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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  I love my Anime Supershuttle - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ultrarad - November 12 - 12:36 am

  I purchased my new Outlander out of state and recently drove it back to Texas. This little trek gave me a terrific opportunity to quickly become accustomed to this cars innate abilities. Once home, I cant believe I didnt purchase this car sooner. Everything about this car is exciting - the design, the way it drives, the technology - I simply dont have enough time to play with it all. If you are searching for an off-brand CUV/SUV that has driving personality, utility AND techno-enhanced design, then the Outlander should be at the top of your list. Go on, be different and check out an automobile that has inherent off-roading qualities perfected through years of Dakar rally challenges.

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  Evo What? - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Scott - November 9 - 11:26 am

  Welcome to the land of the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart! This sport sedan rocks my world, and the aftermarket parts selection is quickly adding up with amazing manufacturers such as RRM (roadracemotorsports.com). Everything about this car screams fun! Wether you are flying through the gears with the shifter that came directly from the Evo parts bin, or hugging through hair pins on a local twisty road, you are sure to enjoy every minute of driving this car.

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  We Love Our Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jen & Mike - November 4 - 10:00 am

  We were leaning towards a Ford Escort, Honda Pilot or Toyota 4Runner when we bought the Montero. Went with the Montero due to the great price & financing and couldnt be happier. Its super comfortable inside & has tons of convenient cargo room. The rear seat is small, but we just about never use that for seating anyway. Weve been skiing, offroading, and driving on the pitted streets of Philadelphia and weve had no problems so far. Plus, when we got pummeled with 2 feet of snow this winter, we had no parking problems since the Montero scaled huge mounds of snow with ease.

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  very cool!!! U should be jealous - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By adrian24 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is an awesome truck.... very roomie and drives awesome I can see myself in this truck for years... Finally a truck with no regrets

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By HJH ROCKS SO HARD - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car you can ever drive. It reall atracts the ladies.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By frank Sabia - October 31 - 10:50 pm

  This is my fourth Galant and this is the best of them all. I like the interior with the information center. The exterior is very nice as well. I really like the tail lights.

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  I Love my Eclipse - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Marilyn Jacob - October 31 - 2:40 pm

  Im a mature woman and love this car but young at heart! It handles very well in all weather conditions, I was mostly impressed as to how it plowed right through the snow and did so well on icy roads. My previous car was heavier but didnt handle well with icy conditions as it seemed to hydroplane, but not my eclipse. I got used to driving with the mirrors more and had no problems seeing other vehicles. Have no fear if youre considering purchasing an Eclipse.

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  all I can asked - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sakaw - October 30 - 10:00 am

  just good..I love my car so much..already do some mod to her and more will come

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  good car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By indiana sucks - October 30 - 10:00 am

  retail value sucks, great car

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  Sleeper In a Busy Market!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dfrenchbk - October 30 - 10:00 am

  After alot of research, I had settled on the Honda CRV - but decided to drive the Outlander anyway because of the great finance deals. I never went back to Honda - the Outlander looks great (especially in silver) and drove very well. The seats are excellent, the interior was very well though out and overall the car was just what I wanted for long (500 mile commutes with kids) and driving around town. Also a great vehicle for cyclists - getting a roof rack on the top soon! Overall, a great value compared to the higher priced competitors - check it out.