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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  2001 Eclipse GT - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason - October 4 - 9:26 am

  Bought this car when I joined the Air Force and it has been very reliable. I have driving across country three times and have never had a problem. The only down fall is that the car takes premium fuel only and it costs me 50 dollars to fill up. Was very easy to find performance parts for, and the car handles them very well.

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  Sharp looking Reliable car ! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mRmill05 - October 3 - 12:30 am

  I purchased my 04` used with 20,000 miles. Great car. Mitsubishi dealer gave me double its trade in value when it was traded up to an 09.

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  My NorthStar Pony (keeping the car until I die) - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By topzy - October 1 - 9:00 am

  When I was a junior in high school in 2002 I got this car to impress a girl. I guess it worked since we ended getting engaged (2 years ago we broke up though) Anyways, this car is very reliable. Sure, after owning a car for 9 years its bound to break down sometimes. Thankfully, my dear car has never left me stranded anywhere. What was wrong wit it? Usually after market things I had installed (like the alarm). She is pretty old and replacement parts have been needed. The things that hold the hatch stopped working, so I got them at a junk yard for like $5. The A/C juuuust broke down on me, lol, i used that thing all the time, even in the winter. Dash had to be replaced, thats all.

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  Awesome car at an awesome value - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By melacon - October 1 - 4:50 am

  At this pricepoint you cant get much more cool stuff, and cool looks, crammed into one car. All the techno stuff aside, I really enjoy the overall feel of the car. Its pretty fun to drive, and its very comfortable doing it.

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  Cant help but love and respect this car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Reluctant respect - October 1 - 4:03 am

  I bought this car because I had to - I hit an economic tough patch and had to downsize from my previously owned semi-luxury car. For the first 2 years, I hated the car and made jokes about it. But now, about 5 years in, I have to take my hat off. It has run great, with very little maintenance needed. Something else I have to mention: even today, Im getting about 30 miles to the gallon - no lie! The car now has about 160,000 miles on it, and its showing no signs of quitting. It really won me over as a Mitsubishi fan, especially since I so badly wanted to keep making fun of it after I got it. But now, all I do is smile and admit that I couldnt have been more wrong.

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  Mitsubishi Diamante - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Mishy - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever driven. Very impressed with the quality.

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  Wow, what a car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Don Chamberlin - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealership for the Evo. It became pretty clear that I couldnt fit it into my monthly budget. I was shown the Ralli Art. The suspension makes it fun to drive. A new engine gives it plenty of power. Also, the looks are really sharp. Plus, its a pretty unique car. I havnt seen anyone with one. I love the car and I had a smooth experience buying.

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  Awesome Diamante - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By DiGirl - September 29 - 10:00 am

  These suckers are hard to find, but theyre a great entry luxury vehicle. Not the name cache as Lexus or Acura, but good handling and price/value ratio

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  Great and fun to drive! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By sandydee - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has responded and performed very well. When 4-wheelin the wheels grip and dont let go and we have been in some hairy areas! I suppose my only complaint is that the console should be longer to rest my elbow and I wish the resale value was higher.

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  Best mid-sized SUV in the world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Firebat - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  Best mid-sized SUV in the world!!!