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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  Everything you want - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By theddy - June 28 - 7:50 am

  The best looks on the outside. Inside is roomy and comfortable. I have the luxury package, sun & sound, and the accessory navigation package that I cant live w/out. Hard drive based nav is fast and the music server that expels the iPod is cool. It has a powerful v6 engine that outruns those four cylinders. but still very fun to drive. It has the best features in its class. Some standard features are additional costs to the competition. The split open tailgate liftgate is very clever idea that adds the best convenience in cargo handling, unlike those that open sideways with bulky doors with tires on it which blocks your way. The best bang for the buck, best SUV on the track.

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  Last Hurrah - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mulberrygal - June 27 - 10:06 am

  I have had 9 Nissans in a row, mainly Sentras. I was not happy with the new look they came out with so I checked Mitsubishi. One look at the 2009 Eclipse and I was in love. I am a grandma but not ready for the rocker. This car is fast becoming my favorite ever. Hot looking, (rave red) fun driving, didnt empty my trust fund to buy it and has one of the best warranties going. I am finding reasons to go out and drive it. My car insurance only went up $60 a year from my 2006 Sentra. How could you not love this car?

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  140k later - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Brian John - June 26 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this with 17k on it, the dealer had replaced the brakes already. At the time it was the only 7 passenger SUV built on a car frame. It drives great but eats brakes and tires. Gas mileage is 18-22 with less aggressive road tires. I had an issue with the antifreeze disappearing because of a broken cheap plastic T that hooked up to the rear heat. This blew out the cam seals. Right front wheel bearings exploded under 100k. Overall, a good family truckster that should go another 150.

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  Very nice car I enjoy driving it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Andrzej - June 26 - 2:40 pm

  It would be really difficult for me to say what I dont like about this car. Everything is in place and works very well. Driving is definitely pleasant. Engine is quiet and IMHO very powerful. I would buy Outlander again, however this time with navigation and video built-in. We have quite a lot of snow during winter and this car works perfectly on icy road. No complaints at all.

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  Great little car - 2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By sandange - June 22 - 11:38 am

  We have had the car now for over 2 months & put over 5000 km on it. The car has performed better than we had hoped for, & it is our only car. Comfortable, great visibility, and quiet. We plan to swap for or rent a gas car should we need to go on any long trips. We are 2 drivers sharing this one electric car and it has already saved us a whole lot of money from fuel bills. There was an adjustment period to get comfortable with the range limits, no prob driving our regular routes, Work commute, Shopping, Family visits. Once we got familiar with the charging station locations, we started enjoying taking longer trips, venturing further and further. A great all round car

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  My first foreign buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Todd2 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Would buy again, and really like the rate/incentives thru Mitsu Motors. Distinct style going down the road. Great climate controls cruise and stereo. Needs a little more front leg room. Interior trim on doors and seats coming off and loose. Love the hiding third row seat (dont use it much anyway). Needs a V-8. Oil change is very difficult.

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  its good but not that good. - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By johnson2003 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the car but again it doesnt have enough power. You think if it was going to be a more expensive model then the ES they should have done more to it then put rims on it, oz floor mats and a sticker on the trunk lid.Im not too fond of the wing or the front grill. Lastly the stock shift knob weighs like 15 pounds. I had to change mine out with one from a 95 civic.

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  mitsu endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mrtomm - June 22 - 10:00 am

  having recently gotten my first sport ute, I am quite impressed with mitsus brand of so called cross-over. The ride and handling is awesome! the turning ratio compared to the so called sports car i drove before is much better, I am surprised how easily navigated tight shopping mall parking lots are. And I can finally see over the shrubs that abound at the mall!!

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  Love it! Love it! Love it! - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Upstate Gal - June 21 - 5:36 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle for about six weeks and absolutely love it. Was deciding between the Nissan Rogue and Outlander and glad I made this choice. For all of the features and options, the price point could not be beat. The exterior is extremely stylish! The interior is decent as well. The dash materials are so-so, but I use protectant cloths to keep them clean and scuff free. Having two glove boxes is great for storage. All of the cup holders and extra storage places are a bonus! I have the third row seat which is small, but convenient. When the seat is folded, you cant beat the cargo space. I made the right decision on the 2009 Outlander and highly recommend it!

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  This summer will be fun... - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ssikpiyelnats - June 20 - 1:46 pm

  The thing that I like most about this car, is that even at the base model the entire car looks aggressive. You didnt get that with the previous years. I have the ES 5 SP with the 650 Watt stereo and I love it. Im 64" and had to scoot the seat closer for comfort. The new forward swept windshield keeps the sun out of your eyes, great feature in Florida. The engine is quick to respond for a 2.0 L, and youre hitting 80 before you know it. The gas mileage leaves a bit to be desired, but its not horrible. The interior is wonderful, doesnt feel like it was built with cheap plastic parts. And the AUX port to plug in the iPod, thank god. Im able to carry my entire music library. Great car!