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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  Dud Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By MIKE BISHOP - January 7 - 10:20 pm

  Our experience with this car was not what we expected for a car with a new style. Although we loved the new design the quality of the car seems to have been put together with the cheapest materials Mitsubishi could find. The test drive was nice but two weeks into ownership there seemed to be a lot more engine noise than what we experienced on the test drive. This cars initial quality was pitiful.

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  Good Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JHENN - January 6 - 1:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle used from a dealership 3 months ago, and so far it has lived up to my expectations. It has plenty of power for mixed city/highway driving. The interior is very comfortable. The center information display is a nice feature, but sometimes I get weird readings. If the AC is on it will say the outside temperature is 35F when it is really about 80F. Also, sometimes the fuel economy gauge will lock up and say I am getting 65 MPG for an entire trip. (If only it were true.) My average gas mileage is actually 23 MPG. I bought my Endeavor for $5000 less than a comparable Honda Pilot or Nissan Pathfinder, and I think it was a good deal.

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  Hot Car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Debbi - January 5 - 3:00 am

  Overall the car is gorgeous and reliable. Its heavy and built solid like a tank, which makes me feel safe. The sound system is FANTASTIC! Its fun to drive and I always get lots of looks when Im out and about in it. Luckily, Im short so the car offers me lots of room. I hauled a 32 inch 100 lb tv in the trunk 220 miles to my brothers and had room left over for my luggage and dvd player. Its all in how you pack your cargo.

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  Wonderful SUV!!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Monty-Fan - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Now owned 6 mo. and driven 6,000 mi., and my opinion - as close to perfect as most things get! Sure it drinks gas. Sure its no Porsche. And sure its costly to purchase. What do you expect? Its a big, heavy, luxury SUV! It rides beautifully, is extraordinarily comfortable, has premium "touch & feel", and is just plain lovable!! I drove nearly every SUV built today (Hummer & Cadillac being the exceptions) before choosing this gem, and to me it rivaled a couple and far exceeded the rest. Go ahead and compare, youll likely find this one to be one of the top 5 (top 10 at the least). Nice redesign Mitsubishi - I love this machine!!!

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  Love It!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jtjd148 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  We chose the endeavor for its up-to- date styling and powerful v6 engine. We have definitely turned some heads while driving this awesome car!

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  Messed Up Good. - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Rob Peter - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Somebody at Mitsubishi messed up. They made a really great car with lots of bang for the buck. My wifes boss is upset. He bought a Lexus. We test drove it at 5 dealers and pick ours up tonight. Love the VR-X package. Everyone looks twice and says what is that? Then they get in and say wow. Its the secret luxury car, for less than an arm and leg, and it does not look like every car on the Road. We had a tough time finding out baby, but that just means everyone else can drool in jelosy.

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  120k+, It keeps going and... - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bryan Calnton - January 2 - 12:33 pm

  I drive a steep and curvy mountain every day. At first I was a bit disappointed in the handling. I replaced the tires from the dealer and WOW! What a difference. I end up passing motorcycles over the mountain. (Do not try that at home.) It handles very well for a SUV. The gas mileage for what I put it through is great 17 mpg. I am a contractor, one day I pulled a tandem dump truck out of a steep driveway on one of my job sites. Saved me a wrecker bill. It was in 2LLC slow going but it did the job. I am so proud to own this Montero. Edmunds.com take another Montero out for a test drive, I guarantee if you change the tires you will change your mind.

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  Be careful!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By D - January 2 - 5:33 am

  I LOVED my Endeavor... until I got into a 6 car pile up caused by MY endeavor. The car ran perfectly, was SO much fun to drive and it looked and felt brand new even after a year of driving. In a snow storm, I was moving 15 mph and a simply tapped on my brakes slightly, the brakes locked instantly, caused me to slide across the divider into oncoming traffic. There was NO reason the brakes should have locked. The insurance adjustor agreed with me. The body structure allowed for my survival but it wouldnt have happened in the first place if my brakes didnt lock. Dont go for looks alone and be careful if you purchase it!

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  L.O.V.E. - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By foxwagen - January 2 - 5:01 am

  Just picked up a 2014 Outlander SE AWD with the Touring package today. I am in love with this car. It could use a bit more power. But, honestly, the power is more than adequate, I think Im just gluttonous. The exterior is more gorgeous in pictures than you can see online, and the interior is very well-crafted and classically designed - modern without being trendy. For the price, the features and quality cant be beat. Oh, and the 710 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo? Ummm...insane.

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  Run Away From Me - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bad mitsu - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have bought this car right off of the show room floor. 12 miles on it. Right after the warranty expired. I have had to replace Engine, have the transmission overhauled, replace entire muffler from rust. This car has never been involved in any accident or loss. The interior Started falling apart. Whats worse the car never gave any warning signs of engine or transmission trouble. Called Mitsubishi, they were no help at all. Not even a sorry for all the trouble. $24,000.00 for the worst car I have ever owned.