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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  Trash the Aston Martin, James Bond! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By The Fox - January 26 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car to replace an aging, 10 year old Ford Probe. My Mitsubishi Eclipse GT has turned out to be a true drivers car and equal to the Ford / Mazda. Ive had it for 5+ years and am still learning more about how to unlock the secrets of handling and all out performance.There are fewer places now where you can open her up but, when I do, it performs like a true GT car. Im 58 and started out driving MGs, this car is vastly superior to what those oxcarts could ever have been had they evolved to the present and embodies what a true GT car should be. Im still enjoying it, in fact I just bought new mags for it. James Bond wasted her Majestys money on the Aston, he should have gone with the Eclipse.

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  LOVE MY ECLIPSE, 2ND ONE I OWNED - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GABBY - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE TO DRIVE IT. THE ONLY CAR I HAVE OWNED & STILL LOVE IT. THIS IS MY 2ND ONE. WOULD RECOMMAND IT TO ANYONE. IT A PEPPY 4 CYCLE WITH VERY GOOD MPG

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  Fun to drive, easy on the wallet - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dallasfan - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The Mitsubishi Lancer is what it is. An inexpensive, comfortable, fun to drive car. The vehicle has an ample, pleasant interior. I have two brother- in-laws over 6 foot tall who say the back seats give them exceptional room. The sound system is excellent and the ride feel is superb. I have cruised along at 90mph with little to no road noise, and no body vibration. This is a solid, reliable car that will get you where your going comfortably, and enjoyably.

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  2002 Montero xls is Awesome !!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sauel A. - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Has power, and handles like an eclipse this SUV rules !!!!!!!!!

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  Good, just not great - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By daveb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I leased a LTD model in Feb. and so far so good. I think its a solid SUV, but could use an overhaul/upgrade in a few areas, like interior design and center console. I think the engine/transmission are just fine, no complaints there. On the exterior I think its one of the best-looking SUVs out there.

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  1999 Mitsubishi Galant - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By 1999 Mits Galant - January 23 - 2:56 pm

  This car has been great to drive. It runs smoothly all the time and has had no major mechanical defects. I normally drive cars into the ground, but I dont think its possible with this car. It has 115K Miles and is going strong.

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  Happy Consumer - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rich2putt - January 21 - 4:30 pm

  Looked at the Honda CR-V, & RAV4 first, & the Outlander last. Been very satisfied with my decision.

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  did not plan to buy - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By herby - January 21 - 10:00 am

  bought an mitsubishi outlander xls a few months ago to commute to work. liked it so much that i went back to the dealership and bought a diamante ls for my wife. who says there is not enough horsepower? I live in the rockies and this vehicle flies up the hill.great ride and comfort. we simply love this vehicle. would recommend to anyone.value is very understated.

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  wow ! I like it - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By herby - January 21 - 10:00 am

  made a test ride and loved the comfortable and high seating position. needed something for my busy ride to work on the freeway.I was amazed how much power this little vehicle has. especially when using the manual shifter on the transmission.I am very happy with the good looks too.

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  nice vehicle - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By RobP - January 21 - 10:00 am

  No problems. Mechanically great. Never a problem..