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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  great ride - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By katscheid - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  I have both a Montero (Endeavor model) and a Suburban. Love my Montero and its 3 years older than the Chevy. Hope to keep it for at least 5 more years. Switched Yokos. to Michelins and the turning improved greatly. Love the leather interior and heated seats. Cup holder is ridiculous, but I LOVE this car. As good as or better than my Honda Accord as far as reliability.

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  Mitts Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By car7236 - January 19 - 2:23 pm

  Front seats could use more padding. Needs automatic headlamp option available. No electronic fuel economy or distance to empty available option available. Could use memory seats/mirrors. This was our trade-up from a Grand Cherokee LTD, and aside from what I mentioned, got to just love the vehicle.

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  Buyer beware - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jeanne Haussler - January 18 - 2:03 pm

  I was absolutely pleased with the purchase of my 2008 Outlander. Drove it home from the dealer approx. 150 miles & it was love at first sight. Then I drove it in the slush & snow. AWD was great, but then I washed the car & looked at the paint. The design of the body causes chips & sandblasting to take effect on the bottom half of the vehicle. 940 miles & my red mitsu looks bad. Put on mud flaps, but didnt stop the effect. Everytime I drive in bad weather I cringe because more paint is being stripped. Mitsubishi is aware, but has not come up with any solution. Gas mileage is good as promised. Only drive it in Fla.

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  Excellent bang for the buck! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jimmy - January 17 - 3:33 pm

  This is a fully juiced GTS! For the tech-toys that come along with it, this car is a no-brainer. Having read many reviews in advance, I was concerned about the lack of power, but after test-driving the car, I found that it had all I needed. Anymore (i.e., Ralliart or Evo) would just get me into trouble. If you are more concerned with excellent looks and cutting-edge tech goodies at a great price, you cannot beat this car.

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  I it lots and bunches - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tcha-Miiko - January 15 - 1:00 am

  My Outlander started as a rental unit but now has a home. I drive it in East Idaho in the deep snow drifts we get here and black ice conditions with no problems. On warmer days it zips along nicely on the freeway. On railroad crossings and bumpy back country roads it does rattle a bit, but the reviews mentioned that and it is not a problem. It tracked well when I stomped on the brakes to see how they did on an icy road-tracked straight ahead and continued ok when I let off the brakes. It does build up road slush in winter conditions in the wheel wells but it is easy to clean out when I stop. A great vehicle, looks good, rides nice. Looking forward to seeing how it does in the summer.

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  Endeavor is Built to Endure - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By RYAN - January 14 - 9:30 pm

  Overall I have had my Mitsubishi Endeavor now for about a year and have put about 15,000 miles on it. So far it has had no problems what so ever. I have been on many different trips, some distances of 700 miles. I also have been on many back roads and country areas and it still performs perfectly. The snow is nothing in this thing, you have no problems getting around. Only thing I wish was that the interior was a little nicer, such as an improved dash and seats. But overall I think its my favirote SUV under $40,000.

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  Right Size and Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John - January 13 - 5:03 am

  We compared cross-over SUVs and the Outlander was clearly the best value. Our first requirement was front wheel drive or 90/10 AWD (which eliminated the Nissan Xterra and others). Our second requirement was no premium fuel (which eliminated the new Mazdas, the Nissan Murrano, and most turbos). Our third requirement was 6-cylinders, which eliminated the Honda CR-V. That only left the Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and Hundai Sante Fe as options. The RAV4 was too small and the spare tire on the hatch is annoying. The interior of the Sante Fe was cheap/ugly. The Outlander outclassed the competition, especially with the 100,000 mile/10 year warranty. I am still very happy after a month of driving.

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  Love my new 07 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By MitsuFanCanada - January 13 - 2:20 am

  The 2007 Outlander providers the right balance between price and performance. Just had our first "road trip" GTA East out to Niagara Falls. Handled well, great travelling through the traffic on the 400 series highways and the fuel economy wasnt bad. I think Ill enjoy driving this SUV for a long time.

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  Whoo HOOOO - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Beebop - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Galant blends a stylish exterior with superior performance and an adequate interior.

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  Overall Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GREU - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good experience, not really any complaints to date other than insurance rates for this SUV. Be sure and check insurance prices as they are high and add to the overall cost to drive.