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 Great Vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By cookie jar - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The Montero Sport has been a great SUV.The gas mileage is reasonably and the handling is great. It has great curb appeal.

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  Excellent Value! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Snoopy64 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my new 04 Endeavor for myself as a birthday present. I looked at a Durango, but it came only in an 8 cyl. and I didnt want a gas guzzler, but still pretty nice. Highly considered an 04 4Runner, but Toyota has a habit of adding on options a consumer my not want, therefore raising the sticker anywhere from $1000-$3000 and out of my desired price range and budget. THEN, one day I drove the Endeavor LS FWD, and it drove like a car. Comparable ride to the 4Runner SR5, but about $4500.00 less with a better warranty, and tires for life. My wife fell in love with it on the first drive, and enjoyed the roomy feeling.

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  Severely Underrated and a Tremendous Value - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By J Harvey - January 13 - 11:37 am

  After much research I narrowed my choices to a Subaru Forester XT Touring and a Mitsubishi Outlander GT. They both seem to have the best AWD systems in their class. My first choice was the Subaru, especially coming from a 2013 XV Crosstrek, but I couldnt justify the additional expense over the Mitsubishi. The biggest advantages the Forester had over the Outlander were steering feel/handling and resale value. However, I prefer the Outlanders traditional 6 speed automatic over the Foresters CVT. I also find the front seats to be more comfortable. The Outlanders build and material quality is top notch. I havent found one flaw. Engine performance is strong and the fuel economy has been surprisingly good. The ride is smooth and quiet. You really cant beat the value here for what is truly a quality vehicle with excellent safety ratings and best in class warranty coverage.

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  kj - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Petern6 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Very good, loveable car!!!

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  I love this car!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ramona - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car and love it!! I bought the 5 speed, and am having a great time driving it. It really is responsive, and the interior has features I wouldnt expect at such a price.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Barry - January 11 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my lancer es used for $8,000 with 42,000 miles on it and have put another 10,000 miles on it. I have not had a single problem with it and I get about 28 mpg. Its been a great car and I put about $1,000 worth of parts into it and now its awesome! People now think Im driving a luxury car because I put nice custom leather seat covers on it, halogen headlights, a spoiler, new deck, etc. Next, I want a turbocharger and some nice wheels, and itll be perfect. I love how you dont see too many of these cars on the road too. Its also fun to drive and has good traction for a econosedan.

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  Great Value for Money! - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jaybruinboy - January 8 - 8:30 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Outlander LS 2WD a couple of weeks ago, silver, with the Convenience Package. Ive driven it over 350 miles around Los Angeles, and so far I have mostly very good impressions of it. First, the looks-- nice lines, definitely not cookie cutter, and somewhat broad shouldered for a small SUV. People do ask what it is and take a closer look. Also, it does not have a spare tire hanging on the tailgate (which could bring you great grief if you get rear-ended). It will definitely not be lost in a sea of look-alikes at the parking lot. The iInterior looks great -- it should have a sign that says "designed by Kenneth Cole." Driving impressions--more than enough power, quiet at cruise. Nice!

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  I love mine - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutlndrLvr - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Outlander is my baby. I have never been happier with a car/suv and Ive had a few now. Its classy looking, comfy and stylish on the inside, gets excellent gas mileage and is a decent size for a compact suv. I have the XLS and love it. I thought about the sun & sound package (sunroof/Infinity sound system) so that I could get the Infinity sound system but opted against it after hearing the comparable factory system. I wont say its Infinity, but it is a good system nonetheless. The price was more than reasonable. You also get a nice ride out of it and I find mine pretty quiet-never have to raise my voice to talk to other passengers.

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  Outlander - Great Ride/Drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bigdaddyhow - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a very driver friendly vehicle, especially in the city. Quick acceleration 0-30, but 4 cyl not ideal for two lane passing. One of the better body styles out there in its class. About 25-26 MPG highway which is pretty good considering.

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  sweet car!! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GSXpower - January 6 - 10:00 am

  bought it with 15K, now have 40k, no problems (with regular maintenance). turbo needs to be taken care of, but nothing major. ride is choppy: you feel every bump. ride is also noisy, but not really noticeable. radio is directly in front of shifter: cant use it while in first gear