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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  wake up call - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jeric - July 31 - 2:00 am

  i owned an older galant and the new blows it away

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  best for the money - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By fineat40 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  for the money i cant see why anyone would buy another veh. with a 7/100,000 power train warranty.outstanding style, and a v-6 that is truly awesome. i love my new galant!!!!

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  value - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By juniort - July 31 - 2:00 am

  style and power for a low price

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  wonderful car - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By svetlana1231 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  absoloutly love the car...the way it rides and looks, you cant beat it for 12 thousand

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  great car for price - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sherri - July 31 - 2:00 am

  grest little car, good for city driving as well as highway. cute design teenagers love it

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  not what i expected - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By moon - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because it looked sporty but not the sports car price. I was disappointed. The 5-speed is fun to drive, but thats about it. After only a couple of weeks the supports on the trunk lid broke and wouldnt hold it up. Then the rear wheel bushings when bad almost imediately. It sounds like this car isnt too realiable. Not to mention it too 3 months to get the warrenty work done.

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  great mitsu - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By krissie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  this car has great handleing and style.

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  Yellow Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralli Art - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I Love the car because it is yellow

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  Headache-free Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By donald72 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is very reliable. Its drive- and-go, worry-free. No breakdowns going almost 2 years now, factoring in reasonable maintenance. Power is not so good, wont make you grin on green lights. When it comes to uphill climbs its hearty torque shows, thats where it more than makes up for its inadequate horsepower. Ergo: slow on flat roads but nimble on uphill climbs. The car is rigidly built. Thats why it weighs around 400 lbs. more than your Corolla or Civic due to more metals used.

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  Great little Crossover - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By leftbrain - July 25 - 1:33 am

  I bought this little 2007 Outlander just over a year ago - with just under 45K. Ive enjoyed driving it immensely - no problems whatsoever so far! The only thing I dislike about it is the red dash lights - if I could change them to blue or green, Id do that in a heartbeat. Fortunately for me, though, I rarely drive at night, so it doesnt annoy me too often ;-).