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:

• 

  love it - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By trol1374 - September 25 - 4:16 pm

  I knew about the low armrest in center and on door. However, I still loved the car. Nice sporty look and feel. The car drives great. The gas mileage could be slightly better, but all is still good. The GTS vs the ES drive is night and day. The ES motor feels like it is winding up and going to snap, the GTS sounds great while accelerating. If you get that sweet spot on where to rest your arm, then you will enjoy the car. Knobs are well laid out.

• 

  Best sedan ever manufactured! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jdm7018 - September 24 - 4:20 am

  This being my second Galant in 3 years should be enough to prove their impact on me personally. Ill keep this short and sweet. The new designed body style keeps the same Galant that we have all grown to love! I tried an 04 Accord, and compared to my Galant, it stunk.

• 

  Wow...you were owned - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BreakNeckSpeed - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Let me tell you. After buying the car new what has impressed me most is the cost to maintain the vehicle. This was my first Mitsubishi, and after owning several Toyota products, what a welcome relief at the parts counter. This car is fast stock, but its fun to add something new now and then to liven up the atmosphere out on the highway. 120k miles on the clock, and still strong.

• 

  First Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Swimster144 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car -- performance, looks, and reliability. The V6 w/ 5 spd is awesome. The tranny is very smooth. The infinity sound system is sweet! The suspension handles well, although I wish it were a little stiffer. I have aftermarket wheels on it, since the stock wheels were not my favorite, but other than that the exterior design of this car is awesome. The modern look of the interior and dashboard makes it a fun car to be in.

• 

  Hot car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vionlizzie - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car. Its actually the only car i enjoy driving. I have driven a lot of other cars and i like the eclipse best.

• 

  Great for the money - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jeffmiller32 - September 20 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car brand new. It drives great. I have put over 40,000 miles on it in the last 3 years and have not had any issues with it. I have done regular oil changes, and I recently changed the pads, other than that it runs great. We take it on road trips quite often, we can fit four 6 tall guys comfortably. Although there is zero room for luggage because I have to 10" subs and two amps back there. Sometimes the ride is rough, but right after I got it, I put 18"s on it. It handles great, but on older freeways and roads it is a bit bumpy. The interior design is practical,gas milage is adaquate. It is a great car for the money. The styling is modern. Great value for the money.

• 

  Terrible - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By LarryC - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car handles terribly in the snow,even in 4WD!I was sold a billof goods.Terribole dealership, Terrible car.NEVER AGAIN!!!

• 

  This is a great car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By SarahHenberger - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car, I think it was well worth picking this car over several others. Its a good price, for a great car!

• 

  Why is it falling apart ? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GTRick - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My car was one of the first to be produced and I think they were still working out the bugs. Fit & finish is slightly below average. Generally the car was holding its own (just a transmission issue early on).Since the car reached 30,000 mi. & just after the 36 mo. warranty was up, its been really crumbling.Battery has been replaced, front struts are noisy, brakes are vibrating, hatch wont stay open anymore, alignment is off, rough shifting transmission, moonroof gremlins,paint oxidation,millions of rattles, whats next ?

• 

  frank & gisels review - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By forno1special - September 19 - 3:46 am

  we feel this is one SUV that people have not taken the time to go see otherwise there would be more of them on the road its got sportronic transmision on the fly AWD plus 4HL,4LL exelent turning radius seating for seven electric seats trip computer w/digital compas the list goes on in other words with a few more ponies and a GPS it would be the perfect SUV.