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:

• 

  This car surprised me - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cboth - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Now we own it. We were going to wait for the x-3 or get a Murano but decided that this was a great deal.

• 

  Good solid vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Melissa in CT - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We test drove the Nissan Murano, the Honda Pilot, and the Saturn Vue, of all of these, we enjoyed the Endeavor the most. Looking out of the windows to check your blind spots is hard especially if you are short. However, the extra large mirrors make up for it.

• 

  Montero Sport has been great! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Darin - September 12 - 5:33 am

  I picked a Mitsubishi Montero Sport because of the reliability and looks. It has a look that many SUVs lack nowadays...smooth, simple lines, while remaining tough and rugged looking. Many manufacturers are starting to add strange lines and countours that dont appeal to the eye as much...the best SUVs (style-wise) were built in the late 1980s to early 90s, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Montero, the old Ford Bronco, and the Toyota 4Runner. I am not sure if anyone agrees with me, but I will miss seeing new Montero Sports on the road.

• 

  2004 Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By 2004 Endeavor - August 24 - 4:53 pm

  Great car, awesome performance, feel very safe and secure. Fuel economy is moderate. We have 86,000 miles with without any major problems. Steering column noise at 25,000 miles, dealer replaced under warranty. Interior minor plastic parts have broken off and dash board windshield vent has warped. Overhead cam oil distribution causing cam to temporarily ping during cold weather start up <50 degrees. Overall, very satisfied customers.

• 

  Explore other options - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jeremy - August 20 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car new and recently my car was tied up at a dealership for 4.5 mo. for an input shaft bearing that failed, ruining my input shaft seal, clutch and burned my flywheel. NONE WAS COVERED UNDER THE 10yr/100,000mile powertrain warranty you are supposed to get with the vehicle! The interior is easily marked, scratched. Cheap materials on panels and dash. Gauges are accurate, suspension is ok, Ive driven better, and worse for stock. Wheel well gap looks a little funny unless you lower the car or larger rims. I would advise looking at other options or be aware of possible bills with this car. hope this helps.

• 

  Navigation System for 2010 - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Hank - August 20 - 12:33 pm

  I am very disappointed in the Navigation System with the 2010 Endeavor which still has 2006 MAP DVD in a 2010 car. How can you call a car 2010 when you have 2006 parts in it? I phoned their head office in California asking when they will get an update but their reply was that they have not determined when the new map will be done. The dealer agreed to buy a new one once it gets in but no one can tell me when that will happen. You would need to decide whether to spend the extra money for 2006 Navigation System on your new 2010 Car. Beside that 2010 Endeavor is a great car to drive.

• 

  POOR PAINT JOB! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bob - August 19 - 3:00 am

  I like my Mitsubishi Galant but the paint on the roof and hood rusted out after only two years. Otherwise I love the car!

• 

  My first new car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Deborahp - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my mitsu. Dont see a lot of GTZs, in fact I had to purchase mine in a different state. This was the most car for the money and of course the special financing of 0.9. I have to buy a new one now as I need to give this one to my daughter, but I cant find anything to compare with all this had to offer, except another mitsu.

• 

  Great SUV...the only caveat - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rerg - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the vehicle...the only caveat is that the automatic transmission really needs another gear (5th) as the engine rpms run about 3000 at 60 mph...might account for the lower than expected gas mileage. Otherwise, its a real pleasure to drive...very stable and strong feeling vehicle. A total wiz on snow/ice covered roads!

• 

  Great Value - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dan255 - August 17 - 8:50 am

  Edmunds review of this vehicle is REALLY harsh. I test drove many other mid-sized sedans including the Camry, before I purchased my 2010 Galant. A 2010 Camry with close to 20k miles on it would have cost me the same as the brand new 2010 Galant I purchased, with 12 miles. I got a brand new 2010 left over Galant for just over 17k. The sticker price is close to 23k for this vehicle. You will not find a new Camry or Accord out there for anywhere close to this price. For the price the Galant is a great value. I would not pay 5k more for a Camry or Accord, I think the Galant is very close in quality after driving all of them.