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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  Unexpected - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Educator - December 16 - 5:43 am

  Bought the LS model unexpectedly last Dec, and drove 7,500 miles in 3 1/2 months, mostly mixed city driving. It is fun to drive on interstates at high speeds, I did up to 110 mph on I-15. I never considered buying it but grow to like it more and more. Nice, powerful growl when briskly accelerating, strong a/c and Infinity stereo, interior power equipment, and good day-to-day qualities.

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  Follow up from 2011 review / 2014 comments - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By overboost007 - December 15 - 2:28 am

  Ok my 2003 GTS Eclipse V6 currently has 119000 miles. received Duralast Gold brake pads since I purchased it and 2 oil changes Mobile 1 synthentic and thats it. Now the BAD. The Flywheel and clutch went. Replaced them at Don Herring Mitsubishi in Plano Texas Thanks JT. Then the ABS light came on. Ill go to Auto Zone and get the Code and fix it myself. So far the second best used car I have owned next to my old 1999 Honda Accord CPE V6. AGAIN I do not race. The only upgrade is an INJEN Intake system. Hopefully I can trade it in next year for a 2011 Dodge Charger or challenger. But my 2003 MITS GTS is one of the best reliable used cars you can buy hands down.

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  Ready to go - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 159,000 - December 14 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my car for almost two years. I have had to replace the catalytic converter, some gaskets and right now I have to replace the solenoid switch. I still love my car.

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  Sleek, Fun & Fast - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JC Frenzy - December 4 - 12:03 pm

  Overall, the Eclipse is a nice sports car with some punch. I have the V6 GT SE, so mine has a few more bells & whistles than most. Its a fun ride, not great in the snow, but not a death trap either. I threw an intake on it to give it a bit more oomph and a nice engine sound. With a few mods this will be a beast. Stock, its definitely a solid buy.

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  Great Truck at a Great price - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By TKB - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Very good and outstanding vehicle to drive. Looks and rides better than Ford Explorer. Outstanding gas mileage. Had this vehicle for two years and havent had any problems with anything. Would buy another one in a heart beat!!!!!!

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  Great Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By LUV 4X4 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My Montero Sport has been a really great car, I really think that they could have done some wonderfull things with this shape in a more powerfull engine option than the 3.5L v6 and also with more luxurious appointments and general interiour finish.

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  A Winner! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jamis - November 28 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing my Lancer OZ i realized that it isnt that bad driving a sedan. i am more of a truck girl. the Lancer performs excellent on both highway and city streets and with fuel prices soaring the Lancer is just an all around winner!!

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  My Mitsubishi Galant - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TripleKings - November 24 - 1:16 am

  I have driven the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Corolla, as well as the Nissan Altima. For the overall driving experience/price/service my Mitsubishi Galant wins. I recently traded a 2004 for a new 2007 model and I could not be any happier. I never had any problems with the 2004, I just wanted a new vehicle. It has plenty of room, runs smooth and fast, and gets good gas mileage. It is all about the money and for the money - well go drive one for yourself and see.

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  good/great - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jeffskibo - November 20 - 2:20 pm

  great looks both interior and exterior. Corners really well and a smooth ride, however severely lacks power which is a trade-off for great gas mileage.

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  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 07 Endeavor with 15K miles on it for a terrific price. Have put 10K on it so far. Great car. Black exterior and black leather interior look awesome. AWD drives great. Only problem is that I recently found out from a Mitsu mechanic that it had been in an accident that was not on the Carfax. Which is why my engine rattles a little bit louder than normal. Nothing wrong with the engine, he said. Just something I have to live with since there are non- original parts in there. So, aside from a loud engine when idling. I love it. Also, battery died at 20K miles, but it was a quick fix.