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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  Great Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Nate - November 24 - 2:53 am

  This is a great, fun car. The GTS model with all the toys is the one you want. The GPS navigation is easy to use, the Bluetooth is a great convenience, the 18 inch wheels give this car a fantastic look. I just wish this car, the GTS variant that is, was given more power and I do agree with another reviewer that it should be about 10-20 more horses. Despite that, the car handles greatly thanks to a solid chassis that also is begging for more power. Honestly, with the Electric Blue Pearl color, I am also getting thumbs up everywhere I go.

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  New Eclipse Owner - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryan - November 20 - 12:10 pm

  L\I looked at the competitors, but when all was said and done, the styling, features and just the sheer driving experience in the 6-speed manual GT won me over. The RX-8s reliablity (or lack of) in winter and constant addition of a quart of oil every 1,500 miles in the rotarty engine was a turn off. The fact the Z didnt have a back seat to tote toys back and forth and the styling wasnt as aggressive as the Eclipse was a deciding factor. Plus teh Z was too cookie cutter in looks. Just for the heck of it, looked at the Scion tC, but its nothing more then a Toyota Corolla, although great price, really a sub-compact. The Eclipses stying and features made me a first time Mitsu buyer, and one for life.

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  Never looked back! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LovelyNurseLindy - November 15 - 1:56 pm

  I did my research and test drove a lot of cars. This car is by far the most car for the money! I got a loaded Lancer for the base price of other brands (altima, etc.). Ive had my car for 4 months now and I am very happy with everything! Love the car, especially the extras. Get a lot of looks on the road and family and friends love it! I havent looked back since I got it. It makes driving fun again.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chelsea - November 14 - 12:20 pm

  This is my second car, and during the time after my first car and before I bought the Eclipse, I test drove an 04 Focus SVT, 03 Acura TL, 05 Scion TC, and many other countless cars. The Eclipse has got to be my favorite, by far. The downfall about MINE is its an automatic, but that may actually make it better in the end. My cup holder doesnt get in the way because of that, I havent had any problems with the interior design except the back seats, not even my shorter friends can sit back there without bumping their heads on the rear windshield. But, this doesnt bother me bc I dont sit back there, and they need their own cars anyway haha

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  Amazing - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Luis - November 12 - 4:23 pm

  This is what I have been waiting for. This car is so beautiful and the interior is just plain amazing with the Terra Cotta and gauges based off a motorcycle you cant beat it, especially at night.

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  Wonderful Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Arlene Coleman - November 12 - 12:40 pm

  I love driving this car. It has enough room to carry adults in the back seat. Plus it has a beautiful interior. It corners like a dream. I recommend this car to any body. You cant beat the quality for the price. It even has a great warranty and after sales service.

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  The Best Money spent - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By chinna - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I Moved from Loaded 2000 Honda Accord to this one. Infact I liked this one much better. Yes, there are few short comings, but again not for this money. I saw, Edmunds road tests and some other guys reviews, saying power is weak and noise is more, but it better than 150HP Honda Accord, 4WD may be little slow, not this one and engine is very smooth. I compared and Drove CRV and this, I felt this is more comfy, easy to handle. Just drive and see youll love it.

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  eclipse is # 1 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By petey111 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Mitsubishi eclipse provides great performance and reliability. it gives the sleak qualitys of a great sports car

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  Nice ride - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By go mitsu! - November 10 - 6:26 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle used after looking at other new and used SUVs of this size. We love it! The ride and space inside is great especially for 2 kids. Not one thing has gone wrong with it since ownership.

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  Ignore the reviews. This is a great vehicle. - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Luke Short - November 7 - 7:59 am

  I read the reviews for this vehicle and just knew it was the worst vehicle since the Yugo. But.....I decided to test drive it and determine for myself; Im glad I did. With almost 13,000 miles on the clock, its only seen the shop for oil change and tire rotations. HID headlights, LED taillights, Bluetooth, heated seats, climate control, power drivers seat, PW, keyless entry, and on and on and on. It has every toy I could possible want and it does everything right. Today we loaded 750 pounds of dog food in the back; 15 each 50 pound dog food. There was room for more and I couldnt even tell the load was in the back. I still got 30 mpg on the 30 mile trip back home. We drove from Phoenix some 200 miles up to the White Mountains at 75 mph and still got 29 mpg. 1200 above sea level to 7000. The seats are a little stiff and the interior has some cheap looking plastic, but its $10,000 less than any competition and I can live with a few shortcomings for that kind of money. I paid just under $20k and got this amazing vehicle with a ten year bumper to bumper warranty. Great mileage, great storage capacity, almost every toy and the best warranty in the business. UPDATE: Almost a year later, nothing has changed. Rock solid. No problems and dealer service from Mark Mitsubishi is terrific. $39 for an oil change, tire rotation and car wash. You simply cant go wrong with this vehicle.