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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  My Lancer Opinion - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancer Lover - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in March of 2003, I actually traded in my 1999 Honda EX Civic Coupe for it. I fell in love with the Lancer style long before it was released in the US, the body lines are unique, which is what I like. The lancer actually surprised most of my friends with the ability to push you into the seat off the line. It has been reported to have 120 hp, it seems like it has more hp that most cars in its class. I am 67" tall and 250 lbs and the lancer is very comfortable.

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  Kick asphault - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Timko - July 6 - 10:00 am

  For the money I think this car iss one of the best out there. But then again..the only rason i got one is because of the 0 down 0interest and 0 payments for a year. Top notch!

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  Good overall - after 15,000 miles - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tom Mckee - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Owning an 05 Mitsubishi Endeavor has been a good experience so far. I enjoy the ride, overall look inside and out, and good visibility.

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  Not cloned . . . . nice - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sheldon - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Not a sheepish clone of any other vehicle. Refreshing styling, surprising performance. A winner.

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  A Tiger in Disguise - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ChrisGT - July 2 - 4:46 am

  Like a Tiger waiting to pounce, the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, matches the same poise and agility. Cool and calm, it meanders through traffic, maintaining a firm grip on virtually any surface, but when the moment arises, can leap into the forefront, leaving others wondering ... what was that???? A head turner, its exterior is quite unique to the market, and heralds the same design quality that made the Porsche 911 back in 1962. Interior wise, all the ameneties point to the driver, assuring a comfort level that is always within arms reach. To date, Mitsubishi has remained true to it committment in support of their products. For a re-design, it is quite impressively put together.

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  Great car for the price. - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By R.Diaz - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Car is a great value for the money. The performance is very good considering that even the GTZ is more a family type sedan than a sports car.

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  If you are looking for a fast ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Screenburn - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for 3 days, and i still cant get enough of it i love just driving. The best features of the car are the leather interior, and the massive amounts of torque. I love the tan leather but realy dont like the two tone black on blueish black leather. The two tone takes away from the sex appeal of the car. The torque is great you dont have to be a race car driver to get into the engines sweet spot. This car wil take most sport compacts off the line. Even though the car weight in just over 3400 lbs with a 5 spd it still handels well for a car of its girth.

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  Diamante - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Paul Fontaine - June 28 - 2:30 am

  This car gets 26 mpg highway. Its veryf ast on acceleration. Nice, comfortable ride. Im very impressed. With all the warranties they gave me, Im very happy.

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  Awesome Sport Ute!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tminchew - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased an Outlander XLS with the Sun and Sound Package for only $18,864 at Price Mitsubishi in Greenville, Texas. The dealer was great! I love the vehicle. The interior design is awesome and everything about the car feels as good as it looks. I also received the new warranty as well as free scheduled maintenance. Im still waiting to see what kind of gas mileage Ill get, but so far it doesnt guzzle gas like a larger SUV. This is a sharp looking and comfortable vehicle and can easily get five adults to the movies and back without causing any arguing!

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  Sold at First Sight - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike - June 25 - 10:06 pm

  My previous car, an 02 Hyundai Elantra broke down so I decided to trade it in. I had been researching new cars and had considered this as well as the Suzuki SX4. Test drove my Lancer and I was hooked. I got the GTS with the standard stereo, no nav. I kinda wished I had gotten it but I couldnt justify the extra cost. As far as the performance, the car is quick and handles great. The tires seem to be the limiting factor. Everywhere I have looked people criticize the Dunlops for their lack of traction, especially in the snow. The car is comfortable and drives great. The gas mileage is awesome. Its better than the mileage I would get in the Hyundai, even though that engine was smaller.