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:

• 

  The car drives like a dream - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Victor - September 30 - 9:26 pm

  The car drives like a dream. I cant think of anything that I dont like about this car - very sporty looking starting with the grill to the tail lights they look like the Lexus tail lights. As far as the engine - lots more power than the previous 4cyl plenty of power. I cant think of anything out there that can compare. Overall a very nice car for your money...

• 

  Top notch on everything - 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Calvin - September 30 - 5:53 am

  Ok, imagine, I purchase this Fantastic 2009 SUV not knowing that the 2010 version would be much improved...Lol! Doesnt matter because this 2009 is just awesome, top notch on everything, smoothness, superb handling, Power that will put to shame a Acura MDX (that costs 40% more) on the street. Style, AWD system that LOCKs and is head and shoulders above the competition (the 2010 version is even more efficient). Mitsubishi is out to prove THEY are the best engineered vehicle in the world...period! Toyota and Hondas watch out. The King is waking up!

• 

  Good value for the buck, but buy used. - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Jeff - September 28 - 11:36 am

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante is excellent. I have kids and the interior, with a little vacuuming, looks as good as the day I bought it. The ride is Cadillac like, smooth and plush. My only complaint is the depreciation of the vehicle. I lost half the MSRP the first year. It has stayed steady since then though, at least according to www.Edmunds.com.

• 

  My Best Car Experience - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jeremy Keith Branch - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my brand new 03 Mitsubish Galant ES. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. It is very sporty and fuel efficient vehicle

• 

  Fun, But Needs A Little More - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cat - September 27 - 6:40 pm

  I love my girl, but she just doesnt have as much "Giddy-Up And GO" (until about 45 mph)as I would prefer. I read some other reviews that said the rear spoiler and small back window make it impossible to back up. WRONG! The window is HUGE, and Ive never had a problem backing out in almost 2 years. She HUGS curves, and its easy to make the tires squeal if you pull the wheel a little to one way (XD), even in the automatic. Sportronic is a MUST! SO FUN! Gas mileage is decent. The car just like great stock, and really shines with a few simple tweaks (darker tinting makes a bigger difference than you think!!!)

• 

  Hot Car...Equals Hot Chicks! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Moe - September 26 - 11:16 pm

  The 06 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a great car, I just picked her up on Friday (7/14). Its been nothing but fun. I get great compliments from random people. The car is really quick. Also, its an official chick magnet. If you want to be the guy/girl that wants to stand out on the road, this is the way to go!

• 

  Better than expected!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By chief - September 26 - 4:50 am

  Im a truck guy, I bought this for my wife because I didnt want a "family" car. I couldnt even think of parking a Corolla, Camry, Sentra or whatever else in my garage. I love the aggressive styling. Its fast, dont get the wrong idea, using the paddle shifters will push you back in the seat and get you to triple digits fairly quick, I mean, after all it is a 4 cyl. We got octane blue, which is great looking in the sun. Fully loaded, every option available. Even had the dealer tint the windows and the car looks even better now! If youre on the fence, go drive one, you will buy!

• 

  Outstanding car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Wolfman - September 24 - 7:43 pm

  Got my new Mitsu 2 days ago and I love it. Test drove 5 other cars that are comparable and this one was the best by far. GOOD JOB MITSUBISHI. Just hope you keep it up. The car has some amazing safety (good for my kids) features and lots of toys. It totally blew away most of the competition and at 6 foot 6 I enjoy the roomy interior. Lots of toys as well... Satellite radio, Blue Tooth, awesome stereo, and sunroof... Excellent warranty which gives me (new father of 2) peace of mind. Sales people were awesome as well. Let the car sell itself. They did not have any theatrics, drama, scripted tag teaming, etc.. Highly recommend the dealership. Great car and again, thanks Mitsubishi.

• 

  Love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliartchik - September 22 - 1:23 pm

  I have the Ralliart 5 speed and love it. I had to trade in my 2 dr car when I got pregnant and I told my husband that I would only get a 4 dr car if it is 5 speed and sporty. This car fit me perfectly and I love it. If I could afford the Evo I would but this is the next best thing for a reasonable price.

• 

  Got One - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Stacy Cedars - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Its the most comfortable SUV we have driven.