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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  bad paint and cracking dash - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durby - October 16 - 10:00 am

  have had the car since 1999 and the paint has oxidized more than once and the dahboard has 3 major cracks from the cheap plastic used. it is out of warranty, but we all know that the paint ahould not oxidize in this time frame. the dashboard cracks are getting bigger each day and they wont touch that due to the warranty issue. Mitsubishi...stand by your product and dont be so cheap with the materials.

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  Dream car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MochaMint - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE this car! No, its not a race car (yet), but the handling of it is incredible. The body is sharp, and its so quiet, even at high speeds. The Lancer is very quickly going to become more popular than the Civic.

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  Most reliable I have ever owned - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Alan - October 14 - 10:00 am

  So here is the deal. I have had a slew of other cars and non of them can match up to the reliability and fuel mileage of this car. I have owned it for about 3 years and I have only had to do the basic maintenance stuff (Brakes, tires etc). I also get 38 MPG at 65 mph on the highway and about 30-32 around town. Not sure why anyone who wants a small car would spend thousands more on a civic or corolla when this car is just as good or better in some regards.

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  Handles all weather - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By molly - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Outlander all over the country, in Massachusetts snowstorms, New Mexicos wind storms, Pennsylvanias pelting rain, and Arizonas searing heat, and it has never let me down. It handles really, really well in the snow. I have not had to do anything other than routine maintenance. The original battery lasted for 7 years, and the paint still looks great. It has a few idiosyncrasies: It makes a strange chirping sound in cool, humid climates (in San Francisco, in particular). As others have noted, its not the peppiest. It drags on steep hills (like the big one in Camarillo, CA, on the 101 southbound), and I have to stick to the slow lane. All in all, Ive been very pleased.

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  Best SUV Value - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DonMitsu91 - October 13 - 8:50 am

  Best 7 passenger offroad capable SUV for the money. Interior is great! Good Looking Exterior. Good off road.

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  Liked it so much I bought two! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Neale - October 10 - 10:56 pm

  Great flexibility, good gas mileage! I have a 90 lb. Doberman who loves to ride in the back! Very dog friendly! I dont think I have paid anything in maintenance with my dealer sending free oil change certificates and rotating my tires for free! Great sound system, hands free phone. very comfortable seating with good support. I am getting about 23 mpg with mostly city driving.

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  Frustrated but totally in love - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ddplumley - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I cant get my Montero up my driveway (about 15 degree incline) in snowy or icy or slushy conditions, and thats why I bought it in the first place! At first, I thought the problem was the inferior all-seasons that it was sold with, so this year, I bought super-rugged Mastercraft Courser C/Ts, and my Mitsu STILL cant climb my drive (yes, we have already our first snow storm). No one can figure out why - someone please help me if you can. Im disappointed, as the 2002 Dodge Ram climbs my drive with no problem using worn summer manufacturer tires.

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  FUN CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ALiasname - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Fun car for everyday drivers, superb car for tuner culture, and im 32 and say this. One word underrated. Although its not quite built maybe as well as sturdy as some of the other front wheel drive semi sport cars out their, that people like to fix up now a-days. This is the closest thin stock that comes to a real sports car in its class. It looks awesome And has 200+hp stock you can work with in a 6 right off the bat. It plays the role of a sleek Italian look, instead of trying to be just another modern sedan. And beats all most of your local noise maker junkies out their stock.

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  WHAT A GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By 1BILLY - October 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A FAR BETTER VALUE THAN ALL OTHER CARS ON THE MARTKET IT STYLE AND RIDE IS LIKE A $40000 VEHICLE MITSUBISHI DID IT RIGHT THIS TIME

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  I love it - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rubykimie - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I truly love this car! Fun to drive, great on gas. beutiful inside and out. Great price too.