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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  A car for Everyone - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mms119 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The interiors are bigger than other midsized cars. The car is enjoyed by the older members of the family as well as the young. Its a nice car to drive.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By wocogirl - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my car. The best part of it is the gas mileage I get. My friends and family who have small cars as well are jealous that even with incredibly high gas prices (about $1.93)I am still paying under $20 to fill my whole tank. My car has better pick up than others in its class and has made me more confident in the reliability of my car. When I test drove the Ford Focus, I wasnt sure how reliable it would be a few years down the road, but with the Lancer, I knew it was a good car. I would be here forever telling you about all the reasons why I love my car. I highly recommend getting one!

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  I love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pgoodnight - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2 June 2004 so only two days experience but so far I am loving it. Handles very nicely. Short turning space required. Sound system is excellent and so far the mileage I am getting is excellent. Could use a little more hidden storage space that is presently not in use. (Montero has more storage.) Cruise control and Windshield wipers could be more user friendly.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By naveedpr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Endeavor surpasses my old Xterra - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dsxterra - March 29 - 4:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed our expectations. The way it handles in corners and in general is great. We have had an Explorer and a Xterra. The Endeavor by far surpass the handling and comfort of those.

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  I fell in love - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jendel - March 27 - 10:00 am

  When I first went out looking for a new car I had no interest in the Eclipse at all. Then I drove it....and fell in love! Everyting about this car is great from the sleek exterior to the sunroof.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Diamante LS - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By ross - March 27 - 2:26 am

  I really only have had a few problems with my 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante LS. The transmission is slow to react to my lead foot sometimes. I had a Mitsubishi Eclipse with an auto transmision that was much better. Also, tthis car should be rear wheel drive with so much horsepower and torque!

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  Best small suv - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Michael Boyer - March 26 - 2:40 am

  I test drove and researched most of the new small and mid-sized SUVs available: Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav-4, Mazda CX-7, Acura RDX, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the just released Land Rover LR2. I was really pumped about the LR2, but came away disappointed, with an SUV like drive, cramped second row seats, and small trunk. The CX-7 was the most fun to drive, but the Outlander is not far behind. It has a nicely revving engine and the manual shifting is very smooth. The Outlander simply was the best fit in terms of driving comfort and response, utility, and value. I passed on the nav but got the sun/sound and luxury. I have only driven 300 miles or so, but am very pleased so far.

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  Snappy - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By polok420 - March 26 - 1:06 am

  When I went to get financed for a car they said this is all I could get. (had a dying 95 escort). Wanted sporty and got it in sleeper mode. Has awesome handling. I have driven trucks and SUVs before but this handles like a car. Its interior could use a little help. Every thing rattles when have the bass up on the stereo.

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  Very Comfortable - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nmbw235 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Im a 5Ft female and I have found this car to fit my size perfectly. I have owned a Tracker and Forester recently (both totaled in accidents by a 17yr old driver in the other car) but I can see great with this car and Im not on top of the steering wheel which I was in the other cars. I have also previously owned two Colts which were built by Mitsubishi and they never let me down. I am expecting the reliability of the Outlander to be the same. I have owned it for 5 months so far and am very impressed with it. I park at a local commuter train parking lot and have noticed other commuters making an effort to see what model car this is. Very stylish.