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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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sparky - October 9 - 6:00 pm

  Awsome Car. I was a little skeptical about buying a 4 cyl but it proved me wrong. The amount of perk that the engine has just satisfies me enough! I got the Automatic/Tiptronic with the sun and sound package. Excellent car, excellent design, excellent....EVERYTHING!

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  Love Love - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By JLarsen - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Yes the Diamante is a well kept secret.....It drives great and is an enjoyable car! - Lots of pick-up on the Hiways! Wish you would spend soem time driving it - it is not to popular as you dont see many - but if people would just take it for a test drive ...They would LOVE it it is a geat little luxury car!!!Wonderful car to drive it is so ZIPPY!!!!!

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  I love it.. - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By beep1998 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It just seems to be just what we wanted.

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  Mitsubishi ES Lancer Automatic - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By d2k2 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Lively acceleration, roomy interior compare to its class. Better looking than Civic, Corrola, Sentra and the likes. Nice fit and finish, smooth transmission. Very good stereo, overall a well made car. Price for a used one can not be beat compare to the over price Honda

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  So much more for the money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jhc003 - October 7 - 1:06 am

  Just purchased a new 2007 Mitsu Outlander XLS AWD and so far I am very happy with the decision. This car has a number of great features and is very stylish inside and out. Drove a Honda CR-V and some others but this seemed like the best way to go. Standard V6 blows away the competition and I also like the drive selector switch that lets you control 2WD, on demand AWD and full time AWD. Ive been getting great gas mileage on mixed driving (Ive even averaged over 27 mpg on my regular commute just the other day). Have felt some swaying with heavier winds which did surprise me. This SUV feels like a mid sized SUV in terms of interior space and with the V6 but gets the gas mileage of a compact.

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  Perfect Sports Car for the Money - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By INDIANA - October 6 - 2:56 pm

  Great little car. No complaints. The interior is a lot nicer than the last three Chevys I owned. Limited view when looking over your shoulder, but not a big problem. After all, this is a sports car. Seems to be easy to get in and out of. Well laid out dash and controls. VERY comfortable seating.

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  Best Value of 09 - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kdoske - October 2 - 2:26 pm

  This car is great. I got mine fully loaded and I LOVE IT. Its spacious and has a great looking interior. 2.4L vice 2.0L engine definitely shows some gain, but not enough for anyone that has an 08 to go out and trade theirs in for the 09 model. It drives fantastic all while not being to stiff over rough terrain. It really is a great balance between comfort and sharp maneuverability on the road. Navigation option really puts the icing on the cake with this car. Its navigation computer is so incredible I cant even believe it is on a car at this price range. All I can say it wow!

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  2007 Eclipse GS - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sylvain Giguere - October 1 - 11:06 am

  I bought the Eclipse GS model last week and it is a fun to drive car. Its Sportronic transmission it makes you feel in control of the car. Its acceleration is good for a 4-cylinder and it is a good looking car inside and out. The road handling is very good and makes tring to get more out of the car. So far, it is a very good choice.

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  Needs Improvement - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Stephen - September 28 - 1:09 am

  Mine leaks on passenger side when it rains,or my A/C condensate leaks on to passenger side rug.Had to remove drain plug under carpet to drain water out of passenger side

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  Great Car! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ANGEL - September 27 - 5:36 am

  I love my Lancer. I went to the dealership not thinking that this car would be what I wanted, and I actually had an appt. with an Infiniti dealer the same day. After test driving this car I fell in love with it. The pickup is great in the 2.4 and the ride is quiet. I have the dark gray and people think its the small BMW! I trade my cars in every 2-3 year (lease) and always went for the high end 6 cylinder cars. This car is just as good if not better. I love driving it, the ride is really wonderful!