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 sporty sedan!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Christ - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very nice ride and comfort for the size. Compares to cars much larger while still has handling of a sports sedan! Interior set up great to too. Easy to drive with great visibility.

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  Going to run this into the ground - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kelcie - November 4 - 2:21 am

  I bought my Mitsubishi Galant in 2013 with 70,000 miles on it. I just passed the 150,000 mile mark and wanted to just praise my Galant for making it this far. I have made one cross-country road trip in this baby, a trip to Death Valley and countless day trips. Ive had a lot of mediocre cars and this used car has by far, given me the most bang for my buck. Since getting the car, I have had to replace my battery/starter, and my AC died on my cross country trip (replaced for $600 in the heat of August somewhere in Texas...eeks). I replaced the radiator on it, and replaced the brakes. I know this SOUNDS like a lot, but I consider this car to be the perfect vehicle for me. Prior to my move, I was driving around 80 miles a day on it. After the move, Im still putting about 40 miles a day on my commute, and it just keeps hanging in there. This car has also weathered two bullet holes in my back panel from a random drive by in LA. Ive never had any engine or transmission problems, which I consider to be the real risks of a used car. I plan on running this car into the ground, and believe with regular maintenance I can get to 200K easily, and 250K if I am really really nice to it. :)

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  My Eleventh Mitsubishi Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chanel - November 3 - 11:06 am

  Of all the previous Eclipses I have owned, my 99 Spyder GST was always my favorite, until now. The 06 Eclipse GT drives like a dream. I have it in Liquid Silver (I should have bought black). I am thinking about having it painted Northstar White (the color of my 99 Spyder). I have received more compliments with this car than any other. My vehicle has dealer dark tint, and Mitsubishi sport pinstriping included. So Hot! The iPod in the glove box is HOT! This car has style, is sleek, and five of my friends purchased one within a week of me purchasing mine. This is my second 2006 Eclipse and I love them. BUY ONE!

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  My Super Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jr Evo - October 31 - 11:40 am

  The 2003 Lancer is a great car to modify. A lot of people complain that it is lacks prower, but all it needs is a high flow cat and muffler and a cold air intake with light rims and ngk iridium plugs. Im doing 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds.

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  A great car for the young! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Burke - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I love it! I drive as much as I can just to cruise in this car!

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  Love my SUV! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By aly - October 29 - 9:30 am

  I have had my Mitsubishi Montero Sport for 4 1/2 years and have had a great experience with it. I maintain my vehicle, which helps in keeping maintenance costs down. It is spacious, comfortable, and not boxy. Its a great SUV for the price.

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  perfect after the "Mom Van" is no longer needed! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dir6 - October 27 - 10:59 am

  Great for the budget minded who no longer need a van, but have teens at home, and kids in college to pay for. I have owned this for a year- looks & performs like I just drove it off the lot. Phenomenal handling in torrential southern rain. Ice cold air. Very comfortable for long distance college runs, even for my husband and college football player. Kids argue over who is going to drive it- all phones ( iphone & android) hook up & function well with the FUSE system. No one is taking this to school- its mine :)

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  2004 Endeavor AWD LS - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By endeavor owner - October 26 - 8:46 am

  I think it is probably the most comfortable and roomy mid-size SUV out there. Compared to other models, I think you really get a lot for the money. The engine really has a lot of pick up for the size of the vehicle, and my husband tows his 17 bass fishing boat with it - and there is virtually no effect on the ride. I have owned it over 3 years and love it.

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  A Wow Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Flatlandersteve - October 24 - 7:26 am

  The 2007 Eclipse is a dream car. It has the styling of a small speedster, the beauty of a classic sports hatchback, and the get up and go of a roadster. The 6-cyl. 14 valve, 260 HP engine, provide plenty of power to rock the road. Do not hestitate to take it for long drives. The car hugs the road. Its ride is very comfortable and there is plenty of room for luggage, the dog, the cooler and the golf clubs. Whether you go with the hard top with the sunroof, or the convertible Spyder, you cannot make a bad choice here. I was set on a two seat roadster so I drove the Solstice, the Sky, the RX-8, and the G6. The Eclipse won the day. There is no need to spend your life savings, you can have it all with the Eclipse.

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  04 Manual Ralliart - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Katy - October 22 - 5:50 am

  Ive had this car for nine months now and havnt had a problem yet. Its a fun car to drive, has great pickup, and gets you a lot of attention on the road. Awesome after 3500 RPM when the Mivec engine kicks in! I feel that I made a great choice on deciding to get the Ralliart.