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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  Well Worth the Purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jules - November 14 - 7:20 pm

  We had previously had the Mitsubishi Montero Limited as a rental (twice). When the long-legged teenage boys didnt complain about leg room and say "are we there yet" while driving in it, I knew it was the next vehicle for me. In 2003, I purchased the 20th Anniversary Edition and have not regretted it. I get better gas mileage than the sticker that was on it said I would. My co-workers love to have me drive for lunches as they have so much room. Due to my lower back problems, many of the SUVs were too bouncy for me. Ive never had a problem with the Montero - even on 1,800 mile trips.

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  THE BEST OF THE BEST - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By massin1218 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The best car ever made in its category. No need to buy honda nor toyota, this is the car many of us were waiting for. I have put 60K miles on my Galant and had never had a problem.

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  Excellent Car indeed - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By drepp77 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The handling for this car is amazing. Comparable to that of a high end BMW. The turning radius (as almost every review has said) is the best of any auto of its class and those two combined have gotten me out of several tight spots in both driving and parking in nyc. LACK OF POWER is driving me to get the evo 7 coming out next week, but my current Lancer is outstanding nonetheless.

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  Almost Perfection - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Lon611 - November 12 - 5:43 am

  An amazing car, all around. I actually bought this because i loved my 93 diamante so much. interior quality + performance is top notch. only problem is that it can be slightly non-responsive from a stop (not a big deal). Exterior is sleek;the first time i saw it i was reminded of a BMW. B+/A- in my book. wish they still made these.

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Satisfied Customer 9 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle used at a fair deal. I have had no problems thus far. It rides like a car, very comfortable. Power/performance is noticably lacking but I did not purchase the vehicle to tow anything so it is not something I miss. I have yet to use the 4 wheel drive feature for any length of time. All in all it has been good to me.

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  Love It! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By carmen_t - November 7 - 11:04 am

  Purchased at 19 miles. 4 years since then. No problems at 50,000 plus miles. Comfy long distances. Hwy mileage is very good, not so much in the city. AWD runs great off-road, including the sand --fun! The least i like about it, noticeable muffler from the back of the SUV, and U-turns are wide.

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  Loving It - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cd - November 4 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had it a little over 3 years now, been consistent with my regular maintenance and have not had one issue with it -- its been great through all the crazy weather CT throws at us -- heat, cold, rain, snow, ice. For its size, it gives you enough of a height above the traffic to make you feel comfortable but not feel like youre in a tractor trailer! Definitely am happy I made the decision I did and "loving it"!!

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  Great car for the money - Awesome! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jc24 - November 4 - 4:17 pm

  Outlander Sport rocks! Have been in the market for 3 months and tested CRV, RAV4, Tucson, Euinocx, Rogue, CX7, Sportage... you name it. Outlander is the BEST in terms what I got for my money. The SE AWD comes with standard options that no brand could compete. Drove 7000 miles in 3 months, all east coast. On highway at 65-70mph averaged 27.4mpg (vs 29), in the city-NJ/manhattan about 22.6 (vs 24) mpg. The engine is enough for this car, unless you want to race. My wife loves the car, hill support, compact, easy to park, touch and go, enough space for the kid and stuff. This car is for people young in spirit. Yes, I was hesitant at first but now is at/over par to Toyota or Honda.Why pay more?

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  A Lot of Car for a Little Money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TKO - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the car for a short time, but I haggled about what to buy for three weeks, test driving all kinds of cars. The only one I could compare this drive to would be the Subaru Tribeca, which was like $5,000 more expensive and took premium gas. I dont think you could get a vehicle filled with more features that drives as well as this for the same money. Dont be scared off by the estimated gas mileage either, I have been averaging around 22 MPG, which is not that bad.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By John David Morgan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Good car, but have had some trouble with mine and is less than a month old, however the dealership has been on top of it and taken great care of me.