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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  Still as fun as day one - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrmd - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Funny how there are a couple of reviews that complain about the interior workmanship. I have put over 20k per year on this can and it is as tight inside and out as the day I bought it...........not to mention as fun too. Its not a Porsche or a Ferrari but damn its still fun. Plus it tops its price range in getting looks.

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  I Love My Eclipse - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By uprights - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth car with a Mitsubishi engine. The first was a Dodge Shadow, then came a Plymouth Laser, then my first Eclipse (a turbo), and finally my current 6 cylinder Eclipse. These cars are so reliable - and the Eclipses are fun to drive. The only thing that is marginal is the stereo system.

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  I love the New Design!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kelvin Rance - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have been in love with Galants since i was 13 and i told myself i was going to get a galant i am glad i waited for the new galant body style before getting the older model i would have really been unhappy but never the less i am definately a mitsubishi fan i have 2 mitsubishis before this one a mirage and galant and i will tell you what i will stay with mitsubishi as far as i am concern. I love the sportronic feature in my car it makes it a fun toy. Just word of advice if you are in the south florida area, dont get your car from Delray Mitsubishi their sales manager is really rude and dont put their customers as num.1 priority!!!

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  best inversion - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By efrain aliceaq - July 31 - 10:00 am

  When I drive this vehicle is like going in a Mercedez Benz without the heavy price.Is a well build vehicle an drives like a car.

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  Great - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By michaelpaeltz07 - July 27 - 2:20 pm

  Great car, amazing. This car is a sure fit for anyone. The car is nice, but not that spacious. But it makes up for it in performance.

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  I Love My Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By DLGR - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car primarily for the excellent fuel mileage, sporty design, and price. I have not been disappointed and would buy another MOntero Sport.

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  jbs diamante - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By JB6528 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  good mpg, averaging 25 highway burning reg. gas w/o any negative results. emerengy brake handle is a very poor placement. on extended trips with cruise control the handle placement is always in the way of my right leg placement. repositioning it inward just an inch or so would correct problem. i am learning that re-sale value is poor. msrp was $29700 and wholesale value (acv) one year later is about $17000. most people who see and ride in this car like it but i am not sure i would purchase another diamante.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mitsuguy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2001 GT with a 5 speed. I have had no problems with the car other than the sunroof shaking when it opens. This is a common problem that I will get taken care of. The engine is the cars best feature; silky smooth with respectable torque. Build quality is decent and have not had any problems with the paint so far. The back seats are extremely cramped, really only suited for small kids. Good value for the money but can be pricey if you get all the options. Gas mileage averages 26 mpg with a high of 30 mpg on trips driving the speed limit.

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  Best Sports Coupe Around for $23,500 - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike - July 20 - 6:50 am

  I originally was looking to buy a Scion tC or Acura RSX until I went and saw the new 2006 Eclipse. The new body style looks GREAT. It looks more like how the old ones used to look. The interior is nothing but stellar. With a 162HP, it moves around pretty quickly...Id say 0-60 in about 6.5 to 7.0 seconds. The Independent suspension makes cornering childs-play even at high speeds! The fact that it comes standard with side impact airbags, in addition to side curtain and front air bags is a big plus! If youre into music, you wont be disapointed with some lame stereo system. I have been rather impressed with the 650- watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. A+++++++

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  Good Purchase! - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Kaelyn - July 19 - 2:20 pm

  This smaller SUV handles like a car, which is what I was looking for. So far, its been a smooth ride, not as bumpy as I wouldve expected. I really love the cargo space & riding much higher than Im used to in a conventional auto. Ive only had the car a couple of weeks, but have almost 1,000 miles on it as its been fun driving it everywhere. Its a purchase that has put a smile on my face!