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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  Excellent for the starters - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Anand - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I tried 10-15 used cars of different make before buying Mitsubishi. But the Galant gave me the smoothest ride, and even one full year after purchasing, it is as smooth as ever before.

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  Love The Diamante LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Old 27 Lancer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven the Diamante LS over 33,000 miles in 10 months. The only negative feature has been the junk Goodyear GA tires now through the second set. Cruise at 80-90 with no problems. Speeds over 110 are dangerous with air lift under the cars fully enclosed chasis plate creating a wobble. Comfort is good; panic stopping has been a life saver. Id buy another one. The plan is to accumulate 200,000 miles on this car for business; I think it can do it with no problem.

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  Nice Sporty Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By nick93mac - March 6 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my Lancer new as a leftover model. I got a great deal, and it has almost all the bells and whistles. This is my first brand new car i have bought, and overall, I am pleased. It has been reliable and the Mitsubishi dealer has great service specials. I had to have the AC blower motor replaced shortly after purchasing, and they were great and hooked me up with a free rental car while it was in the shop. I recommend this car to anyone in the market for a fairly fuel efficient car, that doesnt look like a Prius. One word of advice, get the manual transmission. I wish I did.

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  Very reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sondra - March 5 - 9:50 am

  I bought my Galant brand new in 2001. Other than routine maintenance, my Galant has never required repair. I still love the look and still enjoy driving it. I have no plans to upgrade my car as there is no need!

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  I love it - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By HaRlEy - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted one for like 2 years and I finally went out and got one and I LOVE IT

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  Love my Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By momof3 - March 2 - 6:13 am

  I have owned my Montero XLS for 6 years and I have never regretted my purchase. Today I have 3 kids currently in car seats and my oldest (age 6) sits in the 3rd row. Because the car seats in the 2nd row stay there permanently I let my son in and out using the rear door which has never been an issue. I love all the space especially the tall roof. It is perfect for my husband who is over 6 ft tall. He borrowed my truck today and as I admired it as it drive off I thought "Wow-I still love my truck!" It has 96000 miles on it and I have never had any mechanical problems ever! It has good pick up, it is a quiet ride, and has tons of storage when the third row is tucked away. I love it!

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  ron montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ronlin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  great suv , plenty of room, power, greatr visibility from within, huge sun roof, third roe seat is good for separating the kids

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  Fun small car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kadielle - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lancer as a small car. The exhaust valve had to be replaced after a year and a half, but it was still running great and the service engine light came on to indicate a problem. I love the turning radius. 2 adults can fit comfortably in the back seat for several hours. Great road trip car except the trunk is kinda small.

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  Sporty performance, really fun to drive - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dfk - February 28 - 10:00 am

  For the money, the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is it. The style, the washboard ribbed doors make the Eclipse a stand out attraction. Moreover, the throaty engine and and the feel of the acceleration make this car a pleasure to drive. Driving this car down to the Maryland shore and riding the Coastal Highway with the moonroof open, was the turning point that proved to me that this car was indeed, a sporty touring machine.

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  Affordable Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrdurbin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  i wanted a fun car and the Eclipse is it. I opted for the GTS because of the ABS and 10 extra HP. The Eclipse is one of the easiest cars to tune next to a Honda Civic but you get around 40 to 60 more Hp from the Eclipse compared to the honda for just a bit more money. I have a AEM cold air intake and a Magnaflow exhaust, Upgraded wire kit and wire ground kit. That is all you need to do to these cars to make them scream. for about 600.00 in after market mods i gained a conservative 20 - 25% HP easily. i also upgraded my tires and rims and went with 19X8 ASA 5 spoke rims and Yokahama Parada Spec 2 tires.