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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  like it but - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bob bove - March 17 - 10:00 am

  the interior could be a little more cushiony seat is a little hard but overall a pleasure to drive

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  Traction questions on 08 Eclipse - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By carnut - March 15 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned my Eclipse gs for about four months now with about 4,000 miles on it and found it to be fun to drive, good acceleration and a great sound system but I am noticing that in wet weather the car loses traction around curves and slides and wonder what it will be like in winter driving with snow and ice other than that the car is pretty nice.

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  Pros and Cons - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jacks74 - March 8 - 7:30 am

  This was my first brand new car. A couple months into purchasing it, I had an issue starting it. I took it in and they said that it was a computer glitch with my line of car and that they couldnt fix and to press on the gas to start it when it happens. Currently battling the dealership with that but looking at others comments, it seems itll likely always do this. Other than that I love it. I would be more satisfied if the dealership could fix the starting issue. I wish I would have purchased it used because the used price of the car would definitely be worth it.

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  Excellent handling - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By tyky - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV handles like a car, the steering is excellent which makes it easy to manuever.

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  Nice Looking Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ckdtodd - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the sharpest looking cars on the road. It handles well and has good acceleration with the 4-cyl and 5-speed. Mine has 25,000 miles on it and I have had no problems. However, the paint on the front of the car is terrible. I have so many chips to the point it needs a new paint job after only 1.5 years!! The interior is of low quality grade materials.(seat fabric, and dash board) Overall, I would go to the Acura RSX for the money. I just may!!

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  So far so good. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By xxjeffxx - February 26 - 3:43 pm

  This is pretty good SUV. I was told it would be underpowered but that is not the case. I am very happy with the performance. It could be more comfortable on long trips but its not bad. The 60 months no interest was the clincher and I am very happy with my decision so far.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Fred Reithel - February 25 - 6:43 pm

  We have owned three Monteros, two new, one bought as a lease return. Other than the SUV type of gas mileage they have been terrific vehicles, great comfort, quality build and enjoying to own. Mitsubishi makes fine product and we will consider the next generation of smaller Mitsu SUVs when the time comes. Buy used with confidence

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  Eclipse GT - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Tim Allen - February 20 - 4:10 am

  The torque steer is pretty severe and the handling is a bit soft. The engine and transmission are exceptional.

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  Hope it lasts as long as my Explorer! - 2008 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jinsan - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  I recently purchased my 08 Galant with 30k miles and have now put 2k on it. I just hope that it lasts as long as my 02 Explorer (152k trouble free miles). I drive 20k miles per year, mostly commuting to work and 95% highway. So far, I must say that this car rides and handles well...has plenty of power and is VERY quiet! I am pleasantly surprised with Mitsus build quality and hope to drive this car for 150k+ miles! Waiting to see how it handles in the snow!!!

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  Likes & Dislikes Eclipse 08 2.4 auto - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mamiya - February 16 - 12:36 am

  500 miles so far, like looks, handling, fosgate sound, tires, int looks, DISLIKE noisy engine and interior like theres no sound dampening, maybe thats why they offer the 650 watt stereo! Hate the fact that if you get a flat you cant use flatfix, it will screw up the tire sensors!, and the key thing with the electronic code, its like they want you to call for help!