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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  So far, so great - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By sawlman - August 31 - 1:43 pm

  The Pilot, Expedition Ltd, Sequoia and Lexus LX were our first choices. The Mitsubishi wasnt even a consideration...until we tried it. It looks great inside and out. It drives wonderfully on street and highway (have not taken it offorading where it has received most of its accolades from 4x4 magazines and intl. races). It handles well: acceleration, cornering, braking. Gas mileage is avg (14city/19hwy). Price is low. If you are looking for a mid to large luxury SUV this is worth at least a test drive. Price is very negotiable right now with SUV sales plummetting because of gas prices and Mitsubishi isnt doing well compared to other car makers. Shoot considerably below invoice.

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  Like It, but Wouldnt Buy One Again - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Dan - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Montero because I wanted something bigger that is good in the snow. Overall, I wish I hadnt. The Montero gets good gas mileage and seems to be reliable so far (I have under 70,000 miles). It has an awful turning radius, the A/C doesnt work and this winter my 4WD stopped working when I needed it most. However, I havent put money into it and its very roomy, which is great for trips with lots of luggage. Also, it doesnt hold its value. I like it, but Id go with a Jeep next time.

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  Fun & Sporty - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dan - August 30 - 11:20 am

  I traded my 07 Spyder GT for this black 07 GT coupe back in April and have no regrets. I have the sun & sound pkg so I still have some open air. The hatchback has come in handy with our recent move, you can fit a lot in there. Love the exhaust note, comfort & all the looks I get. I have averaged 23 MPG for city driving which is the same as my wifes 04 Spyder so no complaints there. I dont "get on it" much because then you will see the needle fall. I find it funny that the critics hate this car and all of the consumers love it. Ill believe an actual owner over a magazine any day. I expect it will do well in our Ohio snow as did my spyder. Great car and highly recommend!!!

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  Fun, Fast, and Turns Heads - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BRIAN - August 30 - 11:10 am

  The 2007 Eclispe is the best car I have ever driven, at the ripe old age of 45. I love the handling, the sylish look, as well as the speed of a 4-banger! I feel young and get the young ladies looking!

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  almost satisfied - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chuck - August 30 - 4:03 am

  Great car to own, well worth the investment. I have 45,000 miles on my 98 have experienced no major problems, and I dont baby my car either. I do drive it hard and fast, in excess of over 100mph at least 5 days a week,and a few miles at a time. I can honestly say it handles great at hi speeds in breaking and cornering. Ive had only minor things go out: motor in power mirror while under warrenty, and drivers side door handle break twice also while under warrenty. I like my eclipse so much I want to trade it in for the 99 GSX - all wheel drive turbo virson which I wish I could have afforded in the begining.

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  What a car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mitsubishimot88 - August 28 - 10:10 pm

  Some people dont like this car because its a V6 and front wheel drive, but it doesnt matter what they think when Im passing Mustangs with their V8s. This car doesnt only look fast, it can back it up. If you dont regularly drive more than 1 person you should be fine, otherwise it might be an issue with the back legroom being absent. But the interior is great, displays all blue at night, has sunroof, 6 disc rockford phosgate system, displays the temp, cd track and time. Im very pleased with this car.

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  Not As Fun As It Looks - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chacha - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought new from dealer. Besides all 4 tires blowing out, no major problems until now. Things in/on dash are starting to wiggle & jiggle, and a $1000.00 clutch problem has developed at 50,000 mi. Is this the beginning of the end? Fun to drive & turns heads, but has also been the target of 2 acts of vandalism and hit & runs. Awful commuting car, guzzles gas, carries high insurance, and has no resale value. Sportronic tranny is boring & annoying to use(downshifts automatically).Don’t open hatchback after rain, H2O drains directly into trunk (mold). I’m getting rid of mine before it falls to pieces. It’s not as fun as it looks.

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  Eclipse Rules the Road - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vonlang - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is, by far, the best car I have ever owned. The GT V6 has plenty of pickup, while maintaining a very comfortable ride. After driving this car for about a month, I drove from L.A. to Phoenix. At one point during the drive I looked down to notice that I had just passed 90 mph, and I didnt even know it - thats how smooth the Eclipse rides. I love this car!

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  MrJLos - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JLo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  An SUV that rides like a car

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  Well worth the moolah - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Tsquared80 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but fun in my 2003 silver GT since I picked it up over a year ago. The handling is nice and the comfort is incredible. I did a little shopping around and I knew when I test drove the Eclipse that that is what I wanted in a car. Everyone Ive spoken to likes the way it looks and the way it performs, including me, of course. It doesnt do too bad in the snow either. Winters in New England can be horrible, but the V-6 handles decently and has never been stuck in the snow.