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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  Very Happy Owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Matt in Ohio - August 27 - 4:26 pm

  This is my first new car, and I am extremely happy with my decision. Chose this over Scion tC and Honda Si because I love the sharp edges and corners of the Lancer, not to mention the extra room inside. Went with the sun and sound package with the nav system. Everyone is intrigued by the FAST Key and stereo system. Fun to drive in either automatic or with the paddle shifters. I only wish there was some more power, but it is definitely sufficient.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By AdamG - August 26 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased this car in Feb. of 2006. I also got the protection options on it. I love this machine. It handles great, with tremendous acceleration, and outstanding options. The car has tremendous room, agile handling, and the blue lights inside make this vehicle very sharp. I would recommend this car to anyone. The sound system works great even with my satellite readio hooked up to it. The only suggestion would be to have dual power seats up front and back seats that lay down. This is an excellent car to drive and own overall. Great job to the employess that came up with this awesome car. To answer the guys comment on 2/1/06 it does come with heated mirrors on the exterior.

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  Piece of crap - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cookies Rock - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car with all my life! As soon as I got it I loved it because it was my dream car but I soon started regretting throughout the years Ive had it I had put in over 3 grand in the car it kept on breaking down on me all the time and finally my transmission went out on me and I kept up with my car too so its over all a piece of crap.

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  Happy with my Lancer! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By DR4eva - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought a second hand Lancer ES from Dixie Mitsubishi for a great deal and "AS IS". Few things I had to fix were the tie rod, the lower bumper had a crack probably from a speedbump, new tires, and new brake pads.. nothing out of the ordinary! Overall the ride is very smooth and humble. It doesnt roar like a mustang but it is quick to respond and drives very nice. My dad was equally impressed with the quality of parts (he works on our cars a lot) and I will buy Mitsubishi again!

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  Nice to look at - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrpowell01 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Just needed a car to get me to college. All I needed was a car that had a nice price target and looked nice.

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  Thinking of buying? I wished I hadnt - 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Don - August 24 - 9:30 pm

  I should have read reviews first. Warranty was only good to the driveway out of the dealership. Mitsubishi says thats how its supposed to be because all the other new ones are the same. To me that means they are all broken. Blue tooth only comes out on the passenger speaker and at a very low volume. Making it impossible to use while driving. 2018 Outlander

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  09 GTS 2.4l Lancer with 5 spd is AWESOME! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike - August 22 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned the car for about a month now. I got the 5spd manual with the sun/sound package and the navigation. I love the car so far. It has all the technology and features I wanted in a car. I was considering used BMWs, audis, acuras, etc. but when it comes down to it, this is a much more unique car and very fun to drive. I love that all the features and technology will last me at least 4 years of enjoyment while I drive the car too and from work. Some of those used BMWs didnt even have ipod hookups, i cant deal with that, lol. Anyways this is a sick car and is a blast to drive. Great warranty and overall good deal when you compare run of the mill cars like the civic and corolla

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  my 20th ann. edition - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By mikie61 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  love it,love it,love it!! got it for $10,000 under sticker price of $39,800..always gets the looks since i put on the 20" wheels..young and old want to know what it is..

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  Lancer Oz edition - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By agrieb - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little car that has great gas mileage quality interior and feels like a much more expensive vehicle! It also can take a crash very well as I found out recently! A much larger car rammed my front passenger side wheel/fender and I was surprised how well the car took the hit! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a nice comfortable car without giving up your entire paycheck!

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  Its great!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mikemartin - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The SUV is handling great.