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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  outlander - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By fernandofi - December 29 - 1:00 am

  By far the best suv for the price. It has all the cool tech stuff, like premium audio, air bags, shifters paddles and bluetooth without the high price of a luxury suv.

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  A Real Quality Car with Perks! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By CHensley58 - December 27 - 10:43 am

  Ok, I just bought a brand spanking new Lancer as stated above. I just love this car. Ive always been more on the bigger longer taller cars but if youre looking for a super fun to drive sporty fuel saving compact then this car is in a complete league of its own. I would recommend this car 110%. I looked and test drove many of cars before making my final decision. This car beats them all. From driving to listening to your favorite tunes to just doing everyday running, you just have to drive one to know what all of these reviews are saying. How many other cars do you see where none of the reviews can really find any real problems with the car? None that I have seen! Just buy one ;-)

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  why such low reasle value in these cars? - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By sallygator - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Yes, the wind noise in this car exists- does that mean it leaks when it rains? I have a 1994 wagon which I also love- I do not like the seat eating papers habit of the sedan. MY car beats most others! Was considering Avalon or Volvo along with this one. Think I shouldve gotten a Toyota with better resale. Would love to have a hood ornament. There is nice acceleration here...and a stable ride at 120 MPH. Back seat headroom for my son (at 64")is lacking

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  The best car ever - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pommer820 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  It is a awesome car. Not only is it a nice design. But it is also fun to drive. Do not pass up a chance to buy a Mitsubishi Eclipse.

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  Good Buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By peteiii - December 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride is excelent, smooth, very quiet, very soft to handle, and handles like a car.

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  My first SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By AdamB - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the look! The Blue/Gold two- tone is very classy, especially with the tan leather interior. Its also is QUIET! I hear virtually no road noise at all, even at highway speeds. The ride is also luxury car soft. I was concerned that I would get a "truck" ride in it, but its actually quite the opposite. The only thing trucklike is the slight "sway" in a turn which comes from being up so high. I have the 3.5 engine, which seems to be adequate - not fast, but not underpowered either. To date I havent had a problem with build quality or reliability, so I give it high marks here too.

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  2003 Eclipse GT - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By finfan - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Mitsubishi Eclipse that I have bought in the past five years. This car is very reliable and its looks are great. One thing I do suggest is put some money away for a new stereo because the factory one is terrible. Also the v-6 is great but it is not as fast as the old turbos that were in the older Eclipses. Even with those things being said I still love this car. The new design is great and you will get some looks while driving in it.

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  2003 Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gjens - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This small Suv has been a lot of fun to drive and since Ive purchase this car over seventeen month ago has not cause me one bit of trouble. I wish it would give better gas milage in the city 18 mpg but it does rather well on the highway 27 mpg.

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  SE Galant 20005, A great purchase! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By HeidiB - December 23 - 6:16 am

  I simply cant say enough good things about the SE model. The spoiler, exhaust, leather interior, rims and taillight upgrades are phenomenal. I enjoy the space and roominess of the vehicle and how luxurious it is for the price I purchased it for. Its a great change of pace from its rather plain-jane competitors (Accord and Camry). Wish this vehicle was publicized the way those are, and the warranty is a huge reason to make this your car! I dont worry about it expiring prior to my loan being paid off. Additionally, can you beat 0% financing?

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  2001 Diamate LS - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Greg Mace - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Mitsubishi Diamante I have owned. My first one a 1992 ran like a champ. After 120,000 miles all I need to replace was tires, brakes and battery. I sold it in 1999 and recently found the buyer still had it and it has 160,000 miles and stil runs like a champ. He told me it was the best used car hed ever bought. My 2001 Diamante LS is all that I expected. A smooth ride, plenty of horsepower and smooth ride. I have friends with BMWs that kick themselves for not buying a Diamamte. They said the ride is as nice as the BMWs and I paid $10,000 less.