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 Truck at a Great price - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By TKB - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Very good and outstanding vehicle to drive. Looks and rides better than Ford Explorer. Outstanding gas mileage. Had this vehicle for two years and havent had any problems with anything. Would buy another one in a heart beat!!!!!!

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  Endeavor Nitch - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By LBEndeavor - December 4 - 10:00 am

  If you are willing to sacrifice a hi towing capacity and rock breaking off road ability in exchange for more comfort and better handling, the All Wheel drive Endeavor is worth considering. For 99 % of our driving this is a great SUV, and for 90% of the remaining 1%, this vehicle will handle our off road needs. We can only hope for the great Japanese tradition of reliability.

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  Just OK but the transmission stinks - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By atcdav - December 4 - 7:50 am

  The styling is not bad. It has a descent amount of amenities for the price. The big seller for me was the 6 year 0% interest financing. That equals an unbeatable value. It has a roomy passenger compartment and plenty of leg room in the back seat. The memory seat function is flawed. It erases itself regularly. Alao, it has no home link for garage remote. The heated mirrors are poor. The worst feature must be the transmission. I have had in in the shop several times for the transmission. It has shift "flairs". It feels like it slips. I have had the clutches replaced, the valve body and ports replaced but the problem persists. Not 100% of the time but maybe 40-50%. It is very annoying and for this reason alone, I cannot wait to sell it.

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  Exceptional Value - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By aa0526 - December 2 - 2:11 am

  Primary Purpose: 1. Commuting to work alone (95%) 2. Short trips with family (5%) Been shopping around for a small CUV that has a 3rd row (for those rare occasions). Wanted a 3rd row as a backup for the minivan. The minivan is reserved for long trips. I cant wean myself from Japanese cars. I shopped between the Santa Fe, Rogue 2014 and the Outlander 2014. Being a current Nissan and Mitsubishi owner, it was a hard decision between the Rogue and the Outlander. The current MPG averages 28-30 combined. The warranty and price were the clinchers. It is relatively quiet, acceleration was good for my needs, very roomy 2nd row (I am only 57" - so there is plenty of room left behind me).

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  My best car yet! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shizzleman - December 1 - 1:30 pm

  I have had my Galant for 2yrs and I love it. I have not had many problems. The only problem I faced was when the heating coil got clogged and that cost about $600 to replace. Other than that the mechanics say my car is flawless. I do my regular oil changes and get maintenance and the car does the rest.

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  Very reliable vehicle - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nick131 - November 30 - 12:59 am

  Bought the car with 34k miles , now have 80k miles and still drives the same. The only maintenance performed have been oil changes and front brake pads once. Drives great on highways and passes other cars easily. Five speed speedtronic comes handy on snow days. great car for everyday commuter.

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  best suv under 20,000 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jwebb - November 28 - 10:00 am

  i didnt think i would like it after i drove it , i fell in love with the way it handles and looks..

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  Great Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By LUV 4X4 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My Montero Sport has been a really great car, I really think that they could have done some wonderfull things with this shape in a more powerfull engine option than the 3.5L v6 and also with more luxurious appointments and general interiour finish.

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  scotts review - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By saldihfo;ihgo; - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nice car for reliability, needs work on drivetrain. Braking system needs to be stronger and engine needs more power.

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  Rugged - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By MZ - November 28 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle! Excellent looks, Build construction is phenomenal! We compared the under body of four runners & pathfinder & this is definitely more substantial. Very thick skid plates. Also we measured the rear trailing arms, and this vehicle has the longest which translate to better off- road performance. The 3.5 liter provides good acceleration. This vehicle have lots of neat features.