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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  I love my Raider - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By amethyst - April 13 - 10:06 am

  I love my Raider a lot! I dont agree with how some reviews mention cheap plastic. This truck is very solid in its build. I love the sound system, the handling, and it definitely has a lot of power. I am in love with my Raider as well! All that I wish is that gas prices would go down!

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  I love it!!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sherellem - April 12 - 9:43 am

  I love the car. I am a small person so it fits me well. I get compliments everywhere I go syaing how nice the car it and how its perfect for me. Itys has great speed on the highway which I love, but the pick-up is a little slow. Its excellent on gas (which is a plus at these prices). Its warms up fast in cold weather, but fishtails a little in the snow (which I do not like). Overall, for the price, its worth it. I love it a great deal. A few little adjustments and it would be perfect!!!!! I recommend it.

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  Best buy ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Donna - April 12 - 6:53 am

  I purchased this vehicle used in 2005. I have driven it for 5 yrs this month. I have over 134,000 miles and beside tires and a battery (that was my own fault) I had a belt replaced that was worn and the transmission flushed to extent the life of this jewel. I use to buy a new car every couple of years. No more.

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  First SUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By desarge - April 11 - 8:10 pm

  During the recent winter storms in DC the SUV rode so smoothly over the snow and ice, it was refreshing to watch everyone else get stuck while we drove around freely. The back seat has plenty of space for passengers, since my son is driving it with my wife, I spend plenty of time in the back seat. Cargo space is actually bigger then the space we had in our minivan; that was unexpected. Gas mileage is wonderful for a car this size.

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  Good Performance with Premium Fuel - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By OutLanderer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  One thing I discovered in last few months is, substantial improvement in acceleration with Uleaded Plus or premium fuel(even better). I never used to believe in it. But the difference is day and night. The added bonus is 1 more extra mile gallon (compensates for extra money spent).

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  Addicted to driving it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wattage3 - April 8 - 9:43 pm

  Its been three months now and I still am looking for excuses to drive my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS. I get compliments everywhere I go. I do not way regret in anyway choosing this car.

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  Better than getting a Civic or Corolla - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By chkey - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Have driven many cars, but this one takes the cake. Thought of saving money for a Corolla or possibly a Civic, however, when I saw this car I knew that this was the one. Just as good as Corolla(or Civic) and cheaper. Also, very reliable and depenable. When I look again for a car, the Mirage is on the top of my list.

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  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

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  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

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  My Second Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronnie - April 5 - 4:26 pm

  This is my second Mitsubishi Montero, I still have my first one 1998). The performance is more than I need, I dont need more of a gas-eater when gas costs $3.00 per gallon. This Montero is fast, shift smoothly, has good fuel economy and I feel safe in it. If I were to tow anything, I have all the pep that I need. I compared the Montero to the Dodge Durango, but I have had past service problems with Dodge dealers. Ford Explorers double timing belt costs $2,000 to replace. The Volkswagen Touareg and BMW X5 are way out of my budget. Even the Toyotas in this segment are expensive. My Montero is a 2006 XLS. I got it at a "Buy It Here" lot in Puerto Rico. I paid $29,000 for it. I decided not to pay $34,000 for the Montero Limited with leather, moonroof, and wood dash. I didnt need the DVD system either.