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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  Fun to drive is an understatement! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jellyfishian - June 14 - 6:40 am

  Well I have owned my car a week shy of a year and have put about 19K miles on it bringing it to around 73,500 today. I am 20 years old and in college so I need a reliable, economic, fun, inexpensive car to drive and my OZ Rally Lancer is just that! I bought the car from a dealer and it was a one owner with a clean history and had great service records. I have only had one issue with it and that was with the A/C and my warranty took care of that. This car is a blast to drive and I get around 30 MPG with my spirited Driving. I have taken it out of state, to the beach, and to the mountains and it never lets me down! It will be with me a long time!

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  Been a very nice car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Knights81381 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought my car used at 23,000 miles. I have literally have 0 problems with it. It has been one of the greatest cars i have ever owned.

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  Sporty Crossover - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rick - June 12 - 11:32 pm

  I drove a lot of crossovers before buying my Outlander. It was the most fun to drive with great handling and awesome acceleration . It has also been one of the most Reliable vehicles I have ever owned . Ive only had it in for repairs for a minor exhaust problem, otherwise just routine maintenance .

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bob Mc - June 11 - 3:16 am

  Still cant believe the good fortune of getting this car (sept 03) for such a great price. Just drove SE Pennsylvania to Atlanta and back and got 32/33 MPG. Car has been flawless. Deal was so good, I wish Id bought two.

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  Nice Machine - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Blue06Eclipse - June 9 - 8:00 pm

  Well Its been six months now, and my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse still continues to amaze me. It gets looks everywhere, and compliments like you wouldnt believe. I love just driving it to work, its so comfortable. it is a n nice redesign compared to the 2001 model that I had previously. It really is an amazing difference.

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  Very nice - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mr. TBag - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp exterior and design. Great Power and handling. Very good price for what you get. This model is awesome since sunroof, upgraded audio system, V6 are all standard. Like most have mentioned, all negatives are just nitpicking. Interior is simple and lacks hooks for clothes, handles, pockets for storage, that type of stuff. Minor details.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By averyjenn - June 7 - 12:10 am

  The body style says it all. This car is fun to drive! I got the sport and accessory package and couldnt be happier. One drive of this car and it was like it was meant for me - the seat just cradles you. Great on long drives.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By harleychik - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my Outlander for four days now, but I think it is awesome. So far, it is exactly what I was looking for in an automobile. The interior is sleek and very comfortable, the exterior is very classy and stylish. It is exactly what I needed and wanted, no more, no less.

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  2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jota - June 2 - 2:00 am

  You wont, in my opinion, find a more stylish SUV around, period. It looks great and is lots of fun to drive. It is quite roomy for its looks. Everything I have ever wanted in a Mid- sized SUV. Fun, reliable, and practical for our family too!

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  I really like it. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Eumax - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for something tha could be reliable, that would not consume like a V8, price-wise, updated design. I compared to the Toyota Highlander, but the Mitsubishi is stronger and has more interior space.