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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  Beutifull Sedan from Mitsubishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By durga - May 24 - 10:00 am

  It is a defenitly much higher refined car than accord/camry.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By joey povlosky - May 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR TO FIVE. NICE INTERIOR. ONLY BAD THING ABOUT THE CAR IS THE HUP CAPS.

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  Buy Used - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By edbeng - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car for $5900 with only 40k miles - ran a carfax(ok) - car runs and drives great. The resale value on these cars are low so purchase it used and you can get a good deal - look around -- I checked out the car completely and it is in great shape. This is the best value in a used car.

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  excellent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leelee - May 24 - 2:00 am

  i love my galant. i am really impressed with the performance and capabilities for a family car.

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  The Outlander made me a believer in Mitsu - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - May 23 - 12:13 am

  The Mitsubishi Outlander won me over with its great power, smooth acting 6 speed auto transmission, high technology car with GPS, blue tooth, fast key, satellite radio, high output audio, xenon headlights, MP3/6 CD changer, ABS, EBD, ASC systems, MIVEC, TPMS, HDD navigational system and DVD/CD player.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By carol mcmenamin - May 22 - 10:13 pm

  I am thrilled with the new design of the Eclipse. It handles so well and is fun to drive. Everyone turns and does a double take when I drive by. The interior is so different, it has motorcycle gauges. This car isnt just for teens, adults love it too. I even bought my husband one.

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  my mitsubishi ...its time to sell =0( - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By patty - May 22 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this car with 105,000 miles on it. Everyone told me not too, it has been a wonderful car and is now pushing 180,000 miles! Great gas milage, quick for a 4-cylinder! Fun little car to drive with overdrive at the push of a button and power everything and leather seats and even a spolier on the back! I have to sell it now. If you buy one, I hope you have as much luck with yours as I have had.

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  Not driven a lot yet , But enjoying it! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 1stXmitsuowner - May 21 - 8:03 pm

  Nice sporty ride, tight handling and good MPG so far! Sharp looking and peppy for a 4 cyl. Wish I upgraded to moon roof and R/F sound system. But sound not bad! Bought because of value and warranty. Looked at Kia, Mazda and Ford prior to buying the Outlander!

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  Good If You Dont Want Your Kid to Speed - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jeeppsu85 - May 21 - 10:26 am

  My car is beautiful, but has no personality. I treated her like a daughter. I washed and waxed her weekly or bi-weekly and maintained her on a regular basis. There has been no problems with the leaks that are usually found with this model. My only problem is I tend to have problems accelerating on the highway and going uphills. In the winter, the trunk has the grand ability to smack ya on the head. This is a beautiful car but it has low performance. The 420A inline 4 has amazing economy, it hits about 230-310 miles per full tank depending how you drive. To accelerate fast you need to turn the air/heat off to get full power to the engine.

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  2009 Lancer - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By 09lancer - May 20 - 9:50 pm

  Love the car so far. Graphite Gray. Had an old car with a huge V8. Gas mileage is not perfect but much better than old car by a large margin. Interior has nice style but the quality does lack behind. I thought interior in GTS was better than the ES model. It is a comfortable car for me, Im 5"10. Spoiler does block the view but you get used to it. For a 4 cyl it is pretty powerful, but it could have more power. The back seat has a decent amount of room along with the trunk for a compact sedan. Overall a pretty decent car for the price. Got mine for a great deal so cant complain. If looking for a cheaper compact sedan that has a little bit of sportiness, the Lancer is for you.