the power is very adequate. With care, and respecting speed limits I get over 30 MPG on a trip, and over 19 in city driving. My driving is approximately 35/65 city, highway. Comfortable, and fun to drive. Road noise is very low, and handling is quick, and responsive. Based on this experience, Ill buy Mitsubishi again!

• 

  Overall an excellent, well balanced SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By macuis - June 17 - 11:10 am

  Ive driven cars exclusively since my learners license when I was 16. From a 1985 Ford Tempo GL, to a 2001 Nissan Sentra GXE, it was time for something different. Now that Im 24, I was looking for something with a little more cargo room, a little more power, and a little more comfort for driving friends around. So I decided to take a look at the compact SUV market, and had 4 on my list: Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Sante Fe has a smooth, quiet ride, but didnt have many options. The Rogue was pretty stylish, but felt underpowered and cramped. The CR-V has it right, but more expensive. For me, the Outlander had a good balance of everything.

• 

  2003 OZ - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By O-Z - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003OZ.Its not bad compared to other vehicles in its class, but since the OZ is the Rally Racing it could use a stiffer clutch, and a short shifter wouldnt hurt.The seats are not that bad, but could be lowered just a tad.There is a wind whistle when i reach 100kph,took it to the dealer and they did nothing. They said theyll call me when the part it need will arrive.Its been almost two weeks and no call yet.

• 

  Owner Impression of the 2003 Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cturner291 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Just recently bought a 2003 XLS front wheel drive model and first impressions of it are favorable. It has a well thought out design, solid Japanese quality, and very quiet and extremely smooth ride on the highway. Handles well in tight traffic and is fun to drive. It has a comfortable interior with lots of leg room that wont have you cramping up with back problems after 300 miles or so. Peppy but not great acceleration out of the small 4-cyl. but is more than adequate for most normal driving and the gas mileage savings offset the lack of the V-6.

• 

  GTZ......Vroooooooooommmmm !!!!!!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Hooked on Pontiac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  At the lot looking at the toy Eclipses for the wife. Couldnt really decide on one.. She pulled a Galant out of the Hat....Never would have thought she wanted that sporty 4 door! Have to say the GTZ Galant looks and acts sportier than many sports cars! Already have taken it on a long trip. No usual back aches, butt aches...NOTHING! We have owned a lot of nice luxury cars. This is the first one that she has remarked to her mother that it "Drives like a dream!"...Made me look pretty good. Mommas happy....so Daddys happy! Go GTZ !!!!!!!!!!

• 

  A Land Cruiser at Fraction of the Price - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By quandarypeak - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I finally began shopping for a new vehicle this month, but have been reluctant to spend the $40-50k it would take to equal what I already have paid for in this 99 Montero with all the options. Well-built, reliable, all the comforts, more room than most ... and with a little care, it still looks new, despite occasional the high alpine adventures! I looked at an 05 Toyota Land Cruiser today. My Montero is same size, most features (except DVD navigation) and I paid less than 60% of what the Cruiser goes for. Good value all around. Hard to part with this good buy.

• 

  3 Month/2200 Mile Review - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fushigi - June 14 - 1:40 am

  Tomorrow marks 90 days of ownership. So far I have no complaints at all. Best MPG: 24.7; worst 17.3; averaging 20 using regular gas. I expect improvement once its fully broken in and the weather warms up (no winter-blend gas). Driving is a simple pleasure. Ive used the paddle shifters for passing power a couple of times; its a nice feature even if it wont be used daily. The audio system is just amazing. The auto-rip of CDs is a great feature though making your own play lists takes a little getting used to. Not sure if I could ever buy another car without a rear backup camera now (can spot small children behind the car easily; essential in my area). S-AWC works great in snow/slush.

• 

  Its just OK - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chuck - June 12 - 8:03 am

  Mitsubishi did a good job on the rear end of the 09, but hardly did anything to the front. The Sports Edition that I have does have the chrome top to the grill and darkened headlights but thats it. Its ok on gas and ok on comfort. On a recent trip, my backside really got sore so I assume the seats could have been made better. I do not like the waffle like dash, I can already see where dust settles on it. When in idle, you cant turn the headlights off, like when youre waiting for someone. To me thats irritating. There is not an accessory adapter in the console like the prior years did. Engine is very noisy compared to my 08 Camry, and the doors sound tinny compared to the Camry.

• 

  Poor build quality - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dan McKane - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice looking & riding SUV. Its heavy and under powered with the 200 hp V6. It is well equiped and well thought out. The build quality and manufacturer warranty are not acceptable. I have had a few problems: the paint on the lower part of the SUV was peeling/falling off, a part for the anti-lock brake system - it is on its 3rd one, the aluminum wheels were badly pitted after just on winter. I had to wait more than 3 mo. to get the district service manager to look at the wheels and they were finally replaced. (they are pitting again) Not what I would expect from a $36,000 vehicle.