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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  Solid and a "real" SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By PacNWdriver - May 30 - 10:53 pm

  I did a lot of research on this one before buying and it is by far the most reliable aside the Toyota Land Cruiser, just as capable and much more affordable. The track record of the Montero speaks for itself when it comes to reliability. I traded a Land Rover Discovery for it and the Montero is by far a better SUV, inside and out. The 4 wheel drive is similar to LR with the locking differential, but much easier to engage and disengage than the LR. The exterior design of the 2000 year is a unique one-of-a- kind and a cross between the old and new style (2001+). It is still truck like, but is one of the most capable SUVs off road and on. Plenty of light and fresh air from the huge moonroof too.

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  great to play with in the snow - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mike willard - May 28 - 10:00 am

  i have had this vehicle almost a year went through a fairly heavy winter season the vehicle is a blast in the snow very nimble and responds great better than the full size 4x4 pickups i have had in the past. very nice for the price

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  Get The Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JanettePetch - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a ford Escape - HATED IT!!!! This thing rides like a car, gives you the room of a SUV, and at a great price.

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  Endeavor Forever - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By edgriffith - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor offers the upbeat style and "family" realism that I needed and wanted all in one package. It drives smoothly and handles like a car. Many SUVs have blind spots that you have to be aware of. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has no such areas. With plenty of room for external awareness, it affords the opportunity to drive safely and comfortably. Buy it? I will own two Endeavors before I am done and I will KEEP them both. If you havent driven a Mitsubishi Endeavor, you havent driven an SUV.

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  WOW! - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dually - May 27 - 9:53 pm

  Bought car for my wife and fell in love with the quickness and feel of it.

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  Best bang for the buck right now! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dan - May 26 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had this car now for about 9 months and am very happy. Eye-catching exterior and the interior is nice. It runs great and Im getting 30-35 mpg on the highway! The CVT takes getting used to and the engine is a bit loud. In normal city driving, it feels as if the transmission is slipping but you eventually get used to the CVT. If you need to get up to speed fast, the paddle shifters give you everything you need WHEN you need it! Sun and sound package is a GREAT upgrade! My biggest gripe is the rather large rear spoiler- it blocks your rear view quite a bit. Overall, a very nice car at a good price.

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  2010 Endeavor-love it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ACK - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2005 Ford Expedition in on this and we love it! Were able to have same payment as ford, but with 1.9% interest with Mitsubishi-wow! I get twice as much drive time out of a tank of gas than the Expedition, so for me, the mileage is great. We downsized to this and drove the GMC Terrain-looks great, drives terrible. Never had a Mitsubishi, so far so good

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  Fun to drive, lot of features vehicle. - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sidney - May 25 - 2:03 am

  We traded in our minivan for our Mitsubishi Outlander. We were impressed by the 100,000 mile warranty, 5 year roadside assistance, all the standard features, and the great gas milage. The ride is nice, it has has plenty of pep for our conservative driving style. The vehicle seems well made, solid, and comforable. Of course, we gave up some room, however for an empty nest couple there is plenty of room for the luggage we take on our many trips. My wife, being 5 foot 2, loves to drive it because the drivers seat elevates to give her the driving height she likes. If you are in the market for a vehicle of this style check it out, I believe you will be pleasantly suprised.

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  Great Driving Sportscar - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rayhallnc - May 24 - 8:50 pm

  Lots of power and handles very well. GT with the rear fin gets a lot of looks and even questions as to what kind of car it is. Read other comments and noted concerns about the short distance of the low beams. There is a switch on the dash to adjust this. I panicked the 1st night I drove mine.

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  Best vehicle i ever ownef - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Tim allen - May 24 - 3:55 pm

  Timing belt replacement dates. Fluid change maintenance records. Mine has 170,000 miles, runs quiet, smoothly, like new.