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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  Like Mitsubishi But - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Larry Rushton - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi builds solid vehicles. No exception here. Design, comfort, convenience, reliabilty all super. Sound system best Ive ever had. Handles and rides in a very smooth manner.

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  Mitsubishi is coming around - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Layton - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Im still pleased with this car at 60k mi. Ive experienced one bad and one good dealership -- same experience with Ford and Dodge. It has great styling. This car hasnt given me one bit of mechanical trouble. There were a couple of loose panels that rattled, but that was an easy fix. With only 3 recalls for the first year of the body style, its been great!

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  EXCELLENT CAR!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By sa311420 - May 2 - 7:56 am

  Anyone on the market for a new SUV, you have to check out this car!! It is the smoothest ride, This is the 6th car i have owned and by far the best! Once you drive the car you will wonder why you didnt buy one sooner. Consider the endeavor you will be quite surprised

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  Very pleased - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sarah - May 1 - 8:13 am

  This car is a perfect daily driver. Fuel consumption is actually fairly decent, I average 26-33 mpg. Its a perfectly comfortable drive, even with 4 people in the car. Although somewhat boring (its just THAT easy to drive--almost drives itself!), I still like my little Lancer. I havent had a single problem.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jole - April 30 - 8:33 am

  Since 2002 I was driving an OZ verzion of the Lancer and I was not aware of what I was missing until I took the Ralliart for a test drive. This car is priced way under its value. The drive is pure luxury with a touch of performance. I had to buy it even though I did not need a new one. It was hard to beleive what improvements Mitsubishi made with this car. Some of the improvements include: a sunroof, 320 watt Infinity sound system, short shifter, 16" wheels, rear discs brakes, ABS, a suspension that is out of this world, the MIVEC engine, fog lights, a super-sounding Muffler, a Rrlly trunk net, and sport seats. There are cars out there which are selling for $15,000 more and are still a great buy, but this car will perform better.

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  Wake up and drive one!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By MS2002 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this this SUV. I feel good and never get bored whenever Im driving it. The first brand new car I ever purchased, never regret my decision Awesome control and stability on all road condition. Always confident on driving it on the snowy or wet pavement. Can take the most cohesive road condition with ease thanks for the AWD capability. Steering is great, smooth and effortless. Satisfying acceleration power for an SUV. Great choice.

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  Positive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mcbri - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love the new Endeavor. It has more than enough room for my 2 year old, two dogs, and all our "gear." It looks great and the gas mileage is much improved over the Jeep I had before. I would suggest to anyone looking for an SUV to check out the Endeavor. I test drove the Highlander also and for me there was no question. SUV to check out the Endeavor.

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  My 07 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By starflare21 - April 26 - 2:20 pm

  This vehicles "ups" are the paddle shifters which make for fun spirited runs, aggressive styling cues both in and out, and a fairly decent engine. The "downs" are I personally do not like the choice of interior fabric. It is said to be better for stains, but in fact it attracts more lint and holds in stains/marks worse and takes much more effort to clean and to keep it that way. The 3rd row seat is useless and horribly uncomfortable. Other than the these things, I love that you can fold the rear seats for better room (though I wish they kept the power folding rear seats thats on the Japanese OEM model). Overall Im satisfied with my purchase though its a shame my local dealer is really rude and continues to be.

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  Rough Ride - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Timonfan - April 26 - 10:00 am

  The only major complaint I have of my Monetero Sport LS is it rides too much like a truck. For those unfortunate enough to ride in the back seat it is an extremely rough ride. Every little bump jars your body. I recently spent 4 hours in the back of a Montero sport Limited and my back and hips were still hurting the next day.

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  Out Everything ;) - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By marcjho - April 23 - 9:13 pm

  Im very happy with my purchase, and for the price paid it stands alone. Im a tall person (65) and I have plenty of room to spare. Its a very smooth and comfortable ride. I took it on a 3 hour road trip over labor day weekend and its pleasure to drive, especially with the upgraded stereo system. :)