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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  galant review - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By chris litterini - November 24 - 10:00 am

  its a nice 4dr car. its great on gas and its great on the highway. Its very comfortable and quiet. Its a good well-build and reliable car.

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  All Around Awesome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By melissadew - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is an all around winner. Not a single problem since I have had it, not one complaint.

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  MY ECLIPSE GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By DAVEBROOKE - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 03 GTS 5 SPEED AND I LOVE THIS VEHICLE! I WAS DRIVING AN SUV AT THE TIME AND WAS LOOKING FOR SOMTETHING MORE FUN TO DRIVE. ID OWNED SPORTS CARS IN THE PAST AND MISSED THAT FUN FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THEM. AFTER MUCH CONSIDERATION IN THAT MARKET, I DETERMINED THIS WAS THE CAR FOR ME! THE RIDE,PERFORMANCE,SHIFTING,AND HANDLING ARE SUPERIOR!

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  5 spd manual transmission - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By augustlee - November 23 - 12:20 pm

  I am having this great car for 2 months and got 4000 miles on it. It is so far so great and I am totally satisfied. Especially when you think about the vehicles price, this is the best value you can ever get. It is very roomy and cozy for long long drive. We drove down to Vegas from San Francisco and to Los Angeles and again drove back to SF (its about 1k mile) with 3 people and one cello case (which is bigger than golf case) and 2 big luggage and few bags and waters etc in the car. Car was running very good at hills with 3 people and such load in it. And since this is manual transmission, you get more power than cvt and probably more mpg if you put little more effort on it.

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  Bought new - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Art - November 22 - 9:46 am

  Looks great-mileage is still improving, have only 3000 mi on it. Am getting 18 to 20 in town-no hwy. drive yet-handles great-ride is wonderful (car like). Roomy compared to my 02 Ranger XLT-if it proves as reliable as Ranger-will be terrific. Price was right. V-6 Plenty of power for me. Cruising along at 50mph results in no more than 14 to 1500rpm.

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  Dont Overlook This One. - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Cuffy - November 19 - 3:23 am

  Overall this is a top notch design by Mitsubishi. As a complete package it outshines all other competitors in the segment and for a price far less than expected. Performance, power, style, handling, comfort, convenience, technology, fuel economy and fun all wrapped up in a sharp looking CUV with big room on a small budget. Nice fit/finish for this segment - tight seams and clean lines all around. Interior plastics are on par with other manufacturers, but could be slightly softer. The 6-speed is responsive and great for mileage, but can hunt for the right gear on long inclines. Reliability shouldnt be an issue, especially with the outstanding warranty.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By eclipse6racer - November 19 - 2:56 am

  First off, the obvious about this car...it looks sweet, it handles great, its fast ,and has a cool interior design especially with the glowing blue leds. What this car is not is a four seater, nor a three seater as the back has absolutely no room. Im 62" and most of my friends are tall as well. But hey, why buy a sports car if you have a family? Go get yourself a minivan in that case! Anyways, its a very sweet ride and it is fast. I love it,and if you love the sound of a race car, and I dont mean just change the damn muffler, throw a magnaflow exhaust on minus the resonator and second cat and it sounds better than any of those Fast and Furious rides from the movie yummy!

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  Close, but no cigar - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Augie - November 18 - 10:00 am

  First read the reviews of the vehicle and was a wary buyer. The reviews did not mention the "wander" on flat, open highways, but have found little of the review material to be correct. Overall, good car for the money but the gas mileage could be improved and the "wander" needs eliminated. Also, at 511", the drivers seat has to be all the way back and the rear of the seat in a reclined position to be comfortable.

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  Awesome ride! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By lovein it - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Since I have bought this car I have loved every minute of it. It is more fun to drive then my friends Lexus and has much more power. It has a great vaule to me for my budget and gets many looks going down the road. Its one classy car.

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  Greatest car ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By AcidRain310 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that this is the greatest car ever. I am in love with it