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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  lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jeremy - February 1 - 12:50 pm

  i Like it it is way better than my previous car- Honda Civic EX 4 door automatic. i love the way the engine revs and it is a very fun car to drive in or pick up my little brother. As a junior n high school this car is soo cool.

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  Large small SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Hfelen Uhrmaan - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The Outlander feels more spacious than any of the other small SUVs I considered. Despite the small engine, it doesnt struggle to climb the mountain roads of West Virginia, and it hugs the curves very well. The combination automatic/manual shifting worked well to get me up my icey drive and the AWD seemed surefooted on the snow this morning. The hatch is easier to open and close one handed than other SUVs. The cargo area with the rubber liner tray option is great for my 40 pound dog. The exterior design lacks the safari feel of my old Montero, but the smoother ride and better gas economy, along with the luxury features make it a pleasure to drive.

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  my 09 eclipse - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kate - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car drives. Its definately a quick car.

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  Great looking car - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sader - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for a sporty looking (mid- life crises?) car and found it in the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Havent won the Powerball yet, so the Ferrari is still a dream. This car handles well with the rack & pinion steering and though it wont beat a vette off the line, it looks like it could.

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  montero sport 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By cruzer2k3 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport 2002 is a strong, dependable vehicle. I liked the interior and exterior of the SUV very much. The one thing that bothered me the most though was the suspensions were a little too much on the soft side, which made the ride somewhat uncomfortable if you were going over bumpy roads. Fuel economy was my next concern, as the Montero can eat up gas like it was air (which is true of many other SUVs aswell). Overall, it is a great off-roading SUV.

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  Still the "Fun" Sport Coupe - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Masahiro - January 27 - 3:23 am

  Its been nearly one and a half years and 16000 miles since I purchased my Eclipse. So far, it still performs like it did when I first got it. Its running great! Im totally satisfied with my vehicle. The only improvement I made last month was getting a new set of tires. Got the Kumho ultra high performance (slightly wider than the original Goodyears). And, it certainly was worth the money - rides even better! Im hoping to get many more "fun" years with this Eclipse.

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  GT Auto - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Decseh - January 24 - 7:43 am

  Hot looking car, very fun to drive. Car is hungry to go fast all the time. The 5 speed auto with sportshift is fun to drive, if you leave it in auto mode it shifts fast to provide better speed/acceleration. Awesome sound system. Nice leather interior. Great for someone who just rides themselves or maybe one other person. For 263 hp the cars gas mileage isnt too bad. I drive mostly city and Im getting about 16-17 mpg and probably about 25 on the highway. Thats driving with a lead foot too. I dont want to get rid of this car because theres not another car on the market that compares to it. Goes great in the winter as well with the FWD system.

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  Good Car, Resell Value? - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By RLSDia - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Good ride, OK performance, very comfortable with most of the desired luxury items. I have had some problems but the dealership has taken care of everything under warranty.

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  I LOVE MY GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Heatwrt - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My Eclipse GTS is the best car I have ever driven. I love the smooth ride and the persice handling. Everything is made so convient the controls to the radio are on the steering wheel and it has a 6 disc in dash cd changer. The sound quality of the stereo is superb. I love the way you feel when you get in and sink into those leather bucket seats.

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  Lancer 08 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancer 08 - January 23 - 11:26 pm

  Me and my wife both love this car. 13,000 km on it now and preforms great. The style is the best on the road for a sedan. the warranty in Canada is the best on the road. Wish I could have had the 2.4 from the 09, might have more power. Not an overall fan of the CVT. I drove this car in heavy snow all winter and it preformed great. Temperature hit -40 and relays blew with only 2000 km on it. Moisture out of the factory they said. The joys of a new car I guess.