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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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Zabian - August 6 - 8:46 am

  I have only had the vehicle for a week, but I LOVE IT. I owned a 2000 GT and the new style and engine is by far a vast improvement.

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  Exceptional Vehicle - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tim S. - August 5 - 11:10 pm

  I am very impressed with everything about this vehicle. I test drove the vehicle the day it came out (Friday Nov 3rd, 2006), and it blew my mind. I test drove the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Compass, Toyota RAV4, and the Outlander blew them out of the water. Its turning radius, acceleration, and handling are absolutely amazing. The one thing I was a little skeptical about the 27/20 gas mileage until I drove it to work and averaged 23 MPG! Are you kidding me? A 220HP V6 SUV averaging 23 MPG thats not a hybrid? All I can say is WOW.

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  Diamante - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Tribefire - August 3 - 11:23 am

  The Mitsubishi Diamante Vr-X is a fun fast ride but since I purchased it I have had to put a lot of money into it... the heater core went around 75k, and its conveniently place on the firewall so the job itself is a nightmare, I havent met a Diamante driver past 80k who didnt have to do the same, now Im having trouble with the 02 sensors, I replaced 3 last year and this year the fourth went. Id say the car would be worth it if it didnt cost so much to maintain. About 1500$ for the heater core repair and about the same for the o2 sensor work.

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  Mitsubishi need to fix this car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By gseclipse03 - August 3 - 10:53 am

  Owned the car for almost 6 yrs, this is my send eclipse had a 94, the quality in product has gone down and if it wasnt paid off I would sell it cause with 70k miles it parts are breaking that shouldnt. I wouldnt buy another Mitsubishi

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  Disappointing - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By kmess - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointing vehicle. Poor assembly. Average Reliability. Recommend you look at other vehicles.

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  More People Should Check This CUV Out - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By IPC - August 1 - 11:16 pm

  3 Months of ownership with no issues at all. Comfortable, rides smooth, responsive steering, fantastic sound system and great cargo space. Looked at/test drove the Rav4, Santa Fe, CRV, XL7, Rogue, Equinox and have no regrets on buying the Outlander.

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  HOT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Louis - August 1 - 9:03 am

  This car is so hot! It has lots of power and the car looks HOT!! Plenty of room, love the sound system. 6 air bags + ABS.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Pacebomber - July 31 - 3:16 am

  Bought a while back, needed to upgrade to something with a 3rd seat, my Isuzu Trooper just couldnt fit everyone. After looking at may domestic and foreign SUVs the Montero won hands down. Edmunds needs to lighten up on the lack of power, it does everything I need it to do. If you have a really heavy whatever to tow then you might want a V8, but Im guessing all the V8 owners are rethinking things with the gas prices the way they are.

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  Good Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Galant - July 30 - 12:10 pm

  The 2002 Galant is a really nice on the highway. It is really a trustworthy car to use everyday.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By al - July 29 - 10:36 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for 7 months now after owning a galant for 3 years. I used to love toyotas and still do, but I can tell you these vehicles are every bit as good with more warranty. I love the awd system and the turning radius. It does excellent on bad country roads and drives nice on dry pavement. Just hit a large deer and it did very little damage considering speed.