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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  Nice in some areas, but with important shortcomings - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By kgl1 - May 23 - 5:30 pm

  We have leased 2 Mitsubishi Outlanders 2012- a full size 7 seater (4cyl) and Sport model. Both have 4wd systems. The value is very good, that was by far the best lease deal on any suv we could find, and they also gave us the best deal on our trade-ins we could find anywhere. We liked the overall appearance, features and the test drive experience of both cars. the fact that in one of them there are 7 seats, and it is a full 4wd makes it already quite unique. Everything is good and fun about these cars, but 3 important areas: fuel economy is way below the advertised, especially in the city. Cheap, easily stainable/scratchable plastic used. CVT transmission is noisy and slow to react.

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  Tampa Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tampa Galant - May 23 - 3:50 pm

  Great car, purchased it over a 2005 Chrysler 300 Limited, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord....Great car, great ride and handling, I purchased the GTS model and I dont feel like another "cookie cutter" car on the road....unique and fun, great warranty, and the dealership was no pressure and extremely helpful. Would recommend the car and the dealership to all my friends.

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  Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By louisfd - May 23 - 8:06 am

  Ive enjoyed the Montero except for powerless V6 that drinks losts of gas.

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  Grandma loves her Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By angela - May 22 - 11:40 pm

  I love this SUV - have owned it for 15 months. Shopped/researched many brands. Almost bought a VUE or Equinox, then discovered this! What value and so stylish! I often take it to the mountains and it performs beautifully, even in snowstorms!! The gas mileage is fab - my best was 29.4 mpg. I love the display and information panel. Feel safe (both me and my grandkids in the back seat with air bags, especially the curtain and side air bags. Haul lots of stuff - the fold down rear seats and tail gate are great features.

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  Great Job Mitsubishi! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By New Mitsu fan - May 21 - 3:20 am

  I love the Outlanders peppy V6 engine. It has a quiet ride and is fun to drive. It also has a great suspension, not too firm, not too soft. It comes with lots of features such as keyless ignition and Bluetooth that are not even available in other makes at this price. It is switchable between FWD, AWD and 4WD. Who else offers this at this price? It has fantastic build quality. Its made in Japan with 100% Japanese parts content. After owning Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan products, Ive got to say Im impressed with the 07 Outlander. Mitsubishi really did well with the design of this product. I can see why this outsells the RAV4 in Japan.

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  Work horse - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By FrankP - May 20 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased my 04 Montero with about 10K miles on it. It now has 191,000 and still going strong. I have been very strict with the oil changes - every 5k and most of the other suggested maintenance. The vehicle has never left me stranded. It is excellent off road with great clearance and easily goes where other mid-size utes wont dare. The highway ride is good too and it does a decent job towing my camper. Very comfortable seats except 3rd row is for small kids only. Ive had to replace the catalytic converter twice very $$$ and had the manifolds off both sides of the engine develop heat cracks which had to be repaired - other wise no issues. Trans, 4WD and motor no issues at all.

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  Loving it! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cenitdunit - May 20 - 5:46 am

  Very close to a luxury SUV. Great features, very comfortable and a smooth ride. Best Bang for the Buck.

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  A not so dream car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rene - May 17 - 10:56 am

  I dont feel safe in the car. Not value for money.

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  one hot suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By hoopcity1 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for an suv this is the one you should be looking at. My husband and I looked at MANY suvs and nothing we found compared to this! The milage is very good for this type of vehicle! The ride is amazing and the sound system oh my is it great! There is amazing space for all 5 passengers and extremely comfortable. We both highly recomend this suv.

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  UNDER RATED CAR - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike Pitts - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is in one word FUN! And in the small engine import field "Honda/Accura." Stock vrs Stock the Eclipse GT will Dust most of this competition. Its a great open Highway cruise car. It only sits at 3000rpm at 80mph. Unlike the Hondas and Acruras. It has that bigger 6 torque pull. The inside is a tad different, and works. It handles good. In fact it can handle some nice curvy roads prety well. The style of this car is one of it finest points. It looks great. But it defiantly dont look like a bubble car that you see everywhere. And it still looks a tad sleeker than say a Mustang.