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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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SRR MAUI - August 22 - 11:53 pm

  I have owned Toyota and Honda for the last 30 years and have no complaints. I test drove and researched the Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 thoroughly before reaching the conclusion the Outlander far exceeds these two in quality, ride comfort, and value. The Outlander has great style, a 6 speed transmission that is smooth and perfectly balanced. It is quiet inside and has a fantastic Rockford Fosgate stereo and bluetooth.

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  12 year Mitsubishi driver - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ny - August 22 - 8:16 pm

  The Eclipse is fun to drive. Take a while to get used to the wide interior, dash, hood. GT excellent choice for the price difference. I bought it even with GM employee program available on other cars.

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  Overall A Good Buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By joey45 - August 21 - 2:51 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and a headturner for sure. I have 62K on the car and have had virtually no problems except one big problem. My breaks became spongy after 50K. Since it was past the 5 year warrenty I had to pay for the repairs myself. Bleeding the breaks worked for a few months, then the problem came back. Next, it was thought to be the master cylinder, that was replaced and then the problem came back after a few months. Now all thats left is the booster, which may be faulty. So overall this problem is going to end up costing me over $800. Also outside trim/molding for this car is HORRBle. It was worn out after only 6 1/2 years. Cost to fix? $925

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  Hair of the 4-time World Champion - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By love2run - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Im really sorry I dont have enough time to drive my car (cause I drive a truck all over the country).But every time I get in, I feel like this is the car I allways wanted. Comfortable and supportive seats, good power, very direct steering - Mitsubishi did great job with this sport compact.

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  Dissapointed - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Krocar - August 20 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased my Montero Sport in Sept. 04, when it only had 14,500 miles on it, with some hesitancey, due to low the mileage because of the year. The dealer assured me that there was no need to worry and showed me a carfax report of the vehicle that was prestine. I now have 31,000 miles and it ALREADY needs a new transmission! It was to-good to be true!Also has very minimal power. the truck looks great, but as the old motto says..."looks can be deceiving".

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  auto - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By N Isphan - August 19 - 2:00 am

  like very much to drive and to own

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  simply the best - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By park - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I never thought this SUV was this great, but this car is simply the best. I had eclipse previously, and I didnt have any problem with the car, so I decided to go with mitsu one more time. before buying this suv, I test drove 2003 toyo 4 runner, 2003 nissan pathfinder, and none of them can really match with montero. Engine is powerful enough, and I am not gonna race with this car, so I dont need more power. I love everything about this car.

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  My 2003 Eclipse GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rmitch86 - August 18 - 10:18 am

  I owned a 2001 GS for a few years i inherited it from my parents when they traded up i loved it. When that car was rear ended and totalled in december i purchased a 2003 eclipse GTS gun metal grey. It has 74k and running great. My 01 got up to 212k and was running like a champ. Just do your sched maint. and keep an eye on problem areas. Both have been 5 speed and the feel of the clutch and the way the shifter pops into place is great. Very fun car to drive especially in the summer with the windows down and sunroof open. as long as you take car of the car and keep up with it the eclipse will treat you right. even stock its a head turner.

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  Best Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Boston Matt - August 15 - 1:43 am

  Not one bad thing. Got me through college, several million bad nights and its been Driven XC two times from AZ to NH. It is like a child to me, 75,678 miles to this date. Next this thing will be on blocks, waiting for bubble rap. Ralliart made it up to the Car Driver est top speed as well. I am impressed. This is the best car I have ever had and I will NEVER get rid of this car.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Sam - August 13 - 12:30 pm

  This is the first small car Ive owned in many years. Seating and ride comfort good for this size car. Unbelievable power from a non-turbo 4 cyl. Fit finish etc seem top notch, have only put 200 miles on it, so havent checked the gas milage, Im hoping for better than Ive read in other reviews on this site, I drive mostly highway and without a lead foot, I guess well see.