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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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Robboman48 - December 6 - 8:46 pm

  Purchased with 79k miles for $7k. Same yr Avalon $15k. Added Bosch Platinum 4 plugs and it changed this car immediately. Has plenty of go, we now average 27 mph hwy on regular gas and Valvoline hi-mileage synthetic oil. Never a problem, looks and positive comments from others. Very comfy on a + 6hr ride in front and back. Leather is sweet and sound system is great. Best buy for the money.

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  No brainer - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gski1 - December 4 - 2:43 am

  I love being on the road and not seeing my car everywhere (had an accord yrs ago and hated that). Even better is that I think everyone in those "other" over marketed cars simply made an uneducated buying choice! The Oultander, IMO, wins in style, value, features, reliability and most importantly warranty to boot. 5yr 60K mile bumper to bumper is a great idea. It always bothered my when I bought Honda and Subaru that youd still be paying for the car with 2yrs payments left! Of course those dealers said "its a Honda, you dont need a warranty"...Right, car dealers always tell the truth! If you go for the CRV, Ill be next to you at the light thinking "you dope"...LOL.

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  Great all-around package!!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Octane - December 3 - 4:06 pm

  I just purchased the 2009 Lancer GTS with CVT transmission, navigation system, and Rockford Fosgate sound system. The car handles like a dream, is so fun to drive it is unreal, and the fuel economy is great so far. Mitsubishi has developed this car with excellent design inside and out. The tech features are amazing for this price range. I am very happy with this car!

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  I will definitely buy another Galant - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By recruitclaudia - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been very dependable and has seasoned nicely; I now get better highway gas mileage than when it was new. I have nothing but good things to say about this car but will caution that the back seat is very uncomfortable for long distance driving.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jessica - November 27 - 11:03 am

  My experience is great. This is my first car and its a 97. I love it , the way it drives ad accelerates and stuff like that. Its awsome, I wouldnt change it for anything esle.

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  best japanese mid size - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mr.galant - November 27 - 2:00 am

  this was the best car i ever tried and buyed!

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  the ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By robert - November 27 - 2:00 am

  i like the fact that you can shift gears on the fly its a cool deal that mistibishi has come up with great turning and handling great on gas i like the heated seats and the pick up on the highway is great what a fun ride

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  One of the best cheap Imports to get - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By pchiobro - November 26 - 5:58 pm

  I am currently in high school and this is my first car. Ive had it for over a year and with that have driven the hell out of the car. It is an amazing car and can take a beating. I have taken my friends in it across the state many times and its about to see its 7th Chicago winter. Im sure for its time it was the best "economy car" to have but as the years have past, time hasnt been to gentle with it. You can get a car with better MPG as well as more hp for about the same price but you definitely shouldnt over look this mid 2000s Lancer. It of course has the best body style and is the best gen Lancer Mitsubishi has made. They messed up the newest Lancer/Evo X.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Chris Brown - November 26 - 12:50 pm

  This has been the most reliable car I have owned the car for 51,000 miles (bought it used with 21,000 miles). I had one pulley that was squeaky and it was replaced by the dealer. Great car! My parents own one too!!!

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  Sporty, Nice, Roomy, Sexy, Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryan - November 25 - 1:20 am

  This car is great! One thing to note is the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. In Denver Colorado with a stock car I can pull a 6.3 0-60 and a 14.99 1/4 at 96.8 MPH at the track. I raced an Audi A-6 2.7 V6 Twin-Turbo with an automatic transmission. The Eclipse is faster off the line and will hold the A6 through the quarter, assuming you dont burn out too much. I also raced an 04 mustang GT with exhaust. We were neck and neck, I could not tell who was ahead. I love this car, I use it for work, It is an eye catcher. Everybody always complements me, and to be honest it rides nicely. Its a tad heavy up front but handles quite well. I recommend jumping up to 18" rims with wider tires.