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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  Terrific Little SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By LadyFaire - May 11 - 8:03 am

  If you are looking for a smaller, more fuel efficient SUV, you could not find a better one than the Outlander, whatever the year. I have the 2003, in 2 wheel drive, and both my husband and I liked it so much that he bought a new Outlander (AWD) last year when his Subaru (his 7th) quit. I never thought he would abandon his Subarus, but he actually defected to my Outlanders side. The Outlander handles like a dream, has a really nice sound system (once you fiddle with the balance, etc), the intelligent wipers are great, the seats are comfortable, and the gas mileage is respectable once you break in the engine (after about 30,000 miles).

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  Decent SUV but Im never again buying Mistubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Anthony - May 9 - 6:49 am

  I liked this truck from day one. We lucked out getting it in such good condition. The truck was getting older and I didnt notice the rust damage underneath. However, the engine was good, the interior was clean and unmarred; she drove nicely. That being said, there was a lot that needed to be changed after the first year, there being 69,000 miles in. The tires, belts, filters, and battery all needed replacing. Not the worst except the battery was annoying. However the engine required a tune up; there was an issue with the timing belt which could have caused an engine seize and car being totaled if we hadnt caught it. Then the damned intake manifold went. The truck is great the problem is Mitsubishi is the worst company to deal with in regards to parts and service. You have to use their parts and those parts are NOT CHEAP. We lived with a non-working key fob (no lock/unlock) which would only have unlocked the front driver side door. I have to say good product, but bad product support by the company. This will be our last mistubishi, as a result. Traded her in after almost 2 years...and didnt get near anything to what we paid for her.

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  Gotta love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By jb1201 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased mine, although I do not give high marks to the dealership, the Lancer sportwagon is fun, roomy, and easy to operate.

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  You Get What You Pay For. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By qball5 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Well built Very good fit and finish Great seats Visibility is good Like the placement of cupholders both front and rear Good cargo room Can always find a good seating position

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  my endeaver - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By larry jonson - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent so far. Has surprising pep and very comfortable to drive.

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  Late Purchase - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dennysmitzi - May 5 - 11:51 pm

  I purchased my 2002 Galant in 2009, with only 31K miles on the ticker. Currently, it has 80,500 and still running quite strong. My biggest complaint is the oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets that have been replaced 3 times, and the wheel alignment issues that cause vibrations in the front end at times. Otherwise, it has been a good performer, and has never left me stranded. I would definitely consider another one, should the powers that be at Mitsubish Motors consider bringing the Galant back to the market. Overall, I am a satisfied customer.

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  A Nimble Machine - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dasharc - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After almost 2 months of walking away from testdrives that just didnt feel right, I knew the Lancer was for me the minute I sat in the drivers seat. Its comfortable, stylish, and nimble..not to mention fun. The car makes you want to drive because it simply takes to the road and wont let go! The highway is the best place for the OZ, but its just as much a joy to buzz around town in. The ride is smooth and effortless at any speed. Theres plenty of room for rear passengers without cramping anyone and with the fold-down seats this car is practical, too.

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  Good Stuff - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mitsudriver - May 3 - 7:56 am

  I just bought the Outlander ES and I really like to drive it. It has great pickup and it a real smooth ride on the highway. There is a lot of storage throughout the vehicle, with two glove compartments and dashboard storage.

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  sales and consulting firms - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Dchandler - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my lancer for almost four months now and everything about this car is awesome ,great power ,very reliable ,and great fuel economy.The infinity stereo kicks and the handling of this car is almost like a evolution eight rally car. My wife and i took a trip to the coast recently and the car did amazing . Anyone looking for a smaller wagon or car period should definitely check out the lancer raliart sportback.

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  excellent car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By biglou - May 2 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to drive is laike the evo but for alot less.