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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  Best Looks - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jaime - June 24 - 10:00 am

  The car that I bought is a light blue color. When I pass by a mall or a public place people always have to turn and look. The interior is great because it is very unique and also I have made a few ajustments, and I have made different mods to the engine also.

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  One life saver.... - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rich - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Galant...I could not get over the acceleration and style this car had to offer....Another thing that I was impressed with is that my wife had a head-on collision at 60mph, of the three ocupants in the vehicle, no one was seriously injured....That speaks for itself..yeah, my car was totaled, BUT MY FAMILY IS STILL ALIVE AND HERE WITH ME...Thanks Mitsubishi....

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  Couldnt Have Hoped For A Better Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Duke_BlueDevil113 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  What can i say about this car... not only is it a HOT car, but I got it under the zero payments for 390 days and zero interest ever, great incentive! Im a college student in a new location and I needed a car that would be reliable, but fun too... I debated between the Eclipse, Celica, and Acura RSX. After driving all of em I found that the Eclipse was the best car, and man am I glad I chose it! I got the upgraded stereo AND ITS AWESOME! Great young guy car! By the way... Edmunds.com was more than helpful when choosing the right car!

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  Good car for money, BUT... - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By christmas_tree - June 24 - 3:06 am

  Really liked the car when I purchased it with only 24,000 miles in 2004. By the time it had 40k miles it had the very common heater core leak... by the time it had 50k miles rear/driver side abs speed sensor failed so abs brakes are non-functional since then, neither is the traction control... both ABS and TCL light stay on all the time now. By 55k egr solenoid failed, not too costly to replace if you do it yourself. By 60k miles the rear springs are worn out, with 3 passengers in the rear the rear bottoms out, replaced shocks which didnt help at all. By 80k antenna motor failed. Bottom line, even though I like the car I wouldnt buy a Mitsubishi again, with the other options.

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  Sexy Red Galant - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Lwilliams - June 23 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Black Mitsubishi Galant ES in January. The car was very nice but was lacking something. One month after I purchased the 2006 Galant ES, Mitsubishi introduced the 2006 Special Edition Galant. A beautiful car, everything I wanted in the Galant: style, substance, and leather seats. The SE was the type of car I was supposed to have, so I got. Love every minute of it.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SamanthaJo - June 23 - 3:23 pm

  I purchased my Eclipse a year ago and I have loved every minute of owning it. It is a very reliable car and a lot of fun to drive. It drives and handles very well. I love the appearance, inside and out. I would not give this car up for any other car out there. The gas mileage is good for a sports car and I have had no problems with this car.

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  2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Doug McKay - June 23 - 6:16 am

  Mitsubishi has a winner on their hands with the new 2008 Lancer. Everything from styling to creature comforts has helped raise the bar for this class of sedan. The car is a joy to drive, and the paddle shifters for the CVT transmission on the GTS model allow you to keep the engine in its sweet spot while carving through tight corners. The car is built tight with no squeaks or rattles of any kind. The optional 650 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system packs a punch, especially with the included subwoofer. I would recommend this car without hestitation.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By R C - June 22 - 2:16 am

  When I saw this SUV, I knew this was the one. It was different than all the other SUVs I had looked at! The interior looked like a German Interior and not Japanese. I really like our Mitsubishi Outlander, it has been a very reliable SUV. Performance is ok for normal drivers, but if your like me, theres not enough horsepower! My wife loves her SUV. It has been such a good vehicle, that Im going to buy a new Mitsubishi Lancer GTS for my daughter. Good luck!

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  Gallant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By htexbb - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our second mitsubishi. We are in love with this car. Its very stylish and roomy inside. We had a catera before this and I like this car so much better! We are sold on Mitsubish. The service we get at the dealership is fantastic. The salesman has not forgot our names and is very helpful.

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  the best car ive ever owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By angelictrouble83 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car to own! I have an 9 month old so storage room, comfort and reliability is a must and this car has all 3!