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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  I Love This Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lauren - March 16 - 9:56 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is so much fun. When I first bought it I drove everywhere just for the sake of driving. I would find things to do just to get back into this car. It makes driving a wonderful experience that you wont want to end. Highway driving is the best, with terrific handling and controlled speed this car can do almost anything. It definitely is a winner.

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  Good Driving Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JPudas71 - March 14 - 6:10 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a good driving car for someone like me that has a 80+ miles a day to work. It gets really good gas milage, which is good now that gas is so expensive. The looks I get are great and the car is so cute and stylish. My kids think its a race car.

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  Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mick Foster - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Although for Insurance purposes this Vehicle is not rated as a sports car. You will never believe it when you drive it. The 4 cylinder 2.4 engine keeps up with the V6.. It has a true class sports car look all the way around.. A car sure to catch the eye of anyone you pass bye. The dealership experience was another story, I rate Santa Monica Mitsubishi a big zero.. However, the car more than makes up for it, in spite of themselves..

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  best car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By danik roger - March 14 - 10:00 am

  the car is very competitive

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  Love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DevonPass - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2003 XLS AWD. I have all the extras: leather, seat heaters, sun roof, Infinity stereo, auto dimming rear veiw mirror. I am getting 22 MPG which I think is pretty good for an SUV. The car has plenty of room for my active family, I have 2 dogs, a husband and a 3 year old. My husband is just over 6 feet tall and has plenty of head/leg room. Others have complained about the power, I am satisfied. I commmute 50 miles in and out of Washington DC and have no problems navigating the beltway. I have recieved many compliments.

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  Lancer GTS Sun & Sound Silver - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By scuderiams - March 13 - 1:53 am

  I just bought this car and its amazing. I got the Sun & Sound package and its worth every dollar. The performance is great for a 2.4l. I like the CVT with the paddle shifters. Fuel consumption its good, not the best one but its good and better than my previous car. Hands free system works great. The exterior design is great, its an eye catcher. Handling and suspension work great together.

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  2004 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Georgia - March 12 - 6:30 pm

  My Galant has had issues for the last 2 years. I bought it brand new in 2004, and was pleased until recently. My blower on the air conditioner/heater has stopped working and my engine light has come on because there is a vacuum leak related to the gas line. My husband has a 2004 Endeavor, and its transmission has gone out. We will never buy anything from Mitsubishi again, and we would really like to send them back since we still owe on both of them and they are worth nothing to us. I am now driving a 1980 Oldsmobile that is more reliable than both of our Mitsubishis!!!!

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  Unhappy consumer - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Unhappy comsumer - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Not long after I purchased the vehicle, I noticed that 5th gear, my window, my brakes, and my a/c were giving me problems. I took my car back to the dealer where they repaired fifth gear, my window, and attempted to eliminate the awful smell from the a/c. After receiving my car back, 2nd gear began to grind and I noticed my cigarette lighter was defective. So I returned the car to again have them work with the transmission, to clean the a/c, and replace the cigarette lighter. The dealer repaired the a/c, the lighter, but said they could not confirm the problem with 2nd gear. Ive now been back 2 more times and am currently seeking an attorney.

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  Best car Ive driven so far! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rosa - March 12 - 10:00 am

  So far it drives wonderful.I never thought that I will like this car so much.I love to drive it every where.I turn heads when Im driving down the street.I love it!

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  Reliable as the sun coming up in the morning - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gary Bovee - March 12 - 9:58 am

  IN 9 years no repairs except brakes. Fast and reliable