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:

• 

  Good value - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By roger - February 11 - 4:30 am

  I purchased the 2003 Outlander AWD new and have only had oil changes, tires and a couple recalls since. Its been a very reliable, versatile and economical vehicle.

• 

  Outlander sport se - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By stanb - February 11 - 12:29 am

  Overall, the car is OK. It is fairly comfortable and stylish. Road noise is well dampened. It is adequate for a single person or small family. I was somewhat disappointed with the performance and fuel economy. On average fuel consumption is 18-19mpg in the city, 20-22mpg on highway. Mitsubishi dealership experience was dismal.

• 

  In a segment by itself - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Najib Wong - February 10 - 9:02 pm

  What you should know is that the outlander is in a segment that has almost zero competition in North America. It is the 3 row compact class. Its just there outlander and the rogue. And the rogues dont come with a V6. Reviewers compare the outlander to 2 row CUVs or 3 row mid size SUVs. Regardless, no other car epitomizes value like the outlander. V6, power lift gate, sunroof, rain sensing wipers, wiper de-icers, 18" wheels, fosgate sound, s-awc, power folding side mirrors, leather etc. All at a lower price point. I cant speak about reliability as I just bought the car but the handling and comfort is definitely at least a B+. Its not a sports car. Its a family vehicle. My kids love the car. We find a excuse to drive as a family.

• 

  Best value compact SUV - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By zagno83 - February 10 - 12:02 pm

  We just picked up an SE model with a lot of accessories including leather, it is a 2012 model in pearl white. After a bout 2 weeks of testing cars and reading reviews, this is IMO the best value out there, i always liked MITSU. product and this car has a great design and a host of cool features for a very good price and fuel economy. Dont trust the so called "expert" reviews, they are too severe with it, but if u read the consumers reviews they are very good. When i first test drove the car it felt slow, sluggish and noisy, well it is a lil bit, however after a long second test drive i realize that it takes time to learn this CVT transmission. Overall best value out there!!!!

• 

  More for a lot less!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By AVANANNA - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful SUV and less expensive than traditional SUVs. I was very surprised at how great the gas mileage was and very happy about the roominess of the back seat. Both car seats fit perfectly with a fold down arm rest suitable and within reach of the sippy cup and bottle. Although the cargo area isnt very large, it will accomodate a bulky jogging stroller. I think the Outlander overall is a great roadtrip car, peppy, roomy, great gas mileage, SAFE and stylish.

• 

  My "Winter Car" - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jeremydb2112 - February 7 - 1:43 am

  After being sick of struggling around in a rear wheel drive sports car in the snow I decided it was time to purchase a winter car and something with some room to transport items. I debated just about every small SUV and drove quite a few. I wasnt even looking at the Outlander until a good friend (Mitsu owner) told me I should give it a try. The dealer let me borrow it for the afternoon and that is all it took. The car drives great, rides as well as a family members Lexus RX 300. The MMCS (Mitsubishi Multi Communications System) is awesome and has just about every feature available. I rarely drive the sports car now as this is a better ride and still great fun to drive!

• 

  montero sport - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By david bomengen - February 6 - 10:00 am

  this is a smooth riding quiet suv.the interior is well laid out. no long reaches for controls. the gas mileage is a little weak (16) miles per gallon but the comfort on long trips more than makes up for it!

• 

  Perfect City Cross Over - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By ivand1 - February 5 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and based on her feedback the vehicle is simply awesome! I personally feel the engine lacks some power considering the weight of the vehicle; however, knowing how to use the paddle shifters do compensate for it, at the end, it all depends greatly on the driving style. On the other hand, features are above the expectations - got to love the blue Tooth connectivity, its also spacious and priced around right. At the end, I firmly believe this vehicle is conceived with a female target in mind and for that they did get it right!

• 

  Ojedas Opinion - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Interam - February 3 - 5:46 pm

  I had a Mitsubishi Montero for 10 years. I decided to change to another Mitsubishi as the experience had been fine. I went to see different alternatives though and still decided to stay within Mitsubishi. I did not know about the Endeavor until I saw it in a Car Fair and when seating in front of the wheel and feeling the inside I said this is the SUV I want. I have enjoyed it so far. Good response, confortable, fast in highways, stable. However not an economic vehicle.

• 

  I Wont Give It Back! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By AndieTaylor - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Right now Im driving this car as a rental while my 2001 Ford Focus SE has body work done. I love this car so much that Im not sure Ill be able to give it back to Enterprise. It handles very well and that V6 is powerful yet smooth. I was driving down the 405 freeway going over 100MPH and didnt even realize it. It felt like I was only going 65. My little Focus has nothing on this car. Well, I think my stereo is better than the one in the Galant.