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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  Love thec ar; its fun and eye looker - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sandy - May 19 - 11:56 pm

  Car is beautiful. Went from a truck to this new look. It is fast, great to look at and fun to drive.

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  Eclipse Fanatic - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By geography - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had 5 Eclipses over 15 years and LOVE them. They look good and drive very well. I have never had 1 mechanical thing go wrong with them. Mitsubishi has finally solved the low front end problem. The 2004 front end is beautiful and does not scrap when going through low areas.

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  Montero Limited - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By L. Sandoval - May 17 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this Montero brand new. Zero mechanical problems to date. Good first time Japanese car owner experience. I would recommend this truck to anybody looking for a good reliable SUV in this category. Truck has not been to the dealer not even once for repairs or under warranty. Third row seat is good enough for the kids and nephews.

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  Eclipse Rocks !! ...... For the money... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dangull - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 2000 Eclipse GS as a second car, mainly my wifes use. She loves it, as do I. It is not a Ferrari... but its priced like a Toyota!!! This Red GS really gets the looks. It handles very well and goes great with only the 4 cylinder. We had a 1995 and this car is even better. I would recommend an Eclipse to anyone who wants a fun car at an affordable price. Cheap insurance too.....

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  outlander on the go - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gusszilla - May 13 - 10:00 am

  ive owned this suv since dec 2003 and its the best one i ever bought i cromed out the outside with running boards front crome bumper and rear crome bumpers decals on side added ventshades grill gaurd and it had bland stlying but now i get alot of complaiments on it its fun to drive and great in the snow and smooth ride has never been in shop for anything very reiable would defently buy another mitsibishi

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  Not Too Pleased - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By donnat - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The absolute WORST thing about this car is that both front doors make an awful rattling noise when you shut them. Im told that itll cost me $100 just to look at them...then the price keeps going up from there. Also, the paint job is HORRIBLE! Ive never seen so many little scratches on a car of mine. (Guess thats because I always had a Toyota).My bottom line is ...I cant see what all my teens friends see in it. I guess they like the commercials.

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  Womans best friend - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By classy5465 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Endeavor in Feb. of 04. I needed a vehicle that would hold my granddaughter, my greyhound and all of the work items that I have to transport. I also wanted something sharp and attractive, tough and durable and different from all the other SUVs on the road. I got all of that plus more in my Endeavor. It is a cool color, the interior is practical and spill-proof, and the back window opens independently of the back door (a must for greyhound owners.) The back seats lay down flat, giving me tons of cargo space. It is not too high to get into comfortably, not too wide to park easily and really great to look at!

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  Mitsubishi GTS - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karron - May 11 - 6:16 am

  Love Mitsubishis. Bought GTS on Governments cash for clunkers program. Love the handling, this thing handles, really is a joy to drive, & being a woman dont think I drive slow. Best looking car in its class, always get lots of positive comments about it.

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  Woo First CAR!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By InCuBaSs - May 10 - 2:00 am

  If your not looking for car that so over fast. Even with 4 cyl it still has good pick up the interior is very sporty, the exterior is fresh and different fom others. you wont be seeing alot of these on the road cause not everyone can afford its a good first time car for younger people like myself the top of its class and is fun to drive!

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  I love my Montero Sport - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By comatt - May 6 - 8:05 pm

  I have had mine for about 3 years, it has 120,000 miles and love it. It has been a great roadtrip vehicle, I have taken it on many 1000+ mile trips and it is comfortable, gas mileage could be better but it performs well. I have had no service issues with it, and have done all the regular maintanence on it. I recently changed the belts to find that the originals were still on it after 11 years of use. The interior holds up well; my leather seats barely show any wear and the buttons and dials all still appear new. This is a great SUV and I intend to run her for many years to come.