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:

• 

  Nice Machine - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Blue06Eclipse - June 9 - 8:00 pm

  Well Its been six months now, and my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse still continues to amaze me. It gets looks everywhere, and compliments like you wouldnt believe. I love just driving it to work, its so comfortable. it is a n nice redesign compared to the 2001 model that I had previously. It really is an amazing difference.

• 

  Hate the gas mileage - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kay - June 9 - 2:56 pm

  I bought this from a rental company. The car has basically been problem free except for the heater/air conditioner. A co-worker who owns a 2002 model is having the same problem. I was also disappointed with the gas mileage. Otherwise, the car has treated me well!

• 

  Not a Metro - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By brifam - June 9 - 10:42 am

  I have been a long term auto enthusiast and almost missed this car due to my reliance on the opinions of the professional "reviewers"” out there, but, in my opinion they sure missed it here. I traded in my 08 Kia Optima and took the Mitsu Mirage ES CVT on a 700 mile road trip home. I couldnt believe it at first, but, the car is set up to travel. Ive got 9,000 miles on it now and after 5 pleasant months, I still think the seats, comfortable ride, and road noise are better in this car than in my Optima! And, I got 44 mpg at 75 MPH (58 mpg at 60 MPH with a 25 MPH tailwind) with the A/C on!!!! Those other reviewers should go drive a Geo Metro before hopping in this car just to gain a

• 

  Entry level toy - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Buddanos - June 7 - 10:00 am

  In my review to buy an entry level "toy" a sports coupe the Eclipse, Celica and Cougar were in my list. To olish my driving skills after several years of driving minivans! I picked the Eclipse GT mainly for the payment facilities, 2)head room, 3)sportronic-I prefer manual but that was a compromise for my wife, 4) shoulder room, 5) trunk capacity, 6) reasonable engine performance.

• 

  Very nice - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mr. TBag - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp exterior and design. Great Power and handling. Very good price for what you get. This model is awesome since sunroof, upgraded audio system, V6 are all standard. Like most have mentioned, all negatives are just nitpicking. Interior is simple and lacks hooks for clothes, handles, pockets for storage, that type of stuff. Minor details.

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By averyjenn - June 7 - 12:10 am

  The body style says it all. This car is fun to drive! I got the sport and accessory package and couldnt be happier. One drive of this car and it was like it was meant for me - the seat just cradles you. Great on long drives.

• 

  Amazing Car. - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ømar Chafee - June 4 - 8:42 pm

  I had a dark red 06 Eclipse GT with that "rare" black strip going down the front bumper. It was a beautiful car I bought a nice spoiler for it too. It really drove great, I had it from 75 K miles to 115 K miles until it was hit by a drunk driver, totaling it. It gave me small minor problems throughout the time Ive had it but thats almost whats to expect from any used car near or over 100 K. My car door sometimes wouldnt close, I had to get it a new battery because the battery I had was very weak.. ect. The sound quality is absolutely magnificent. That speaker in the trunk really gives the overall sound an extra punch. Acceleration is great. I liked nearly everything about this car.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jason - June 3 - 10:10 am

  I bought my 2001 Eclipse gt at the beginning of summer and ive loved it all. it has a body kit, k and n cold air intake, stage 2 clutch custom paint tinted windows subs and an invadia exhaust system with bigger piping from the cat to the muffler. I love driving the car around and it gets good gas mileage especially with the cold air. Insurance on them is a little high but it is a sports car. in the end if you plan on having some fun with the car and adding on some things its great and i say go for it.

• 

  New to me, LOVE IT - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By SarahM - June 3 - 4:06 am

  I just got this SUV after my old station wagon topped the 230,000 mile mark. I was looking for three things: Japanese make, four wheel drive, and lots of cargo room. This car was available for the right price in my area, and only had 55,000 miles on it and one previous owner. It has now become my favorite car ever. It looks great, performs well, and my brother, a professional mechanic, said that it is in amazing shape for a vehicle of its age. It is probably underpowered for towing, but thats not what I wanted it for. It has about the same pickup as my old 4 cylinder Outback, but with the increased size of the car and the 6 cylinder standard, Id say thats pretty good.

• 

  2009 Eclipse V6 GT - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kenneth - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  Runs smooth, good price with great power. 20 average MPG is reasonable with its horse power. The 650W audio w/ subwoofer is really amazing! Good audio. The truck is hard to close. Have to bang it real hard.