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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  2004 Outlander (bought in 2003) - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By redbrnch - November 30 - 6:20 am

  I have always driven large SUVs and trucks and just love this car. It takes daily off-road abuse to get to and from our home. Great buy, just beware of financing scams that can come with it.

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  Fun and Affordable - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Boshi - November 27 - 5:23 am

  The GTS is nicely equipped for a vehicle under 25k with nice pick up and go especially in the midrange rpm. The interior is fairly sleek with blue accent instrument panel. The 9 speaker Rockford stereo system definitely thumps with a 10" woofer in the trunk. The mileage is pretty good for highway driving. Ive been averaging 28 mpg which is what i was getting on my ford focus but this car definitely has the fierce look to it. A real head turner.

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  Cute! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By lisasue - November 26 - 1:00 pm

  I was unsure of this car, but my husband liked the safety features, so I agreed to test drive it. I like the fact that I get such killer gas mileage, and it always starts right up! Plus its easy to find a place to park. Its not real great on the freeway, but driving around town its awesome. All in all, I would do it again.

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  Former Montero - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Trey Lemons - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I had just bought the Montero with the endeavor package from a used dealer to take up to see my fiance for our wedding. While I was driving it around on the freeway I was stuck in the normal Va beach traffic at an exit ramp when a big rig (18 wheeler) came down the hill and ran straight into me from the back. If I was in a smaller vehicle I wouldnt be here saying how wonderful this vehicle is! It is totaled to say the least but I survived with only some stitches and staples. I think this is a great vehicle and Id definitely want another!

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  Very nice - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Edward - November 23 - 7:03 am

  We have had the Endeavor for 1 year and is very pleased. We use REGULAR GAS in it without any ill effects. Averages 19-20 MPG... which is better than My Honda Pilot EX. Build quality is not yet up to Honda standards.

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  Great Value, Comfort and Reliability - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhmh - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I find the Outlander to be comfortable and stylish. The 2.4 liter engine provides the power level I expected (what do you expect from a 4 cylinder?). I think it is enough power for most drivers. After reading through almost all of the other reviews, I have found some common complaints. 1)The vehicle pulls to one side. I dont think this is an alignment problem. 2)Under hard acceleration, the muffler or something in the exhaust sounds like it is loose or has a hole in it. I checked the NHTSA website for recalls on these two specific items, but there are not any. Overall, I think this is a strong buy for the money.

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  eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bloc - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The car itself is good. But its does not have that sporty feeling that your looking for in a car, it feels to soft and has body roll. The power of the car does not impress me at all, should be made abit faster. It is the nicest car out there.

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  Great Auto - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Moose - November 5 - 11:33 pm

  I had this auto 1 1/2 years and have had no problems. The looks are great for the inside and outside. Really stands out when clean. I find the comfort in the front seats very good. Gas mileage is about 25 - 26 highway.

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  I put down my ratte when I was 3 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By zerokool - November 5 - 12:40 am

  I overall was excited at the purchase of this car. Based on the reviews previously I had read & thought wow this car will have everything Ive been looking for. Afterthoughts of ownership - 1.5 yrs - car is lacking in quality at build. From day one I had asked the tech about engine noise above 2500 rpm. The cabin is always filled with noises of some kind. Recently, the rattles from the doors are killing me. I warn those who buy this vehicle that any car that gives you a rebate will come back to bite you in the end. When they give a 5k rebate, that means youre now 5k down in what you paid for it.

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dewaynej77 - November 2 - 4:40 am

  I have had my lancer for 7 months now, and still love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot. I LOVE the extras like bluetooth, 6 disc changer, sub woofer, CVT trans, and stering wheel controls. I get so many compliments on the look of my car. I hope to keep this car for years. I havent had one single problem so far, and I hope it keeps it up. Some people complain about engine noise, but I like the sound. I really cant say enough good things about my lancer!!!