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:

• 

  Love this car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Laurie - October 6 - 4:43 am

  I love the way this car handles. The four cylinder engine performs great and gets good fuel economy. The handling, performance, look and feel of the car give the impression of riding in a high end sports car without the high end price tag.

• 

  2006 Eclipse 6 SPD - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ken - October 5 - 12:00 am

  I put 135,000 miles on a 1996 Eclipse GST-5 spd. I have waited for years for a satisfactory replacement in terms of performance, looks and being fun to drive. The 2006 Eclipse GT fits! It has so much torque at the low end! I love upshifting at 2,000 RPM, just to feel the incredible torque! VITEC kicks in at about 4,000 RPM. I hit 4,000 RPM so seldom Im always stunned at the extra power. The owners manual states max MPH per gear as 55 (2nd), 80 (3rd), 108 (4th). This is ~6,000 RPM. These are reasonable speeds as HP peaks at 5750 and engine is red lined at 6500. At any speed between 15-100, the drive train is happy in any of 3 gears! Pay very close attention when down shifting though as its easy to get cross the gate and get 3rd instead of 5th, or 2nd instead of 4th.

• 

  Best Car I have ever owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Angler - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I once owned a Mercedes, Nissan Maxima and Cadillac. None of these cars have the performance of my Diamante. From the time I pull out of the driveway, I cant wait to get it on the freeway.

• 

  i like it - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dunkin - October 1 - 2:00 am

  not alot to say, handles well , great breaks and good take off. I like it well enough.

• 

  My favorite all time car. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ArkShe - October 1 - 2:00 am

  For the last 8 years I have gotten a new card most ever year or year and a half. This is my favorite all time card and will not be traded any time soon. Handles so well, easy to get in and out of, does great in the wind.

• 

  Endeavors Advantages & Disadvantges - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GMO - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Excess oil usage, adds approx 1 1/2 quarts between oil changes, discovered blue smoke coming from tailpipe, dealership unable to pinpoint problem, averages approx 17 miles on the highway. However, smooth ride, very comfortable & fun to drive, but concerned about reliability, will trade- in after 2 years.

• 

  Good looks can be deceiving - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lukeser - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The third generation Eclipse is one of the sharpest looking vehicles on the road. Mitsu engineers did a fine job with its lines. They also made a lot of people happy by putting a V6 engine in the top model. This is one of the most affordable sports cars (bang for your buck) on the market.

• 

  Vroom Vroom - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TamaraJN818 - September 29 - 2:50 am

  I really like this car, I upgraded from a Neon :( and this car really has it all - even though its the base model, I dont feel cheated at all. I used these reviews prior to purchasing this car - and I do agree, the car makes a really loud noise when you got to accelerate. But fuel economy is great (got 475 miles of HWY on one trip). The molding of the body of the car can sometimes make it hard to see other passing vehicles - but its all and all a great car and I would defintely recommend it.

• 

  Miss my Civic... NOPE! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GypsyBlu - September 27 - 11:20 pm

  Had a new 06 EX Civic with navi, and loved that car but went for test drive with my son, and fell in love with my new Lancer GTS, The lancer has everything a Techi Woman like me needs and craves. The handling is very solid unlike my Civic, and does not float on the highway at all, the bluetooth and fast Key are a big plus. The auto headlights and all the info screens are something the Civic should have, maybe next year. I loved my Civic, but the toys on this Lancer are too much more fun.

• 

  I love it !!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rei Fonseca - September 27 - 9:30 am

  Its been a hard decision for me to choose between aerio or galant ... but once I test drive it, I fall in love with galant. so smooth and great price.