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:

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Clint Riley - December 10 - 5:10 pm

  I just recently purchased this car and I love it. I love the handling and its look. It is very comfortable and reliable. It is very spacious also. The acceleration is moderate, but I didnt buy a DE for the acceleration. The engine feels powerful and the transmission is smooth. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Scool - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This SUV drives like a sedan. The ride is very smooth and quiet. This car has big cargo space along with fold down rear seat that goes lower to level with cargo.

• 

  The Little Car That Could - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By DiggerTX - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The Eclipse in reality is a small car. Get behind the wheel, push the pedal, and zoooom!! I felt like I was in a race car. At night with the street lights or the moon coming through the moon roof is a great touch. This is my first moon roof; I never wanted one. I can only say I missed a great experience for too long. If you want quality, want that "good feeling," then try the V6 with a moon roof (black inside and out)!! Youll probably love it. I do.

• 

  Coupe Review - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Cody Paul - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Great Car

• 

  Cant Go Wrong! - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By WorldBeFree321 - December 7 - 11:36 am

  When I found out that Mits was bringing back the truck I was ecstatic. I have had mine for 9 months and I love everything about it. The Handling is awesome especially on curves. When I drive it if feels like a truck but it has the comfort of a car. The stereo system is among the best for standard equipment, mine came with free satellite radio for a year. The manufactures warranty is also among the best in the market. My kids and I love the room inside the double cab. We have taken it to the coast several times and have has lost of fun. The only thing I would trade is the MPG but hey, itÂ’s a truck. If you are thinking about getting a truck take a look at the Raider.

• 

  Its a good car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By carlover_zf - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I cant figure out why people dont like it. Its reliable and crisp to drive. Its good looking. I just LOVE it.

• 

  Lancer OZ rocks! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Fly-OZ - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My OZ moves pretty fast. I can take corners in excess of 40 mph and the car is very stable. For the amount of money and the deal I got from Mitsubishi, I have no complaints about this car. So, if youre looking for an inexpensive and fun car to drive or race, definitely pick the Lancer-OZ. If you want to learn more about the Lancers, visit the Lancer forums.

• 

  LANCER - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By WOGKING4U - December 7 - 2:00 am

  GREAT

• 

  Nice Ride, Satisfied!! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jac48 - December 6 - 7:34 am

  Bought the car a little over a month ago and now have 1200 miles on it. I really like the new design, the fact that it comes standard with 3 rows of seats. The interior isnt flashy but it doesnt seem like cheap plastic either. I like the touch screen radio, backup cam, 18 inch wheels, heated seats, integrated blue tooth, fog lights ect. and all the other options for the price over competing SUVs. I was really considering the Subaru Forester, but the price and the 3rd row of seats sealed the deal. The factory Warranty is by far better. Ive owned an 02 Lancer, an 03 Eclipse and never had any trouble with either. Getting about 25MPG, which is a little lower than I was hoping.

• 

  Very cool vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By hammondjammin - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Im really glad the dealer recommended this vehicle, after all weve been through with a previous Mitsubishi auto. Definitely a fun car!