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 car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tracker j - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Very fast and responsive and grips the road phenomenally. Because of AWD, it turns like on a rail. Excellent in snow too. I compared to a WRX with great expectations, but this car has indistinguishable performance, plus leather, s/r and good looks. Almost no repairs in 5 plus years--the best of any car Ive owned, which includes some great Euro sports sedans.

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  Awesome - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By lattal - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this baby many times in a gravel pit filled with mud and I cant get stuck even if I wanted to. It has good power.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By el cow - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The Outlander is a great value. It has so many more standard features than other SUVs and it is cheaper than them too. I would recommend this SUV to anyone using it for daily driving. Unfortunately it does not come with a V6, so it is a little slow and would not be good for towing large objects. The exterior and interior of the Outlander are very well designed and it is pretty sporty for an SUV.

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  WHAT AN AMAZING VECHICLE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tsi2fst4u - August 25 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS GOING TO BE THE MOST POPULAR SUV OUT. NOT ONLY DOES IT HAVE THE BEST RIDE I HAVE EVER TAKEN IN AN SUV BUT IT ALSO GETS GOOD GAS MILAGES. PLUS THERE IS NO OTHER SUV OUT THERE THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS ONE. AWESOME VECHICLE AT A GREAT PRICE.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryan - August 25 - 9:10 am

  This is a great car for the money. I have had it for about a year with no problems. It gets awesome gas mileage and has awesome looks. All of my friends are jealous..

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  Great small SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jam - August 23 - 3:03 pm

  The fastest SUV on the market for less than $40,000. The triptonic gear box works great, even better than my 2001 Audi A4. This truck is smooth and fast, with young and sporty looks. I love that is not very common. In fact is hard to find.

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  MY BABY! - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rachel - August 23 - 11:13 am

  This is my first car, Ive had it for almost 5 years, no headaches yet!

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  A Hidden Gem of a CUV! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Not a Zero - August 23 - 9:30 am

  Just bought a 2010 Outlander XLS V6 AWD. Its handling is sharp and the ride is firm but not harsh. Good feedback from the road and drives like a car with a low center of gravity. Acceleration is brisk and the 6 speed transmission is fun to shift with the paddle shifter. Body roll is minimal and I find myself taking corners faster and more confidently than I would normally be with a SUV. A/C is very cold and much appreciated in 100+ degree Texas heat. Very satisfied with the purchase on 0%, 60 months financing and a longer than typical warranty. The Outlander is a hidden gem of a CUV that driving enthusiasts will love.

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  Lancer OZ - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ron - August 21 - 10:00 am

  great all around economy car.

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  about eclipse quality - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Elvir - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car its sports car but "COPS" dosn`t stop me anymore because most of this type of vihicle drive female and they dont stop them