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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  Cool Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mikey27 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but fun driving this car. It has a great look and ride. Very cool.

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  its ok - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By cool18 - November 29 - 4:55 pm

  Im 18 and my grandparents recently gave me their 2002 Montero Sport Limited. I must say it rides rough in the back seat but overall its good. it has 180000 miles and they havent done much but replace the radiator. i was 9 or 10 wen they bought it. I love my truck it saves gas, room for my friends and its enough storage for college moving lol

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  depriciation - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By DNN - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Good buy for yr money for the mid siz suv, but the car depriciate very fast. I recommend buying it used, better buy for yr money. Overall, its a decent car, but there are few noticed problems with the transmission hualing if engine is not warm enough and slight clicking sound in the engine area.

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  Totally underestimated - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By elittlej - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Dimante in 1993. I did not realize how wonderful of a car it was until I have gone through a 96 Jag XJ6 and 98 Cadillac Seville. Ultimately, it was the best car I have ever owned. Therefore, I am back at the helm of 2002. For the money, you cant beat the equipment. The style, handling and standard features match those of much more expensive cars. In the state of the economy, I am definately for getting the most for my money. I would recommend a test drive.

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  lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By hmperz - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of the car. Its different. Sporty but not extravagent. The engine department could use a little more power. But, I am extremely impressed in the gas mileage. The handleability of the vehicle is ok.

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  Great Stlye poor quality - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Disapointed - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it looks on the outside. very satisfied with the interior. Extremely disappointed with quality. Ive had my car for 10months now , have 22300 miles on it. So you can see I drive alot. About at the 9mos mark the car started to rattle near the rear. The service department has not been able to figure out why. This is something I would have expected from my last car the Plymouth Breeze. The main reason I switched to Mitsu, to avoid these ridiculous problems extremely disappointed.

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  Good value - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Nick - November 27 - 12:26 am

  I havent seen a better combination of performance, looks, and price than the 09 Eclipse GT. It has more hp than the other cars in its class, looks better (in my opinion), and in many cases is less expensive than other cars that less to offer.

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  Love the eclipse! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By godzilla87 - November 24 - 10:54 pm

  This is my second eclipse. My first one was a 2006 four cylinder. Unfortunately it was totaled in an accident. I missed it so much I went and got a 2007 GT. LOVE IT! The power and handling is amazing. People are always surprised with my takeoff speed. The Rockford fosgate stock system sounds amazing. Fun car to drive and always gets compliments!

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  Nice Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By WHW - November 24 - 6:53 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good, dependable, affordable alternative to larger SUVs. I very much like and enjoy driving this vehicle. Ive always had larger SUVs but got tired of the gas prices and vehicle costs associated with them. The Outlander handles, rides, and performs very well for the price. Its worth looking into if you, as well, are tired of the high prices involved with the larger SUVs.

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  2000 Mitsubishi Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rhonda Hodge - November 23 - 11:50 pm

  I have only had my Galant for almost a year. The reliability is awesome I moved from Oklahoma to Florida recently and I drove my car down here it was a very comfortable trip.