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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  My first SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gzane711 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  After week one, and only have about 300 miles on it, the skies opened up and we got 6" of snow! I was like a kid in a candy store! I found the Endeavors handling in the snow outstanding. Great visibilty. My son likes the DVD.

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  MONTERO - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By TRACY - September 8 - 6:06 pm

  NOT a very powerful engine but just right for the package. Got caught in sleet storm with more than an inch of mire on the ground and did not miss a beat. Is kind of loud on the inside could use more sound technolgy.

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  Great Car! Superior Handling/Suspension - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By netlisa22 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Just got this car, everything is perfect. It takes high speeds like it doesnt feel a thing. Smooth ride, quiet, comfortable, fast. I love the body style, and sunroof. The interior lights are under the rear view mirror, no reaching behind you to turn them on and off. I like the orange gages. You hardly have to reach to change the radio station. There are places to store your stuff, and they even light up!

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  Looks and options - 2009 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Richard - September 7 - 2:20 am

  Saw the truck in the show room, had all the options and looks that I wanted in a pickup. Drives nice overall, best on freeway with little road noise.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Sue - September 6 - 3:46 pm

  I must say after owning a Honda and a Toyota the quality of the Mitsubishi has been really disappointing. I had the timing belt, front main leak, rear main leak, O2 sensor and Transmission all fail under 65000 miles. I feel that Mitsubishi is a poor product. They suffer from poor customer service, and the book value has a horrible, horrible return when you go to sell it. So I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants longevity.

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  Best out of 42 - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mygalant - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 42nd car and I plan to keep this one till the extended warranty is out and then I still might. I had one as a rental when I got my car back, I went out and bought this one. I have had 4 months and I have over 30000 miles on it. You can not beat this car. My second car is an Accord and I much rather drive my Galant. She is a keeper. Also I drive a lot of snow and dirt roads and this car is like a 4 wheel drive. It goes everywhere.

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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cme4brain - September 3 - 10:20 pm

  I researched all similar SUVs- CR-V, RAV4, Forester, Santa Fe, and this is by far the best. The closest SUV to the Outlander is the Subaru Forester, but it is nowhere near as sporty, and has only a 4-speed transmission! I traded my Mercedes C240 and could not be happier. I am getting 26.3 mpg driving to work (mainly highway)- more than I got with my small Benz! The CR-V is too econobox, the RAV4 has no nav nor shiftronic transmission, the Forester is too soccer mom/housewife. Both the CR-V and RAV4 A/C is poor- cant cope with our heat! Reliability of Mitsu is outstanding for this model, could not be happier. As with my four prior Mitsubishis, your value for what you pay is incredible

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  Love This Vehicle - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mora - September 3 - 12:10 pm

  I own this vehicle and absolutely love it. I have 73,000 miles on it now. I bought it used and although it does need bearings which seems a bit early considering the mileage I cant complain. It is absolutely the most comfortable car that I have ever owned and I have owned many through the years, including luxury cars. I am 5 2" and my hubby is 6 2" and we are both are extremely comfortable driving this vehicle. It gets very good gas mileage, too. I give it an A+++++++ all the way.

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  Love this Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mary - September 3 - 7:16 am

  I love this car. I shopped around for a good used vehicle. I bought the Mitsubishi Outlander sight unseen. It came with a great warranty. I am really enjoying sitting higher in the vehicle than in a sedan. It has plenty of power for me. I also like the height to get in an out. It is just right for me. I dont have to use a sideboard. It gets better gas mileage than I expected. It hugs the road while driving and has great braking. It has a somewhat plain interior, but it is fine for me. The sound system is great also. It does everything I need.

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  Three years together. - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nick111 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I got my present Galant ES used, with 17k miles in October of 1999, when it was under a year old. The design of Galant is sharp and stylish. They preserved that agressive edge which BMW lost in their newer "soapy" vogue of recent years. Its close to 55k now. I still love and enjoy the car. The 4-cyl engine actually feels like 6-cyl. It has 2.4L, so it is plenty of power on low RPMs. I had three safety recalls, free of charge. Just regular servicing thereafter.