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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  A great alternative to Accord / Camry! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TurboMX5 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  The V-6 is every bit as powerful as the competetion (it seems quicker from 0-50mph than Accord 4-door V-6), smooth shifting transmission. The ABS 4-wheel disc brakes are very capable, and the traction control worked well in the winter (on ice). Fuel economy is in the 23/24 in city and 26 highway. On the highway with 4 passengers and full luggage, you can still average 25 to 26mpg with the A/C on. Maintenance expenses have been very low (under $50 in 12k miles). Oil changes are at 7500 miles (normal driving conditions)! Ride quality is better than most vehicles Ive driven in its size range.

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  Great little Zipper - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By itisi - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Little economy car. Had it for over 3 years, never any problems. Hit a deer once and we survived, and its still going strong. Its zips nicely along, lacking a bit in power (especially with the air on) but what can you expect for this price. Had the opportunity to drive same car in automatic on vacation in Puerto Rico (where this car seems to be the favorite all around) and stay clear from this one if youd like to have some accelleration. Cheers, and happy motoring. (now where can I write a review for a 1975 merc. 240D?

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  Positive experience - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LYN TRAVIS - January 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving what seemed like every car in town, I bought the OZ Lancer because of its great combination of sporty style and pure practicality. At 6 foot 2 inches tall, I found the interior to fit better than most of the competition. styling is sporty without being to over the top at least in white. The interior is very functional and sporty with all the necessary amenities. This car handles well and has really good ride. The adaptive automatic transmission does a great job of agreeing with your driving style.I would probably not buy this car if you are looking for real performance car but if your looking for a little pizazz without giving up any practicality, this is the car.

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  Awesome truck!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By MitsuMSXLS2001 - January 11 - 7:00 am

  I love my new Montero sport but with the 3.0 v6 it needs more power

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  Compact SUV for cheaper price! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tom - January 9 - 5:23 pm

  We didnt really expect the power on this car since it is only a 4 cylinder but its a great car for the city. We like its rear where it is easier to open unlike Rav 4. We also like that this vehicle is not so up high. My wife is short and we also have a Tacoma so this is a good car for her. Stereo system sounds great. More room for small family. However, the highway ride is a bit rough and noisy. I am so used to my Tacoma. The power mirror control is a bit out of reach when trying to adjust during the drive. I also agree with some other reviewers that the radio needs to be closer, maybe on the steering wheel. Interior material for LS is a bit cheap but the seats can be covered up.

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  Be careful - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Meantiger74 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Endeavor has 7K+ miles now. Around 6K miles, I heard a whisling sound on the right side of the car when driving 45-55mph. I brought it to a local Mit-dealer and had them check. What they found is abnormal sound from the transmission. This is really let me down. Besides, Mit. says that I can get 17 mpg in city and 21 mph on highway. This is not true b/c my Endeavor gives me 16.5 mph from driving mostly on highway. Everything else is great!

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  Great car for what it is - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By StangFan247 - January 6 - 10:06 pm

  Im really power-hungry when it comes to cars, but I got this to commute back and forth to school and work while Im saving up for a Mustang. It is a very reliable car with great gas mileage. Of course, gas mileage and horsepower are inversely related, so I dont expect a thrill ride when I punch it. However, the little 2.0 4-cylinder does have some pep to it, and has great throttle response. (It also does some nice donuts for front wheel drive :-D). It has solid handling (impressive for economic tires and stock suspension). It tracks very well on the highway, even in the rain. The brakes are also very responsive. And even being 6-feet tall, I easily found my sweet spot in the driver seat.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Pete - January 5 - 3:46 pm

  Ive had my Outlander for 3 weeks and so far I am very happy. I have the luxury and s&s packages. The ride is a good balance between sport and comfort. I like the exterior and interior look. It has tons of features for the money and is very versatile.

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  "Rishi" - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doug Kampa - January 2 - 4:33 am

  I really shopped for a new SUV; it was down to a Honda, Jeep and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. I selected the Endeavor for its power, styling and "feel". It is a very fun SUV to drive compared to the other canidates. I am very satisfied with the Endeanvor, however it requires high preformance gas which I did not know until after reading the owners manual. I use my Endeavor as a real estate broker and my clients all seem to enjoy riding in it. I think the quality of the sound system needs to be upgraded and some of the electronics seem to be style dated. The exterior styling is "hot," the exceleration is excellent and the ride is very good.

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  Pretty Decent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ralli_Rules - January 2 - 2:33 am

  I bought my galant in 2005 used with 56,000 miles. All in all it has been a pretty decent car, its not blazing fast but still pretty quick. I have left quite a few people at the line even with a stock engine. The outside looks nice, inside could use some improvement but its not terrible. Not too much interior space but thats not a huge issue. I have customized wit ralliart parts for more performance. Has been a pretty good car, I recommend this car as a great car for a first time driver.