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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  Raider Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By tmac - July 31 - 5:23 pm

  Great truck for the money, excellent ride, and a lot of head, and leg room. Great warranty, nice six speed! Nice body features. Gas mileage a bit costly, but now days what isnt?

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Bradley Aguirre - July 31 - 2:36 am

  The vehicle is very reliable. Its handling is excellent. It has lots of room and a great design.

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  dependable - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By txdriver4 - July 30 - 10:41 pm

  My parents have fords and dodges and i drove those for quite some time then i recently got the galant. i have t say it is a very nice car and worth your money, and it seemed to perform much better than my parents cars.

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  STINKY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Y - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The thing smells like rotten eggs. No matter what time of year, what the weather is like, it stinks. Ive taken it to the dealer 4 or 5 times, and they keep telling me to "change gas stations." Fuel economy is not the best 22mpg for 4 banger, my caddy get 26 and its an 8 cyln. Will never buy a Mitsubishi again.

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  My Mitsubishi Raider Duro Cross - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By RICH - July 28 - 12:00 am

  Ive never drivin a pickup that rides so smoothly. The Raider is like a Cadillac. Plus all the power is right there for you when you need it. The only problem I find is that I cant pass a gas pump. I know its a truck but, it could do a lot better than 13 mpg. I was so surprised when I drove it for the first time. It is extremely comfortable and easy to drive. There is no wrestling with this puppy. Everything is very easy to work, just a fingertip away . I found the Raider by accident but I couldnt be happier. I got mine fully loaded, 4x4 8 cyl., and the only thing that you might want to think about is the engine - do you want power or gas mileage. I love the power! Good job Mitsubishi!

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  The EV technology is ready - 2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By stan_cz - July 27 - 11:37 am

  I have this car for a half year with 2800 miles on it and it became the primary car in our family. Our 2 kids love it, too. The car completely changed my way of thinking as EV owner and driver. Going to a gas station is now hassle to me. Range anxiety is non existent as I learned that I need to think just a little before going for a trip. If the expected distance is above 75-80 miles, I take our Jetta TDI, that simple. Very recently, I have taken my iMiEV for a long trip to test its range when driving up to 40 MPH w/o A/C. I was able to get 93.4 miles with 1 mile remaining. No need to reach for the hidden reserves. It is really fun to drive.

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  This car may very well save Mitsubishi! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Seadofan - July 25 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased in mid-June. I just love this car! It reminds me of my 95 Eclipse GSX. This is the fourth Eclipse Ive owned. Interior style updated with driver ergonomics in mind. Spacious interior (salesman says car is wider than Ford Explorer) with sexy body lines make this one a real looker. Ride is firm with only a touch of torque steer. 350Z & G35 both exceed price of the Eclipse. Living in the midwest, I have to consider performance in winter conditions. FWD Eclipse handling in adverse conditions trumps RWD 350Z & G35s handling. Dealer called me to advise of recall on master cylinder, offered a free loaner so I could do errands during repair. Kudos on customer service!

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  Competant family car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Huey - July 25 - 5:40 am

  I love this car. It has an aftermarket "INJEN" air intake, its very peppy for a four cylinder. The gas mileage is amazing. I love the styling its very sporty. The alloy rims that come from Mitsubishi are very elegant looking. The car comes loaded with standard features. The transmission delivers strong and at high speeds the car handles well. Its built as good as a Toyota or Honda. The rear seating is a bit tight for adults. The car has had no real problems other than normal maintance.

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  My Lancer OZ - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brad - July 23 - 9:16 pm

  The only problem I have had with my Lancer now at 15,000 miles is that theres no aftermarket following for these cars. It will be very difficult to try to customise your Lancer and you WILL pay for your individualty. As is, it is an excellent car for the money. But if youre looking for a tuner car go ahead and move on or at least consider the Ralliart version.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tebeaudin - July 23 - 4:56 pm

  This car has exceeded all of the expectations I had when I purchased it. Mitsubishi is not known for its quality, but this car is very well built. The gas mileage has been a pleasant surprise but I havent given up any power. The car has quite a bit of zip that lets me hang with cars with much more power. It has a great ride overall.