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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  Good Driving Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JPudas71 - March 14 - 6:10 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a good driving car for someone like me that has a 80+ miles a day to work. It gets really good gas milage, which is good now that gas is so expensive. The looks I get are great and the car is so cute and stylish. My kids think its a race car.

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  Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mick Foster - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Although for Insurance purposes this Vehicle is not rated as a sports car. You will never believe it when you drive it. The 4 cylinder 2.4 engine keeps up with the V6.. It has a true class sports car look all the way around.. A car sure to catch the eye of anyone you pass bye. The dealership experience was another story, I rate Santa Monica Mitsubishi a big zero.. However, the car more than makes up for it, in spite of themselves..

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  best car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By danik roger - March 14 - 10:00 am

  the car is very competitive

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  Love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DevonPass - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2003 XLS AWD. I have all the extras: leather, seat heaters, sun roof, Infinity stereo, auto dimming rear veiw mirror. I am getting 22 MPG which I think is pretty good for an SUV. The car has plenty of room for my active family, I have 2 dogs, a husband and a 3 year old. My husband is just over 6 feet tall and has plenty of head/leg room. Others have complained about the power, I am satisfied. I commmute 50 miles in and out of Washington DC and have no problems navigating the beltway. I have recieved many compliments.

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  Lancer GTS Sun & Sound Silver - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By scuderiams - March 13 - 1:53 am

  I just bought this car and its amazing. I got the Sun & Sound package and its worth every dollar. The performance is great for a 2.4l. I like the CVT with the paddle shifters. Fuel consumption its good, not the best one but its good and better than my previous car. Hands free system works great. The exterior design is great, its an eye catcher. Handling and suspension work great together.

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  Best car Ive driven so far! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rosa - March 12 - 10:00 am

  So far it drives wonderful.I never thought that I will like this car so much.I love to drive it every where.I turn heads when Im driving down the street.I love it!

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  The new Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pcmacbob - March 11 - 5:10 pm

  I just purcased a new Eclipse and have fell in love with it with one exception. The radio is suppose to play mp3 CDs (which it does) but after creating a few of them and inserting them into the 6 CD changer and trying to eject them all of a sudden one wont eject and know the cd unit wont even play anything. I looked in the manual to see if there is a way to manually eject the cd, but it says that you need to take it to the dealer. This might and probably will be a problem for buyers of the Rockford system. I did not see anywhere in the manual what CD manufacturer you should use for the stereo. My first tank I got 25 mpg. I have the 4 speed auto and love it also.

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  Best Car in Its Class - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mneddy - March 11 - 5:10 pm

  Love absolutely everything about the 2007 Eclipse GT. The design is the best. It is extremely fun to drive. It sticks to the road like glue. It is very good in winter driving. This car is absolutely comfortable and FUN to drive.

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  There was no doubt which was the best! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By evorg - March 10 - 10:50 pm

  I tried all the SUIVs - Honda, Mazda, The Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tuscon, and the Saturn VUE. The Outlander blew them out of the water! It is the best buy with the best options and best warranty.

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  A special vehicle - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Joe - March 10 - 1:00 pm

  The 2010 Endeavor is my second of the series. My first a 2004 was given to my daughter when I purchased the new one. I loved the first one, and have driven the 2010 about 4500 miles since buying it three months ago. It has all wheel drive plus all of the bells and whistles. I love the drive, the comfort and its many features, including the Bluetooth, back-up camera and navigation system. Prior to purchasing my 2010, I drove and priced the Pilot, Highlander and Veracruz. The Endeavor was clearly the best value and the most fun to drive. My hope is that Mitsubishi continues to produce the Endeavor. I have had two friends purchase Endeavors after riding in mine. A special vehicle.