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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  Can you tell I like my car? - 2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By ev_owner - March 3 - 5:40 pm

  So far Ive only had one month of ownership. No regrets. My other vehicle has been used just a few times since buying this one. There is enough torque/acceleration to pull away from the crowd at traffic lights if one wanted to. The comfort is not perfect for all day driving, but for the hour max that the car would be driven, its adequate. The initial cost may be higher compared to other compact cars, but the eventual total cost of ownership is calculated to be lower. (Pay a little more up front for greater benefits down the road.) The vehicle is very stable since the wheels are located at the corners.

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  FINALLY!!! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By evsosa82 - March 2 - 5:19 pm

  I wanted the 11 but the selection on colors and models was outrageously slim. They say its due to the earthquakes, which I dont doubt, but I think its mostly because they have SO many 10 models left. MSRP was 24k, bought it for 19K (excluding tax and license)+ tint + 4 yrs free oil change. The car handles really well, the look is what sold me, storage space is ample, leather seats are a minus, the paddle shifters are fun but I think the GTS should be comparable to the SI and SPEC-V. Overall, what I got for the price is more than I could have asked for. It has the sporty but classy look I was looking for.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RobDel - March 2 - 4:50 pm

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it with 52000 miles on it and it now has 122000 miles with out any major or minor repairs. Vehicle rides great, fun to drive, gets good gas mileage and is an all around great SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. In fact I will buy another one when I wear this one out.

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  Shes got it where it counts. - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By stonecutter2 - March 1 - 8:13 am

  I owned a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Automatic 4 cylinder for almost 10 years, bought new in Nov. 2001. This car was fun to drive, had great gas mileage, and really was pretty reliable. I will certainly miss my 02 Eclipse, but it was time for something more family friendly. First, the negatives, to get them out of the way (no issues for the first 5 years of ownership - all of this occurred after 5 years): The sunroof was jittery when opening, had to be assisted in popping up, the hatch wouldnt stay up by itself in cold weather, the dashboard cracked on its own, center speaker blew/dry rotted at 7 years, O2 sensor needed replacing and so did the A/C compressor condensor.

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  A Great Buy on SportBack LS... - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By spyderx - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got the sportback LS for 2k under invoice, after rebates. For the money, a great "mid-sized" wagon, nothing else in the market can touch its overall value! Strong engine, 160hp and 160lbs of torque, and tight sport tuned suspension - handles great right out the showroom! Also, surprisingly good stock stereo. But after 300 miles, I got this constant clicking noise around passenger side door and strange howling noise from passenger side wheelwell! Probably ill-fitted door lock ring and noisy stock tire.

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  The best SCV for such a price - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Max Donlero - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Look, Im just a kid thats crazy about cars. I chose this vehicle because its a great 1. Its big, roomy, very attractive exterior (front). It is powerfull, Japanese maker, and it has foldown rear back seats! The comfort of the front seats is really excellent, the milage is really okay for a truck. Its just the best vehicle for the family for less then 40000!!!!!!

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  Takeshi Nishioka - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TAKESHI NISHIOKA - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money,fun to drive good gas milege,roomy, comfortable and practical.

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  Eclipse Machoman - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Alex - February 25 - 11:23 am

  I am sales representative for computer products in Puerto Rico and my GT 2006 has 98000 miles without any problems.

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  Not bad, but quite a few issues - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By - February 24 - 7:41 pm

  Pros: Comfy on long distances, good power & acceleration, good storage, nice looking car and great for a family. Both front seats have hard-plastic backs, so theyre durable if you have kids who constantly put their feet on them. Cons: Liftgate is unnecessarily heavy, jack is hard to get to if you have a car seat. Mechanical issues explained below: Bought new, issues began with the A/C compressor (replaced under warranty). Replaced the battery twice (also warranty) & continue to have issues with a short circuit on the drivers side brakelight. Engine requires premium fuel but still knocks & pings at times.

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  Amazing car! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Xavier - February 24 - 12:10 pm

  Its an incredible car, I have it since last week and already I can tell you it was the best choice I could have taken. I love the car.