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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  Surprising BUT - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gary_from_calif - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Limited AWD. YES on general appearance, the blue lights on dash at night, stereo system, seats are extremely comfortable both front and back, drives smooth, good interior room, good A/C, gas mileage, A/T gear shifter. NO on several options that are not available - memory seats, garage door remote, third seat option, auto headlights, GPS, side curtains. Dash and door materials look cheap although I like style of dash overall. Could use a bit more oomph under the hood - adequate for city driving but lacking a bit up those hills. For the price, a good vehicle and a good buy. A few options could make this vehicle one heck of a situation.

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  Fast and Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Paul in Massachusett - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The body design is outstanding. Its a future classic. The 6 cylinder 5 speed manual has a lot of get up and go. For the price, it beats the competition hands down. Just be ready for everyone that pulls up next to you at a light. They all want to race you.

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - Love It! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By John Logan - September 24 - 2:46 am

  Bought it in 3/03. Drove it for 40,000 miles and gave it to my son. I took it the other day to change the oil, I miss it! Great little truck! Fun to drive, gives you the feel of a bigger SUV (I have a 4x4 explorer too) gas mileage is good. Comfortable interior and stylish exterior at a great price, very reliable. The 4th Mitsubishi Ive owned, I recommend them highly.

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  One Of The Most Reliable Vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Talbot Lilley - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Mitsubishi is one of the most reliable vehicle this is my second mitsubishi my first is the Gallant

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  good in winter - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Alison - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I didnt set out to buy this car, was sort of conned into it by a boyfriend, then stuck with it when he didnt buy it off of me like he said he would. When I moved to Vermont I thought no way this car would last one winter. Now Im on my third winter. I put on studded snow tires and this car handles better than a 4x4. People are surprised when I tell them. Sure it still cant handle deep snow, but roads are usually plowed, so its not a problem. Its amazing how much you can fit in the hatch.

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  My wifes car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By troy williamson - September 22 - 2:00 am

  For the money this is the best car I ever owned. For small car it has great on long trips for comfort and gas. Best of all this car is great with style.

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  2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Spider - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car

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  I wasnt looking for a new Lancer - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tgriffaton - September 20 - 1:26 pm

  I wasnt looking for a new car, but a deer convinced me to look for a new one! So I headed over to the dealer... wow!! Love the styling of the inside and outside. Car shifts great, the handling and feel are much better than my 2004. This car is a head turner!

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  My Galant - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By dwight - September 18 - 2:53 am

  My ownership of this car has been geat. The Galant is fun to drive and very comfortable. When I have to accelorate I do not have to do it hard. Also, its great in stormy weather.

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  Buy One! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Diamante - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new leftover 02 and paid 21K for it. I have had no problems and get 22 mpg in combination driving. I love the car and it looks better than any Acura/Lexus/Infinity. After all the Acura TL is just a Honda Accord, the Infinity I30 is just a Nissan Maxima and the Lexus ES300 is nothing more than a Toyota Camry. Why pay big money for a slightly fancier version of their run of the mill vehicles. The styling and the smooth ride of the Diamante, plus the fact that everybody and his brother doesnt own one, made the decision to buy easy for me.