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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  Love This Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kaisere - January 1 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my Galant about 3 weeks ago. It had 32,000 miles, very low I thought for an 03. The interior and exterior were in great shape. I feel in love with this car as soon as I took it for a test drive. It was either between an 06 Malibu or the 03 Galant. The Galant drives so smoothly Im glad I chose it. They style of the car is sporty yet "mature". My car already came with the spoilier so thats why it looks sporty. The interior looks like every other Galant, the greyish color seats. The car is very spacious, bigger then my neon. So far I dig this car and I hope it lasts me for a long time :)

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By marina - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle ...no complaints...Pretty decent in the snow...Love it! Sorry to hear the body style is changing in 2005. Should not change a good thing!

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  Hershers like GTs - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By doobesq - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It took me about 3 months to settle on my car, short by my standards. Ive never owned a Mitsubishi, so I was a bit leery of trying them out. So far, Im very pleased. I change oil, but thats about it. The car hums and absolutely loves to run. It has great mid-range power and acceptable low-end torque thanks to the V6. This is a great compromise between a sports-car and a daily driver.

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  sporty family sedan - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dbl - December 30 - 2:10 am

  This car is a Mitsubishi. It is known widely as one of best if not finest producer of quality cars. I like it because of its sporty design on the inside and the outside even if this car is clasified as a family mid-size sedan. The 2004 model has a spacious backseat. It is fast, one can feel the push back in the seat when you accelerate.

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  I LOVE IT - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By xcore - December 28 - 4:13 pm

  Its nice and easy to drive, comfortable seat, but it should install a handle for old people get in or get out the car. It has a 2.4L engine,its quite powerful for a 4 cylinder car and its very reliability.

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  Better try something else... - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SAAVY - December 28 - 2:43 am

  It says it all: built in USA with "some" Japanese parts... Used to have a 1997 and besides absolutely gorgeous, way much better in every way (of course totally manufactured in Japan!) I had to add lots of aftermarket parts to get decent engine performance (even having 0.4 liters more than the 97 model), and is a gas guzzler! Front is very roomy, but back is a pain for guest riders. The dashboard is made of the thinnest and cheapest plastic they found, so every other owner has it cracked, electric problems everywhere, struts and tires wont last more than 60k miles.

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  Another happy owner - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By John - December 27 - 10:03 pm

  I traded the 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd for my Endeavor . Yeah, a bit of a step down, what what a steal for the price. GREAT leg room, nice cargo area.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (Got Torque) - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By neogeo - December 26 - 5:46 pm

  This car is just awesome. It is the best Eclipse ever. I put it in first, second, third, fourth, fifth, six gear and it just wants more power. The initial takeoff is amazing and it is an eye catcher if youre single. It has great response, a great sound, and amazing control. I just wish I can find ground effects for this car soon, before everyone has one.

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  The best SUV youve never heard of - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SUVfan - December 25 - 11:23 pm

  Bought the Outlander looking for a very safe, very well equipped family vehicle that still had the styling a young man would appreciate. This had it all. It has a great, fuel efficient 6 cylinder engine, a state of the art safety cage/ front and side airbags combination, responsive breaks, the best sound system I have ever heard (Rockford Fosgate upgrade is a no-brainer), soft, comfortable leather, and it rides like a dream. What a great discovery!

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  Lancer ES Review - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bnnmalone - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several different makes of cars and took the Mitsubishi Lancer for a test drive after I tested the others. It was no comparison. The Lancer was more responsive and had plenty of pep. The vehicles exterior is very attractive and has smooth lines. I really liked the OZ version but for around $3,000.00 more I can live with it and add to it as I go. I couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle.