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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  Minor Issues, but Still Amazingly Fun - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pcmodem - July 23 - 1:10 pm

  Everywhere I go, people ask about my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, but thats not the only reason I bought it. Its fast, more reliable in bad weather due to its FWD, large enough to actually fit people in the back (although not large people), and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. My only complaints would be some minor cosmetic defects that the dealer promptly fixed, and a lack of a comfortable place to put my left elbow while driving.

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  surpasses expetations - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ALANNA - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I had read a number of reviews re the Outlander re its supposed lack of power which made me some what skeptical. I have taken the Outlander up and along the Mountain Highways of Utah and have not experienced a lack of power. This small SUV is fun to drive and Well built. I purchased The Outlander LS on Saturday, May 3, 2003 and with 0% finacing for 60 months plus a 7/70 powertrain warranty I think that I made great Choice. As with all Vehicles not everything is perfect. I Highly reccommend the Outlander.

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  46,000 trouble free miles - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By zio - July 21 - 2:13 am

  We bought our Mitsubishi Montero Sport new in 2003 as a 2002 leftover model. We drove several different brands, Nissan, Toyota, even a big Chevy & Ford, and the big Montero. I liked the way this truck drove best. But I do like a "tight" chassis better than a swaying, "unconnected" feeling ride. I got that from the Toyota & big SUVs. Its accelleration is good. We have never had a problem with onramps or passing uphill. And I like the transmission. It downshifts when I want it to, and holds the gear for as long as I want it to (almost reads my mind). I hate automatics that upshift too early. The build quality seems to be top notch, too, almost comparable to our 2002 Honda Odyssey. There are no rattles, odd noises, or anything to complain about.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dan - July 17 - 5:23 pm

  Love this car. Ever since I saw this car I wanted it. Funny thing is I couldnt afford it. But when my old car was totaled. This was the first car I went to see. I just love the look of this car. Everything about it is great. The gas mileage could be better but other than that its a great car.

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  Great Quality - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Hotlanta - July 16 - 8:46 pm

  I bought this SUV new. I now have 143,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Ive owned five SUVs prior to this one and it ranks up there with the 4Runner. I never had any problems and it still looks as good as any SUV on the road.

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  love the car - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gary Montague - July 16 - 6:41 pm

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  Buy this car, NOW! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pirateofthecaribbean - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This cute, petite car is perfect for any person to consider buying. The outside design is great, and very comfy and roomy inside. It is the best car in my garage!

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  Best Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kady - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect!! I Love it!! Its so fun to drive, resembles a maserati (spelling?) I get looks EVERYWHERE I go! My friends Love IT! YOu zip in and out, u get places faster not by driving faster, but by being able to move in and out wherever you want! I test drove a lot of cars and with this one i fell in love!! Its the perfect car for teenager,(me) or midlife crisis!!(Dad) haha!

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  2003 GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wildcatome - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, so far very reliable, and looks great! The stereo is awesome for stock! I get about 32 MPG and do mostly highway driving. I do need to be careful, as the car likes to creep up in speed. It corners very well.

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  Eclipse is no.1! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CurlyKd03 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  perfect for teenagers! Nice acceloration for a 40 cyl. FUN to drive! Runs great!