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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  MONTERO SPORT - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By WILDERBEAST - August 30 - 2:00 am

  THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY "SKIPPY" AND THE ACCELERATION IS LETHARGIC, BUT WHEN UP TO 4TH AND AT CRUISIUNG SPEED IT IS A SMOOTH RIDE.

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  Looks good...Drives well. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Herculesman - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car. Turns out its one of the best decisions ive made. The car handles really well. I was suprised by how well the handling felt when i put it in 4WD in the snow. Plus, it look great on the outside. At times, i feel the pick up could be better (especially when merging onto the highway) but then again, you cant expect any SUV to have the pick up of a sports car. Overall, great car. Would recommend to all my friends.

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  Looks arent everything - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryalage - August 23 - 10:00 am

  For looks, I love this car. Its one of those cars that I have to turn around a look at whenever I walk away from it. The interior isnt perfect, but close. It falls short with the steering wheel placement. The gauges are covered by the top of the wheel when the tilt is set for best comfort. And this car is a blast to drive. Theres just enough power, but the handling could be better. Then the problems start. The clutch rattles, the sunroof jitters when opening, the rotors warp VERY easily, the interior (dash, consoles) shakes and Ive had the bearings replaced. These are all common problems with the 3rd generation Eclipse.

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  Wow! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Alvey - August 23 - 9:03 am

  The Outlander an amazing vehicle all around! It has lots of room, the back seats recline and move forward, and back and best of all is it has a left hand cup holder for the driver right by steering wheel! The doors are hard to close and the u-joints are not very good, but other than that, this is an awesome vehicle. It is so cool. The third row seating is perfect for a young family!

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  Old reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ellie - August 23 - 3:13 am

  I bought this car because the year-end price was too good to refuse (despite not being crazy about the ext styling), but am amazed at the reliability. Almost 80k miles on it and only oil changes/checks & recall replacements. Now needs a new battery. Roomy interior, comfortable on a 2k mile trip. Gas mileage better than expected (average 23-24MPG overall).

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  Beautiful Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ilikemoney3 - August 20 - 12:35 pm

  This car is pretty nice to have it is fun to drive but not the best unfortunately. I wanna start with the pros of this car. Looks are sharp! I mean my kalapana black eclipse turns heads all the time and gets me solid compliments. Its a nice little 4 banger perfect for me and my chick. Installed HID 8000k lights, LED interior and License plate LED, modded exhaust, and Cold Air Intake.

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  Ralliart Supporter - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Tim - August 15 - 9:23 am

  Purchased in August 2004. Vechile has been excellent in -40 degrees to plus 40 degrees. Build quality is excellent. Service from dealer is very good. Only fault was squeeky rear bushings and fan door rotary switch. All replaced under warranty in a flash. Excellent winter and summer handling. Goodyear RSAs are poor versus Brigestones.

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  pretty awesome! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jay215 - August 14 - 8:20 pm

  good and its really a Reliability car!

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  Only Lancer better would be the EVO - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cmcoggon - August 6 - 8:26 pm

  I didnt want to get another Lancer as my wife has an 03 OZ, but I was swayed once I test drove it. It powered into traffic without effort. I was pushed into my seat by unexpected torque. I was sold at that point. The frills (sunroof and Infinity sound system) were just the proverbial icing on the cake.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By craig Lemelle - August 5 - 11:16 am

  Great SUV, This SUV is based off the the award winning race truck of Dakar Rallye in the 1990s, a tried and true, race proven, durable SUV. The racing hertiage of Mitsubishi and vehicle make it a great truck. Mitsubishi really has a top notch SUV. Its styling is mean, beefy, and agressive. I love it. This is really the only SUV or truck mass produced from a race truck, Mitsubishi really did there homework. I cant say enough.