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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  Great Whip, Wide Turns - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dcomes1st - November 2 - 6:23 pm

  I love this car and would not trade it for anything. Even though this is my first new car ever, I work in the auto industry and have seen, driven and sold many different vehicles. The 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is one of the best mid-size sport sedans. I think the gas mileage could be a little better, but then again thats coming from someone who is used to driving a 4 cylinder.

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  Great Looks! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fenixfire077 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Although there are many of these on the road, they still manage to turn heads! I love the car, I have it in Black. I would definetly recommend the sun & sound package, it features an upgraded sound system (7-speaker infinity setup w/ 210 watts) and a sunroof. Ive rated comfort as the lowest because getting in and out can be a pain after a long day, and while wearing a coat its a battle just to get the seatbelt on (although that prevails in most cars, not a big deal) The styling is distinct on the car, alot of people put body kits on their cars, but in my eyes - mitsubishi did a great enough job on this exterior, im not going to change it!

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  107,000 miles and its a beast! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jonathan - October 31 - 4:56 pm

  The eclipse is my favorite car. At first I wanted the gts but since it was a 6 cyl I held off but I tuned this baby up I got a full cat back exhaust and cold air intake on it which makes it fly like the wind. The car is really fun to drive and handles great. My only problem was that I had to replace the slave cylinder maybe the guy who had it before me did not know how to drive but I had it for almost 2 years and I love it.

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  Oh yeah! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By adamcky90 - October 30 - 4:58 pm

  I decided it was time for a new car when my 93 Subaru Legacy crapped out. I had intentions on buying a Subaru WRX, but time was an issue so I picked up a 2007 eclipse on the spot. Of course me being a young kid (20) I had to tint the windows and put on a cold air intake (which really does make a difference). But I have had this car for 3 months and have not had an issue at 29,xxx miles. I highly recommend this car, Its a fun car to drive, and its pretty quick for a single over head cam. these cars run a 14.8 in the 1/4 mile and 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. Forget the American gas guzzling pieces of crap, get an import. The variable valve timing (MIVEC) is a great thing.

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  Love my Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sandy - October 29 - 9:56 am

  Ive had my 2003 Outlander for 3.5 years now, and have had zero problems with it. It still rides, looks, and feels brand-new. Its true that I dont put a lot of miles on my vehicles, but its been totally reliable in every way. I am planning on upgrading to the new 2007 version as soon as it comes out.

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  Fun to drive... - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Zelda - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Going from a sedan to a suv I was not sure about whether I would like the drive or the ride. I like both! Handles better and is a quiet ride if not somewhat stiff compared to sedan. I am enjoying it very much.

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  Great small car for its money - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sofia - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Had Mitsubishi Mirage for 3 years, nice small car that never failed. Stoped at Mitsubishi to check new Lancer and liked the value - price/performans/quality. Toyota or Honda or even Ford with same options will cost much more!

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  Favorite Car Yet - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jaschaeferiii - October 27 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car new, .3 miles on it. Its been a great car to drive. It handles very well (GTZ has sport suspension), and has a good amount of go when I want it. I have driven this car like I stole it from day one and it has taken most of the abuse. I have replaced the rear bearings once at about 90k, caused by cheesy caps on the inside of the rear hub rusting out. Blew up torque converter around 120k resulting in replacement boneyard trans (very, very rare issue, probably my fault). I have almost 180k on it now, getting some rust, need some bushings, O2 sensor, havent replaced timing belt ever. Still starts and accelerates like the day I bought it every time.

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  Rather Pleased - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jim - October 25 - 2:20 pm

  This is the first Mitsubishi I have ever owned. So far after 1000 miles it drives pretty well. No problems yet. I am getting very good mileage. Up to 34 mpg on the highway. Rarely do I get less then 27/28 mpg anywhere. Smooth ride and not too noisy. Yes, its a bit underpowered but I can live with that for better mileage. Overall a nice car and fun to drive. The price was good too.

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  Love My Eclipse! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Williams - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my eclipse. It is fun to drive, and the fuel economy is great. The only maintenance that I have had to do over the last 2 years and after 56K miles, is oil changes and tire rotations. I have had to replace the tires, but not due to any front end problems or anything like that. The downfall is that is sits so low to the ground that sometimes other drivers dont see you - I have almost been broad sided a few times - but thats what comes with the territory of owning a sports car I guess.