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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  It was this or a Pilot... - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Dungeoner - March 22 - 11:53 pm

  And I chose the Endeavor. I can honestly say, Ill never second guess my decision either. The vehicle drives like a dream. Ive driven the Pilot, Highlander, Trailblazer, Durango & Grand Cherokee(V8). All were wonderful, but only the Pilot & Endeavor drove like I wanted my wifes SUV to drive. The torque in this thing needs to be felt to be appreciated. It might not have seating for 7 or 8 people/children, but the 5 that do fit, do so comfortably. The steering is tight & responsive & the drive is stellar. If I had the funds, my wife & myself would be driving one. Everything seems solidly made & built. If I had to gripe about something, it would be the gas mileage on this capable engine.

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  No ifs, ands or buts - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By justin - March 22 - 8:06 pm

  While its not the Evo X, its still a great car and fun to drive. The CVT is one of the best features on this car. While other cars lose speed when up-shifting, the Lancer w/ CVT just keeps gaining speed.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rod92106 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We rented this vehicle and took a 2000 mile drive vacation. It was an outstanding experiance. I am currently looking to purchase my own.

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  Almost but not quite - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Deborah Garcia - March 21 - 12:23 am

  The third seat is difficult for children of any age to get into. The seat belts are impossible for 4 year olds to get on by themselves and impossible to reach from outside the car! There are no charging ports Back there and the cup holder is only on one side. The 7th seat belt is a joke. The paint is a very low quality, it has already chipped all over the hood, my car is 6 months old now but i noticed it 2 weeks after purchasing. I emailed the salesman, he did not respond, went in to talk to them but they pawned me off on a manager that acted like it was normal, its not. So disappointed!

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  Get Some New Colors - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By drholland77 - March 19 - 10:33 am

  This is the second car of this style Ive had. The first was an Eagle Talon. It is fun to drive. I love the feel, its like scooting along on the highway. Its gas mileage is great if you dont drive like a high school kid. The looks cant be beaten for the price.

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  Hands down - this is the best SUV for your money! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By indianadad - March 19 - 9:05 am

  Mitsubishi does not do a good enough job marketing this vehicle. They are either pricing it to regain market share or the other brands are way overpriced. That being said, I had checked out most other small SUVs, focusing on the American & Japanese models. They are all in the 25-30K range to get the features this one has. With rebates and negotiations with the dealer I got this great quality SUV for about $19,200. For this price, who else gives 18" alloys, keyless ignition, fog lights, auto & adjustable HID headlights, tinted windows, auto heat/air, rain sensing wipers, super crisp LED multi-color info. display, wireless Bluetooth, 6 speaker satellite radio and much more??? No one!!!

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  4th Time around - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 4thOne Bought - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Montero - each traded at 100000-125000 miles. Each has been extremely reliable, particularly off road. Highway ride is smooth although this new one seems louder than my previous 98. With the 3rd seat out the rear is a cavern. The second seat is comfortable even on long trips. Even with the new larger engine it still seems a bit underpowered off the line but cruises effortlesly on the turnpikes. The 2 wheel/4 wheel/all wheel drive system is the best anywhere that I have experienced. It has the feel, fit and finish of a LandCruiser for a lot less money. This is a very underrated vehicle in the US.

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  Overall, Great Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steph S. - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Galant. I shopped for several months before buying in May. I test drove the new Altima, Camry, Stratus, and Accord. The Galant out does them all in performance and design. And, what a great price! If you are in the market to buy a mid- size sedan you must test drive the new Galant. Watch out for the gas mileage - you will not get 23 MPG!

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  Great car, but some annoyance - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Erik Harris - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my GTS, but it suffers from build-quality issues. The window seals dont seal (wet windows after rain, sometimes moldy smell), there are unfixable rattles, the mirror motors are weak, and the sunroof has minor issues (sticks, control housing comes loose periodically). Reliability hasnt been an isuse at all, it drives very smoothly, and is very fun to drive. My only complaint about the ride is that the turn radius is horrendus; worse than the minivan I owned previously! Im focusing on the negative, though. I love my car, and for the price, theres nothing Id rather own. Its fun, comfortable, and is one of the best-looking cars under $30K on the road.

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  Glad its GONE - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By HK416 - March 17 - 11:46 am

  Glad my Lancer is gone & someone elses problem. Would not buy one, would not recommend one, will never own one again. Extremely under-powered, not comfortable, cheaply build. The only redeeming factor with this car is the fuel mileage, other than that - stay away from these. Heaven forbid you have to use the A/C because the A/C will use 3 of the 4 gerbils powering this car. Had mine less than 18 months; and oh so happy it is gone.