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 Love It, I Love It, I Love It!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By lrjones1227 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I previously leased a Montero Sport and was only partly satisfied, even to the point of deciding to walk away from Mitsubishi at lease-end. However, once I saw the Endeavor commercials, I began to rethink my decision and go for a test drive. The minute I stepped on the gas, I knew that I had to have it. It drives like a dream! There is way more room than the Montero Sport, the ride is smooth, the body shape and chrome is beautiful and I love how the entire dash system looks and operates. What an upgrade! Its awesome!

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  Hey, for the price??? - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By tivne - May 29 - 6:07 pm

  I just got out of an AUDI A3. I had a 1996 Mirage back in the day...and after my last car was totaled, I wanted to re-visit this fun little economy-car. It is all you can ask for from a 3 cylinder. I have the manual 5 speed trans and while city gas mileage is not as good as the CVT auto...it does not disappoint! Super cute DE package...soooo fun to drive! There is a bit of sway...but nothing serious. Dealer installed 15" white spoke sport tires (really makes a BIG difference in the cars handling). Push button start, Hands free phone and EVERY sound option you could want...makes this convenient and practical for us that work on the run. Hey for the money...this little car cannot be beat!

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  Great Deal - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Great Deal - May 29 - 4:43 pm

  Traded in a Buick SUV that did not make it past 85K miles. Test drove the Honda Pilot and Outlander prior to buying my Endeavor. The Endeavor outperformed the Pilot, had much smoother ride and comfort. The Outlander was in the running but was just a bit to small. After rebates got the Endeavor for the same price as the Outlander. This SUV rides like a car! Very stable and lots of room. Averaging 18.5 MPG with 50% city, 50% highway with 6k on the engine. Hoping it gets a little better. I only used premium gas for the first fill up (from the dealer). Runs fine on regular.

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  Issues - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Todd - May 29 - 1:20 am

  Although I liked my Mitsubishi Montero Sport for the most part, I dont belive it was constructed well. Ive had a large number of problems with this vehicle. Initially it was a little oil leak, which always seem to take a while to fix. After it was repaired, some lifters were getting stuck. After several failed attempts to get this fixed, I ended up getting a new short block. With that repair, they damaged the bolt that one of the tension pulleys is mounted to, causing it to shear off a month or so later. Now I have additionaloil leaks, from the head gasket to the cam plug o-rigns. Other issues include poor shifiting from 3rd to 4th when accelerating quickly.

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  Keeps Locking UP - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Donna - May 27 - 6:20 pm

  Ive had the OUTLANDER long enough to put 6500 miles on it. I love the getup and go it has. Love the handling and the comfort it offers. The center armrest isnt very workable and the drivers side cup holder next to the window broke the first time my knee hit it. Ive had a big problem with the steering wheel locking up. This is Saturday night and Im stuck at the house because the steering wheels locked and I cannot get it to unlock.

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  Love my Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Terry Dierks - May 26 - 11:53 am

  We purchased our 2004 AWD Endeavor Limited for my wife to drive in November, 2004. We drove it from Kansas City to Atlanta and back at Christmas. I drove the whole way and never felt tired or uncomfortable. It is the perfect size for us inside and out. I liked it so much that I purchased an Endeavor for myself.

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  montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By coral - May 25 - 2:00 am

  great handling, great look, great interior comfort

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  Liking this one!! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chridan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, havent had any problems with it and we drive it everywhere. The only concern is how the value has dropped, it better hold up cause we are stuck with it.

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  A Great (not so) little car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kyntara - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Lancer Oz for 2 years now and have never had any problems with it. The gas-mileage got better and better, getting 32 miles per gallon now instead of 28, after putting Michelin Tires on it.

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  outlander ls - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ciro - May 25 - 2:00 am

  i traded a toyota avalon and dont miss it one bit