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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  One HOT Little Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kemezei - April 25 - 2:20 pm

  I love my car! This is my second Eclipse, I traded my 03 model for the 07 and I have no regrets. I am always getting compliments on my car. If you dont want to be noticed this is not the car for you. I cant even pump gas into my car without someone coming up to talk to me about it. If you are looking for a family car this is also not the car for you. The backseat serves no purpose other than to put a purse on it when I have a passenger but then again I bought the car for me and being 18 backseats arent important to me. Foglights are also a must because it makes the car look better and not so cheap with the black plastic inserts.

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  satisfied - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By VA Girl - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the way my MS drives, especially the 4 WD! No major probs. The look is hard to beat! I like how dark the back windows are tinted! My lab loves to ride in the back! child restraint system is a plus! Could have came with better tires!

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  2001 Mitsu - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bauerenna - April 25 - 10:00 am

  good car for the money

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  Love My Mits - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CHIKNBOO53 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. There have been no mechanical problems, it performs well under all circumstances. The mileage on my car are 85% hard (city driving) and it doesnt seem to mind at all (even though it do love the open road!)

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  Lancer fan! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gypsiesoul1978 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of the car. Its sporty, but works great for my 2 adult, 2 child family. As small as it is, it has plenty of passenger and cargo room. I recently took a 16 hour road trip in it with 2 over 6 foot tall men!! Sure it was a little tight, but we arrived with out having to pull over a thousand times.

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  outlander rocks - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By repaustin - April 25 - 10:00 am

  reliable and fun. handles well. incrediable ski mtn. driving

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  mY BATTERY DEAD 2MONTHS OLD - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By JohhnyNoxville - April 25 - 10:00 am

  bAD CUP HOLDERS. SLOW PERFORMANCE. BAD BATTERY, AT LEAST IT CAME WITH FREE TOWING!!

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  ENDEVOR DREAM MACHINE - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mike lupo - April 25 - 10:00 am

  TAKE OFF FROM LINE WOW RESPONSE WOW ROOM AND HANDLING WOW VIEWING GREAT COLOR AWSOME TOTAL HAPPINES WITH MY NEW ENDEVOR

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  Sporty & Relaxing - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Taguchi - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Good drivability and riding comfort. Attractive exterior/interior design. Quality audio. Reasonably priced.

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  My lil blue eclipse - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Babygirl3482 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I definately like this car but when I first got it, it had alot of problems such as my spark plugs going every week and needing to get them replaced, the battery went after 18 months along with the brakes and my two front tires. Besides that its pretty reliable, it hasnt broken down on me yet...