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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  Excellent and Safe SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By bttrflykss0816 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This SUV drives like a dream and looks like a dream. I leased my car and 5 days later, I was hit in the driver side. My car is totaled, however, the police officer said if I wasnt in this truck, I would have been dead. The side bars are a great addition to the Endeavor. My next vehicle, will be another endeavor with the added side air bags.

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  Love it. - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lady b - April 9 - 1:33 pm

  I love my new vehicle I cannnot get enough compliments. MPG was not as great as I hoped, usually around 24 on highway. It is much better than the 15 or so I got with my jeep cherokee. The one draw back, although I like the 30 gb music storage, I still wish I had an outlet for my zune/mp3 player and the system doesnt seem to have cd name and title for some of my most recent cd purchases. Otherwise I cannot complain. I am happy with this purchase. I am not sorry I passed on the toyota and honda so far anyway. Ive had it for about 6 months now.

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  Reliable so far. - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lucymo - April 7 - 5:19 am

  LS model, FWD, automatic. I purchased this car when it was 2 years old and had 26K miles on it. Now its 7 years old and has 82K miles. I have had only one problem - with the steering column - that was taken care of through 5y/60k miles warranty. I do regular maintenance according to the manual. While the LS model has a very spartan interior, it handles well. I replaced its very standard radio/CD player with an all-in-one player. Its perfect for a small family of 2-3 people or a couple with dogs. Not enough pwr with 4 adults. Mine has gas mileage of 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg hwy. I am very happy with it and will drive it to its end, hopefully many years and many miles away.

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  I Love My Raider - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Aquawanticee - April 6 - 7:03 am

  I have only had my truck for 1 day. I fell in love right away. My Raider will be a farm truck and my personal ride to and from work every day. It has all the power a sensible driver needs. I feel certain it will pull a two-horse trailer with no problem.

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  A Great Decision - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tampabayzeta - April 6 - 2:00 am

  My Rio Red Outlander is the cutest little thing. It does feel more like a car than an SUV, but thats alright with me. Had a Ford Escape before, and always felt like I was going to tip over in curves. Very comfortable to drive. Design is awesome!! A great decision overall for the money!

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  Sporty SUV - Mitsubishi has a winner! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ginger - April 6 - 2:00 am

  An SUV that stands out...Endeavors the real deal. The engine surprisingly quick and reactive and ride smooth. Good legroom and great looking dash! Keep it up Mitsubishi...Honda and Toyota may have their work cutout in the mid-size SUV arena in 2004!

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  Solid Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RodD - April 5 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car new and now have 127K miles on it. I commute 60 miles a day to work and back. The only engine problem was a sensor going out recently. The transmission hiccups once in a while but overall the car has been very reliable. On a long trip when it was newer I got 31 mpg going 75 with the air on, not bad for a V6. Feels more powerful than 195 HP.

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  Great value! - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By soyeahiknow - April 5 - 7:42 pm

  I have been the go to guy to buying cars for my family so in the past 4 years, I have bought 3 new cars and one used car. I was worried about the CVT transmission because i read online it was a bad transmission with no power. Wow, these "expert" reviewers must be test driving too many turbo mustangs and super cars. The CVT is just fine in power! If you are not used to driving one, it may feel different. So in a with a regular auto transmission, a sign of an underpowered car is when u push the gas hard, you will see the engine RPM go way up but the speed lags until it up-shifts a gear. The CVT sounds just like that so u THINK like its underpowered but its not true. Test drive one.

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  Goodbye Earth Destroyer - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tomak - April 5 - 5:06 pm

  I traded a 2006 Montero for a 2007 Lander and I really like my new car. The Montero was, in my opinion, a thoroughbred SUV with a peerless racing record. But with gas near $3.70/gal. here in NE Illinois, when I got a chance to trade over to the Outlander, I swallowed and went for it. I am not sorry. The Lander is a much more wieldy tool in traffic, goes and stops much better, and uses regular gas (the Montero needed premium). Ive taken one thousand mile road trip, and the greater economy was much appreciated. It was getting blown around on the return trip, but everyone was (8 degrees, 50 mph winds).

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  Three Diamonds - still in the rough! - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By endeavor2000 - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Desgined in Australia for the outback, the Montero has come a long way. The Japanese havent learned how to make big vehicles. This is my second Montero in 11 years. The first one lasted 10 years, and my friend still drives it. For the price of this SUV, I admit that there are other SUVs that are better in look, fit and feel. But, I do think the Montero can outlast them with basic maintenance.