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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  **** Love My Car **** - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Pam - November 5 - 7:16 am

  I love my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse, it dont be fooled - its a two seater! The backseat is a place to haul groceries during the day and throw your coat on Friday night! I chose this car after test driving at least 20 different models, all makes. It is a great combo of gas mileage, cost, style and stereo. Im the coolest mom at my daughters school cause my stereo out thumps anyones and my car looks good!

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  Lots of Car for Less - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By PhillyO - November 4 - 9:40 am

  I bought my 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage with only 12,995 miles on it in April, 01. Now, in March of 06, I have over 112,000 miles on it, and my only problem is that my AC does not work (it needs to be charged, thats all). It has gotten me through snow, ice, and all that is not nice. Its not the most powerful car in its class, but it will get you around slower cars on the interstate without much effort. Everytime I feel the need to trade in or sell my Mirage, I drive it once more, and Im reminded as to why I still have it.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE $$$ - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MMD - November 4 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY !!!

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rich00203 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with the SUV, just wish it had more power. Only available in a 4 cylinder. It could use a six for trips up the grades here in california. The transmission is auto/stick, so that helps with the power, all you have to do is slide the gear shift over to be in manual and downshift to 3rd to get up the grade while maintaining your speed. But overall it looks sporty and drives like a car. I love it. Will probably keep it until they wise up and come out with a more powerful model.

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  Purely AMAZING - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlandadvocate - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is quite impeccable!

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  Im in love! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Laimer - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Trust me, this cars nice. The GT with 5 speed manual transmission rocks. You definately get the feel of a pricey sports car that doesnt break your bank account.

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  I like my sport - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By joni - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I think it takes all the bugs out of the bigger Montero, it may not have the size but it has a nice drive. My a/c works things time!! Gas milage is great, and its working fine off road. I love it, would buy anther, this is my 3rd, but my first Sport.

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  Great gas mileage!!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Wilhite - November 3 - 1:16 am

  This car gets great gas mileage! I get an average of 32.5 miles per gallon! My car is a V6 and it really packs a punch! Gets lots of compliments. Glad I purchased it!

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  Loving this lil car - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kmiller7779 - November 2 - 11:43 am

  I bought a 2015 Mirage a week ago and I absolutely love it. I have owned hybrids for the last 8 years and our other car is a 2006 Honda Insight, a true mileage champion. I have yet to be out on the highway with the Mirage, but city driving for me is consistently at 45-47 mpg. This is a fun car. I do not understand the harsh reviews as I think this car is a joy to drive. The seats are comfortable and the car handles nicely. When I went to the dealership, I was not planning to buy one of these cars. I did not think I would like it. I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival at how much more I liked the car in person. The dealership was well stocked and had every color the car

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By keeneking - November 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great family SUV. It stores a ton of baby stuff when we head to grandma & grandpas house. 20K now and not one problem. Owned a Mighty Max for 11 years and never had a problem so I would expect nothing less for the Montero Sport.