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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  Great Little SUV! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tmo411 - December 25 - 3:05 pm

  I just got my Outlander recently, but Ive put 500 miles on it already. It handles great, and the V6 is very smooth. It also has a nice engine growl when you gun it a little. I got the GT model, but without all the bells & whistles. The stock stereo has a 6-CD changer, 140 watts and 6 speakers - plenty for my use. The seats are cloth centers with leather backs & sides - they felt more comfy than the full leather. You can aim the HID headlights, and theyre really bright. I love the paddle shifters, too. The back seat has plenty of room for my 6+ sons to sit in, so they like it.

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  Goody - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Derrick - December 24 - 1:56 pm

  My Montero Sport has been a solid performer over the years! It has good pick up and steering response. It is a little short on the turning radius though and it started to burn oil at 60,000 miles. Otherwise this truck has had very low maintenance cost. It has plenty of leg and head room for taller than average driver and passengers. The stereo is adequate and the heat/air is better than average.

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  economical and fun - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Immortal - December 23 - 6:16 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. 63,000 miles and still running strong. No repairs other than tires, brakes, fuel filter, etc. Gets on average 30-32 MPG. Extremely well built, well designed engine compartment, comfortable ride. Does not fair well in accidents though, my g/f rear ended someone at 20 mph and did over $4000 worth of damage to the front end.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mastersarge - December 22 - 10:13 am

  The Outlander was purchased just before the great snow storm of 2010 in DC: Could not be timed any better. The Outlander rode on ice and snow as though the roads were clear and free. Handling is as good as you expect from a SUV. The sound system is wonderful and the finish is perfect. All the controls are easily accessible and conveniently located. The only item we wish we had: a compass. great feature: how many miles left on a tank of gas.

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  An Awesome Car! - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Mitsu Customer - December 18 - 7:06 pm

  The 2008 Mitsubishi Gallant Ralliart is so much more car than I ever expected. Looked at Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Mazda 6 and this car blows them all away. The navigation system is awesome and the stereo is one of the best I have ever heard! Not to mention this car is FAST!

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  Great SUV! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By montero01 - December 18 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased my Montero Sport with only 27 miles on it and it has just been absolutely wonderful to me! It takes care of me and I most definitely take care of her. It still looks great. I recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Love my Mirage - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By sarah - December 13 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my Mirage for 2 years now and I would recommend this little car to anyone looking for a reliable, fuel efficient, sporty looking car. I havent had any mechanical problems other than normal wear and tear. I just got a tune up a couple months ago and it has really helped with the pick up on the car.

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  I WOULD HAVE PAID ANOTHER $5000 - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By njcontreraz - December 12 - 3:56 am

  I think this is a fine buy for anyone looking at value. Mitsubishi has to be one of the most underrated automakers. The Lancer has great pickup, good handling in the snow, and a smooth ride all around. I looked around and did a lot of research on other cars in this class (including some above) and this won by a mile as far as price and value. Give it a drive and you will be convinced.

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  The 2006 Eclipse RULES - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mplschemo - December 11 - 3:36 pm

  I recently bought a 2006 Eclipse and man does it rock! It definitely turns heads. The torque that it puts out is insane for a car that size and can easily beat most stock cars on the market today. Driving at night is awesome. The interior glows a dark blue and everything is easy to read. The only downside to the car is the gas. I drive this car so hard and fast that I get about 15 miles per gallon in the city. Sure, you can get the 18 mpg if you drive nicely but why would you buy this car if you were going to? All around this is an excellent car and I will be driving it for many years!

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  Best Kept Secret - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Laura - December 10 - 2:06 am

  We love the Endeavor! We hadnt even considered this SUV when we went car shopping and happened upon a great deal, did a little research and ended up getting the Mitsubishi Endeavor. It has been so nice to have! Everyone that ever rides with us ends up loving it too. Im surprised that they havent advertised it very much (at least where we live) I see several of them on the road now in my area, but it looks like theyre still the best kept secret in the SUV market.