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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  Decent Nice Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By CJ4482 - September 17 - 6:00 pm

  This is my 1st Mitsubishi. Its a nice car, decent and I enjoy driving it. Ive had A/C problems way too much and the back seating is kind of tight. I would recommend this car for a 1st timer, or a commuter car, poor gas mileage, although I do like this car, I will not be buying another one nor will I be buying any other Mitsubishi.

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  2002 Montero sport - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Kinsella - September 13 - 7:13 pm

  This has been a great SUV for my family. Very reliable and fun to drive. I wish they would bring back the design.

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  Smooth to drive, really a sport feeling. - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jon Pogi - September 13 - 11:56 am

  I got this last Nov and when I got it there is a small dent and the dealer was aware about it and verbally they told me that they will fix it and even give me a loaner car. Now they are giving me a hard time to have it fixed and the 6 CD is missing not even there. The specs on the paper, 6CD/MP3 is the deck w/ navigation.

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  What a ride - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By What a ride - September 12 - 11:13 pm

  When I started looking for a new car I wasnt sure what I wanted. I drove the corolla, the sentra, and this little baby. I knew that I wanted a strippo to get the price down and I was blown away with this car. Its relatively quiet, it has a fair amount of power and never feels slow on its feet. The thing that sold the car for me was the ride. Its never choppy and I could relate it more to a big car then anything else in its class. The clutch and the transmission is very smooth and easy to operate and to me feels like a manual transmission should. Being that I do live in the midwest I did have to pay the extra money for the A/C which was well worth it. Give it shot.

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  Whats Up with the "Pros" - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JohnAZ - September 12 - 11:03 pm

  I dont understand the poor reviews of this vehicle by the so-called experts. I drove several cars (Mustangs (2), Miatas (2), Honda Civic Si, RX-8, Solstice, Corvettes (2)). While this car is no Corvette (frankly the Corvettes were too much car for me), it is a lot of fun to drive. In fact, given legal speed limits, I would say it allows one to jump on the gas and still remain at reasonable speeds, i.e., you can actually utilize what the car offers. And, I liked it much better than the Honda Civic Si - which all the "experts" rave about. If youre looking for a reasonably priced car, and dont plan on limiting your driving to pushing the car to the max on an oval, its worth trying.

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  A Good Car in my opinion - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By LocoDonkay - September 12 - 12:06 am

  With this car I have enjoyed myself. I have had no major problems with the car like some of the other reviews. I have made some minor upgrades to the car....Euro tail lights,Short ram intake system, clear bumber leans,and a Hayame muffler.

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  Mitsu got it right! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By koolcisco - September 10 - 7:46 am

  Test drove the Mazda 3, Civic Ex and the lancer by far the Lancer was a funner ride and beats the others in styling and buck for the money. I bought the Lancer Es Manual Tech and Appearance pkg it was just funner than the CVT even with those cool paddle shifters. So far the cars been great sure we all want more power but for the money I think its pretty peppy of course low end torque could get more work but satisfied overall. Cant wait for all the upgrades since its the same engine as the Evo yay!

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  2000 Montero Sport XLS 2WD - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By HawaiiIsla - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This SUV offers a lot more than you would expect. It rides more like a car than a truck, smooth. Power is more than adequate. The handling is great. The styling is wonderful. Very comfortable interior.

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  Excellent - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By VICKI - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Drives very well-I just love this SUV!

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  MY FAMILY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By STACY RUTECKI - September 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE. I AM VERY PLEASES WITH THE FUEL USAGE AND RELIABILITY. THE ONLY THING I WOULD CHANGE IS THE INTERIOR DESIGN (A LITTLE).