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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  Mitsubishi Outlander 2015 - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By easternwis - December 14 - 9:00 am

  Given some circumstances unique to my situation, I ended up having to purchase a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander in November. I did not set out to buy this kind of vehicle, and I did not know what I was going to be getting, but I have been very pleased with it after three months and several thousand miles. Based on my experience I would recommend this SUV to others in the market.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By smithmga - December 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2004 Endeavor XLS 2WD at invoice and then subtracted the two thousand rebate. We also got the model with ABS, security system, side airbags and the moonroof if I remember the package correctly. The SUV has been great so far. We have about 7,000 miles and no problems.

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  Still great after 100,000 miles - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Wesley - December 10 - 4:10 pm

  Its been five years and and 105,000 miles and I still love my 03 Montero LTD. If they still sold new ones in the US, Id be buying another. But, Ill gladly hold on to this one for another 100,000 miles or so! Im very impressed by this vehicle.

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  Outlander is quality - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CErnst - December 10 - 4:06 pm

  The Outlander has been a really solid SUV. It hasnt really had any problems yet as it is relatively new. The only quirk is a clunk from the ABS system when you start it and take off, but thats it. Acceleration is REALLY good. Braking is great. Gas mileage is good, especially if you let cruise control do its thing. It is sensitive to weight of the tire. OEM tires, the computer said we were getting 27MPG doing 70MPH on Texas interstate. Firestone Dueler tires get 23-ish, but they are heavier. With new tires and traction control, this thing is a beast in the snow. A very safe vehicle.

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  2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sandy Smith - December 10 - 4:36 am

  I love driving the car around the coastline and up the mountains. Its a fun car for California. Sporty with excellent pick-up when passing.

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  The greatest thing since Snickers! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Darkillusionz19 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  In my personal opinion this vehicle is very SWEET! it handles like a dream, it has enormous power for a 6-cylander, the body style looks aggressive enough to scare down a stock car. The interior is one of a kind with its technical style. As far as mileage per gallon its great for a 6. Overall this car is extraordinary!

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Robboman48 - December 6 - 8:46 pm

  Purchased with 79k miles for $7k. Same yr Avalon $15k. Added Bosch Platinum 4 plugs and it changed this car immediately. Has plenty of go, we now average 27 mph hwy on regular gas and Valvoline hi-mileage synthetic oil. Never a problem, looks and positive comments from others. Very comfy on a + 6hr ride in front and back. Leather is sweet and sound system is great. Best buy for the money.

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  Awesome machine - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CBJ - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Im coming off owning two 4x4 trucks which were both underpowered, and needed an AWD vehicle that could haul a some equipment on the inside. I took a chance on the Outlander because it seemed like it had a lot of value. Its been 3 months now and this car is more than I ever thought it would be. Incredible power, awesome auto/stick, very quiet ride, no flaws that I can find.

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  Galant ES - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rahmanmd - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car for the value

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  No brainer - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gski1 - December 4 - 2:43 am

  I love being on the road and not seeing my car everywhere (had an accord yrs ago and hated that). Even better is that I think everyone in those "other" over marketed cars simply made an uneducated buying choice! The Oultander, IMO, wins in style, value, features, reliability and most importantly warranty to boot. 5yr 60K mile bumper to bumper is a great idea. It always bothered my when I bought Honda and Subaru that youd still be paying for the car with 2yrs payments left! Of course those dealers said "its a Honda, you dont need a warranty"...Right, car dealers always tell the truth! If you go for the CRV, Ill be next to you at the light thinking "you dope"...LOL.