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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  Lemon? - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By puddles - February 2 - 2:00 am

  After seeing all the other reviews, I did not see one person mention the hard pull to the right...a recall item, nor did anyone complain of a hard banging noise under the front. I do live on a mountain dirt road, I did expect off-road bility.I had this vehicle in the shop 3 times in two months for front-end problems. After contacting Mitsubishi for the 2nd time I was told it was NOT an off-road vehicle....hmmmm. I thought that was what an SUV was for. Would not recommend this vehicle for any serious off-road driving. Dirt roads it was not made for. Highway is nice, maybe I should move, huh? Also, too much outside noise,too much tinny noise,not solid

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  needs a lift! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By larry ferguson - February 1 - 10:00 am

  had to have one body panel replaced...dealer took care of at no cost. lots of room/comfort. bought a 1 1/2" lift kit so as to not damage body trim. goes like a demon in the mud! could use a little more power...but gas mileage is very good for a vehicle this size. i would like to see a supercharger/turbo or a v-8 option. (mitsubishi is known for their turbos.) gps would be nice in the compass.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jennyc - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an overall positive experience with this car. The only problem that Ive experienced is with the power moonroof.... at one point it started to shake while opening, and got progressively worse. I brought it to the dealership to repair it while under warranty, and it was fixed (a bad cable was replaced).

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  Satisfied - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Satisfied - January 31 - 7:56 am

  Three-time Mitsubishi product owner (Eclipse 91, Expo 94 and Diamante) - all exceptional value for the expectation. Ran the first two into the ground. Bought this used with 16,000 miles, and I have no reason to suspect that this model will not make the grade. Interior has a couple of flaws - seams splitting on back bench and carpet pullaways, and sound system seems to have been challenged by someones bass setting, but it runs great and keeps up on the highway.

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  best ever - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pmg - January 30 - 7:23 pm

  Handles like a car, and has all the comfort of a luxury vehicle. Love the visibility. A pleasure to drive, and the AWD is 100% reliable in any weather.

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  My Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Susan - January 30 - 1:00 pm

  This is my first Mitsubishi. It is a 2005 Eclipse. I feel that it handles great, especially on the corners. The ride is smooth. I find it hard to see what is around me though, whether I am trying to change lanes or back out of a parking space. I also have found the stereo system to be one of the worst I have owned in a car. For the price, a better system would have been expected.

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  Underrated in My Book - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Marc - January 28 - 7:13 pm

  I have had my Outlander for three days. Im an auto fanatic and very particular. I wanted a crossover for good gas mileage and handling. Nothing else out there gives you the features in terms of safety, comfort, technology, and styling that you will find in the Outlander. Dont get the "Its a Toyota, or Honda" name sell you. The material quality is not a 10, but seriously feel its competitors and its on par, but with a MUCH better execution. Its quite and comfortable. Its like driving a lifted car. It provides sporty performance with great gas mileage. The warranty is another factor to consider. I traded in a Jeep Liberty and couldnt be happier. Dont be scared about first year model, its been out in Japan for a couple of years.

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  go fast mitsu - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By green mitsubishi - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car back in 2000, brand new, with 46 miles on it. i drive it everywhere. the only major problems ive had were the stock tires (eagle ls), they were terrible, and wore out within 20000 miles. the car gets up and goes without hesitation. i have no problems passing people or hitting on- ramps. great stock cd player

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Arthur Fotopoulos - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Went in to get my car serviced (oil change, tire rotation etc) while waiting I asked the salesperson if I could test drive the Pearl White Endeavor. Of course he said yes and all it took for me was to drive and and fall in love with it. The auto I was getting service had just over 18,000 miles on it. 4 days after the test drive, I went back in to purchase the Endeavor.

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  best value in this category - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Doug - January 28 - 4:44 am

  This is my 2nd Mitsu. I put 50k + on a 2014 Lancer and never had an issue. Great car. This Outlander Sport is fun to drive, unbelievably reliable and great utility. This is a very competitive segment and this Outlander Sport is very competitive. The value is terrific. We have owned for 3 months and put almost 9k miles on it. Very comfortable on long drives. Looks great too. Mitsub may not be real popular in the US but ubiquitous everywhere else. Definitely check this one out. Plus the dealer in Raleigh is fantastic. After 8 months of ownership we are still very pleased with our purchase. No unscheduled maintenance or issues. Im seeing more and more of these Outlander Sports on the road so the word must be spreading. 1 year update - Still like this car. Runs great, still comfortable. Gas mileage is still good. no issues.