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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  100,000 Miles 2002 Diamante LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MN - December 16 - 12:06 pm

  I have owned my LS for just over 4 years now and have just under 100,000 miles on it having purchased it used with 17k miles. I test drove a variety of vehicles at the time within my price range and options requirements. Nothing else came close to the value of this car. Pblms at 100k miles: 1. One door speaker needs to be replaced 2. Antenna no longer retracts. 3. Roof Liner in back has started to droop Minor issues, but lead to a problem; replacement parts are hard to come by due to the rarity of the car. Mechanically its been a rock. Zero Dollars past scheduled maintenance so far. I am still in love with this car 4 years later.

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  BEST VEHICLE EVER PURCHASED - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By marie0124 - December 16 - 9:05 am

  I have owned my 2005 Endeavor for approximately 5 years now. I first thought it was a jeep from viewing from the street. i went to the car lot and was surprised it was not a jeep. I took it for a test drive up and down hills. It was a smooth ride and was easy to handle. I have purchased many cars in my life and found this one to be easy on maintenance only needing regular oil change.

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  Outlander is Great - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By arjjm - December 15 - 3:10 pm

  The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is a great vehicle. It stands out in a crowd as no one around here thinks to buy one of these. We get LOTS of compliments on it. The XLS package is the only way to go and the dealer sold it to us for way below sticker.

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  Greatest SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By BrendanCoote - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I live in Dubai, seconds away from great wadis, desert Dunes and other fantastic off road scenarios. Self and friends frequently take our motors through the ropes in the desert. Without doubt the most capable car is mine (called a Pajero in this neck of the woods) versus Wranglers, Cherokees, land cruisers and Patrols. I love it. Only issues would be some of the exterior frame is a little flimsey (My second trip in the car saw it limping home with a tailgate hanging off and a decapitated front fender. I love the car

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  AWESOME AND LOVN IT - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ken Martenz - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car and I love it. I test drove many other cars in its class and nothing compared. I love the "boxy" styling like rally cars and I think the car handles like a dream. I am getting on average 30mpg with the 5- speed stick. The pickup is impressive for only 120hp while getting the 30mpg. I dont drive it easy either Im going at least 70-80 on the highways to work and city traffic, let just say duck-and- weave. The car is agile and very quick around corners. Ive taken corners at high speeds and no tire squeel. Over all for what the car is, it is a 10, nothing added nothing subtracted as it comes.

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  Wowed and Thrilled! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By robcal1 - December 11 - 4:03 am

  I had a 2005 Toyota RAV4. I bought it for its "reliability, but I had so many problems with it! So when I saw that Mitsubishi had a new Outlander coming out I test drove it and got rid of the Toyota. The quality amazed me. I didnt expect it from Mitsubishi. I read all the time about Mitsubishi doing things wrong. I think theyre seriously underrated. Im very satisfied. I love the fast key. The Outlander is big, but its cool and the paddle shifters are NICE! The 3rd row is more for kids than adults. The a/c is amazing! In the previous review something was said about torque steer, I havent really encountered it at all. I could go on about this. Mitsubishi has REALLY stepped up on this one. You cant beat the price and warranty!

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  my new car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jonalecia - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I was the only one to ever drive my new car. When I first looked at it, it still had all of the plastic on the seats and and the dealership just got it off of the truck. When I took it for the test drive the car had only had .8 tenths of a mile on it, How cool is that! I have had the car now for almost 2 weeks, and have 366 miles on it. So far I love the awsome power from the little 4 cylinder engine, seeing how my two previous cars where both 89 mustang GTs. I am impressed with the preformance and handling of this car and looks, I get a lot of people doing double takes.

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  endeavor-underestimated - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dsc127 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  good looks, with great handling. has style compared to honda,kia,or toyota. power is there when you need it. easy to use dials/controls. plenty of storage, with solid interior/exterior features. plenty of tie-downs.interior illumination for front/rear passengers. all material used look like it will hold up to rough use. warranty great. transmission responsive to needs. feels surefooted on uneven road surfaces.

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  Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Robert - December 10 - 8:13 am

  After three years of fairly trouble free operation the radiator in my Mitsubishi Outlander blew causing the enigine to overheat and sustain further damage. The problem was with a defective fan controller known by Mitsubishi. They elected to cover the cost of all the parts, but not the labor. Is that good customer service? I dont think so. BTW, all this happened just one month after the warranty expired.

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  Best Car Out There!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By itty diamante - December 9 - 1:13 pm

  I love driving my car! Mine is very fast. I maintain mine and do oil changes religiously so it is still in great shape with 65,000 miles on it. It hasnt spent one day in the garage. I love the appearance, all the options, and the size. I can have my sons car seat in the middle and still have room for adult passengers on both sides of him. I have more room for people and stuff than small SUVs. The trunk space is very generous. All the luxury items without the over-inflated price tag!