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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  2004 Mits Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MikeLI - June 7 - 10:00 am

  12K miles and it rattles like a bucket of bolts on the slightest of rough surfaces. Have complained to Mitsubishi which has fallen on deaf ears.

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  You wont find better small SUV for price - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Found a best buy - June 5 - 9:30 pm

  With over 22,000 miles, it is flawless. I test drove everything from BMW X3 to Rav & nothing in this class will match the Outlander in all categories. I traveled routinely through the worst winter conditions imaginable & this vehicle is an awesome snow machine, even with the wide/street Goodyears. The exterior design is perfect & it stands far above the rest in looks. There are some minor quirks such as the torque steer which is easily fixed by putting in AWD or adjusting your starts. The Goodyears wore fast & need replacing soon. Anyone in winter conditions will experience lower "sandblasting" problems to the paint (apply addit clear protection & no problems or wait till 2008-fixed.

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  On par with Toyota and Honda - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SarahG - June 5 - 6:26 am

  This vehicle has been in my family for approximately 10 years now, and has given us no major problems. Acceleration is better than adequate, handling is excellent, and fuel mileage is good. It was my mothers to start, and then when it turned 8 years old, she gave it to my brother, who has a tendency to break things. He hasnt broken this yet, which is amazing. Neither my mother nor my brother have taken care of it as they should. I cant even remember the last time its been in for an oil change. My brother only had to replace the shifter cable @ 130,000 miles, and the radiator @ 135,000. Other than that, only regular maintenance, or lack thereof. I will only go foreign.

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  Super Reliable! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jwmatten - June 4 - 9:07 pm

  I bought my 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander used in 2006 with 20,000 miles on it. Ive never had ANY issues with this car other than the scheduled maintenance. I only gave it a 4/5 on performance because the 4-cylinder makes it hard to drive up hills.

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  Unique, Fun SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Beetle - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Montero. Also owned an 89 and a 94. Quality and Confort are great. New larger 3.7 litre engine is a big improvement. This is a HEAVY vehicle you feel safe in. Had it for about 4 weeks - and im not disappointed. A quality built and unique looking SUV.

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  Lancer Oz-Rally - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mlsfs0 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted an inexpensive four door as my first car. The mileage is a big plus, although it isnt as great as the new honda hybrid which is only a few thousand more.

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  2009 ES Sport - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By serrilion - May 31 - 6:59 am

  Ill make this simple for everyone... Good parts: Comfortable Kids car seats fit well Safe car Doesnt break down if you keep up with service Is a very good car in the snow for a FWD 5speed Good MPG Lots of Aftermarket Support Rockford sound system is perfect sun roof is nice as well Bad: Paint sucks Shocks in a bad road state get eatten alive Runs better on 91 octane vs recmended 87 should have come with a short shifter Stock factory tires suck and are to skiny Key Fob loses programing for fast system

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  Lancer GTS is a great car for the price - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AaronB - May 30 - 9:40 pm

  I did a lot of research before I decided to buy this car, and I couldnt be happier with my decision. You get a lot of car for your money. Some decent factory equipment (unfortunately mine didnt come with the nav system). Surprisingly comfortable for a small car with a driver whos 62 (3 inches of head room). The new exterior redesign is just awesome. Really a fun car to drive. The only real complaint I have is that this car could use more horses.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By lczick17 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Had it 5 months now. Very Happy! My wife and I both have bad backs. These are the most comfortable seats we have ever had. Took about 2K miles for the engine to break in and give 20MPG around town. The dash layout is great, it puts everything at your finger tips. Ive had many people comment on the looks.

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  Mini-Ferrari - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tachyon1701 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Lets be honest here, this car is definately a looker. Its especially popular with the ladies for some reason, which i dont mind at all =). Its visual presence is 2nd to none in a $10,000US range. Althought mine is only a I4, i gotta tell you, it is a BIG 4 cylinder engine. 2.4 liters with a 100m stroke pushes out quite a bit of torque, although HP/L ratio leaves something to be desired. Speaking of gas, it can go more than 700KM on a 62Litre tank. Not too bad for such a big 4 cyl! RSXs and Celica GTs do a little better but thats on a 2.0 and 1.8 WITH variable valve timing!