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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  A lot of car for the money - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By doctor j - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Size is fantastic, larger that the Acura and Lexus in its class, its roomy and confortable inside. Handling is a good cross between a sports and sedan, although the steering could be a tad tighter. Wind noise is minimal, though engine could be quieter while idling. Sound system is fantastic, with 8 speakers and ample power, but design on cd player is plain and lacks pause and mute functions. Trunk is huge and pass through at rear seat is handy. All weather package is great with traction control, fog lamps and heated seats/side mirrors. For an approx price of $31,000 which included taxes and 5 year zero percent financing, this car was a bargain.

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  Great Suv for family - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Dad - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2000 Montero LS with the 1.9% finance available at the time. The Suv has been great. My family has used it for several vacations (roomy) I think that the 3.0 is good enough. I only wish the gas mileage was better.

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  2003 Eclipse GS coupe - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By superstar - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Just got an Eclipse GS coupe yesterday. So far it is a good car. Its cute, and fun to drive but also practical. Mitsubishis "Zero zero zero" finance program is great.

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  Great sporty sedan with lots of pep. - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dcjimenez - May 6 - 6:46 pm

  Wonderful lower priced sporty sedan that looks great and is faster than most vehicles in its class (3.0 190 HP V6).

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  2006 Eclipse GT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By usmcweathr - May 6 - 4:00 pm

  Have only had for 2 weeks and have only put 445 miles on it but so far I love it. I like the red/blue dash lights. The drivers seat is very comfortable although I have not taken it on any long trips yet. Gas mileage could be better but if I was really concerned about it I would not of got it. Forget about putting anyone in the back seat. Where I have the drivers seat there is about 2 inches left. Its very fun to drive and is fast. The car really takes off in 2nd and 3rd at 4,000 rpms. I got the Rockford/fosgate system and it sounds great. Overall this is a great car so far and I would recommend it to anyone looking at them.

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  BEST VALUE - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By CChil - May 5 - 12:40 am

  Ive owned many SUVs: Nissan, Toyota, GMC, Isuzu then this one. Its been a great vehicle for me as a single mom offering value, room (7-passenger seating), comfort and excellent reliability. At 160K miles (now remarried) my husband wanted me in something newer, but I would have been glad to keep driving it until it just fell apart. The paint still shines, the interior has held up well considering all that my children put it through. Maintain it and it will love you back. BTW, I didnt trade it in, I couldnt let go and Im not one to get emotional about vehicles.

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  Awesome Luxury Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jct1975 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  For the money I dont think there is any Luxury Sport Utility that matches the Montero feature for feature. The ride and handling of this beautiful SUV is wonderful A+A+

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  Joeys Review of his Galant. - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Joey Wilkins - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I like my Galant more then any other car I have ever owned.

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  Great Small Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By golfergod - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We have had our MITSU for a little over a month and we have used it around town and on trips of over 50 miles. It is a wonderful small car. Our other car is a Hyundai and the Mitsu is a definite level above in fit, finish, and performance. We are getting 30 MPG plus, which is why we bought the car in the first place. It is not an Avalon, or a Passat, but it only cost half as much. For the price it is a wonderful small car.

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  Owesome interior - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Osman Aviles - May 4 - 10:00 am

  2 and 1/2 years ago I was amazed with the looks of the car outside but it was even better when I saw the interior of the car, it is and unusual dash it is not square looking it was a little round it felt like a spaceship, the only concern about it is after a while you feel that the car has lost its power and you have to constantly do tune ups, specially alignments.