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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  A fun city car - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By ecidloc - May 11 - 10:21 pm

  I have owned this car for more than 7 months and everything has been performing very consistently. I like this cars interior layout much better than most of its Japanese competitors, like Honda, Subaru, Mazda and etc. The exterior is also one of the sharpest. This car is excellent for city driving, nimble, reliable, fuel efficient and easy to park. Dont listen to Edmunds review, this is a car meant for day to day driving, it should not be reviewed as a sports car. If thats what you are looking for, look else where.

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  mits outlander sport nav system - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By sysmark - May 10 - 4:58 pm

  Purchased a 2011 mits outlander sport with nav and what a ripoff! The maps are outdated (2009), will not locate or direct to streets that have been built since 2005. Even my old Tom Tom sees these roads. Paid $2000.00+ and you get a 2009 map? I called the dealer (said that is the latest ) and Mits directly and have not heard a word from them. DONT BUY THE NAV IF YOU ARE BUYING A NEW MITS AUTO!!! I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL MITS AUTO BUYER SINCE THE 90S (3000GT VR4, MONTERO, OUTLANDER, AND NOW OUTLANDER SPORT) Make sure you ask the right question before purchasing.

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  My Montero - two thumbs up! - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jsbesq - May 9 - 2:00 am

  No problems. Great vehicle.I am turning in my lease, and would recommend it to anyone. This SUV drives great. Wind pushes it a bit on the highway, like any smaller SUV, but it cant be beat around town.

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  The Baby Evo!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mrsocko - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. Its got 2 strut bars, (front and rear) is pretty fast for a 162 hp 4 cyl. engine, and handles like a dream. Its an excellent overall package and can trully be called the BABY EVO!

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  I really enjoy my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By DawnForth - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor now since 12/03 and I really like it a lot. I cant say very much for the dealership (Gillman Mitusbishi in Houston DONT EVER GO TO THEM - GO TO CONROE IF YOU WANT A GOOD DEAL & LIVE IN THE HOUSTON AREA) The style is very comfortable, fuel economy is better than most (gets 17/23 which isnt too shabby compared to some of the SUVs nowadays), doesnt have huge height to it like the Montero Sports, and its very luxurious. I mean youd be surprised, but not bad for your money. I highly reccomend the Endeavor. Regrets? Yeah I wish I would have maybe checked into 7 seaters instead of 5. Oh well, always next time.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By doctor j - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Size is fantastic, larger that the Acura and Lexus in its class, its roomy and confortable inside. Handling is a good cross between a sports and sedan, although the steering could be a tad tighter. Wind noise is minimal, though engine could be quieter while idling. Sound system is fantastic, with 8 speakers and ample power, but design on cd player is plain and lacks pause and mute functions. Trunk is huge and pass through at rear seat is handy. All weather package is great with traction control, fog lamps and heated seats/side mirrors. For an approx price of $31,000 which included taxes and 5 year zero percent financing, this car was a bargain.

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  Great Suv for family - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Dad - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2000 Montero LS with the 1.9% finance available at the time. The Suv has been great. My family has used it for several vacations (roomy) I think that the 3.0 is good enough. I only wish the gas mileage was better.

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  Great sporty sedan with lots of pep. - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dcjimenez - May 6 - 6:46 pm

  Wonderful lower priced sporty sedan that looks great and is faster than most vehicles in its class (3.0 190 HP V6).

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  2006 Eclipse GT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By usmcweathr - May 6 - 4:00 pm

  Have only had for 2 weeks and have only put 445 miles on it but so far I love it. I like the red/blue dash lights. The drivers seat is very comfortable although I have not taken it on any long trips yet. Gas mileage could be better but if I was really concerned about it I would not of got it. Forget about putting anyone in the back seat. Where I have the drivers seat there is about 2 inches left. Its very fun to drive and is fast. The car really takes off in 2nd and 3rd at 4,000 rpms. I got the Rockford/fosgate system and it sounds great. Overall this is a great car so far and I would recommend it to anyone looking at them.

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  I Love Mitsubishi! - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DrivinFool - May 2 - 11:13 am

  When I first got this car in 2006, I was really worried because it had over 106k. I bought the extended warranty and that eventually expired. The only thing Ive had to replace on the car in 3.5 yrs was a windshield ($130), a new battery ($50), new tires ($250), the engine belt was squealing but I didnt replace it until it broke as I was on the highway and caused overheating and needed a new radiator, old one cracked (my bad). Oh, and brake pads. THATS IT! Love my car and intend on buying another Galant when the time comes.