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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  Great SUV - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By dailydriver7 - April 25 - 1:38 am

  Very pleased with this SUV after having it a couple of months now. I hear people complain about how their Bluetooth or other features do not work right on their cars, but mine does and everything else works well too. No problems at all. In 80%highway at 70 mph/20%city driving, I was averaging about 28 mpg, but once I passed the 2,000 mile break in period it has jumped to about 31 mpg (could also be the switch over from the winter gas at the stations too). This is actual mileage, where I do the math after filling up at the gas station. The trip meter seems to understate mileage a little bit. This SUV also has sharp looks and is well built. Its my first Mitsubishi and I am impressed.

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  Love my new baby!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By DianeKrause - April 24 - 10:56 am

  Great looking vehicle and great incentive to purchase as well, with the zero down and delayed payments. The interior is beautiful and easy to work with, but the acceleration -- well its just not happening. If you want to merge with any authority, you have to put it in 3rd - absolutely. However, its worth it and its fun to shift. Gives you a little of the standard transmission buzz. You have to have the sunroof, definitely.

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  great cheap sports coupe - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By SU college man - April 24 - 10:00 am

  i bought my 2002 mirage ls to replace my 95 neon. the mirage is a great affordable car for college with plenty of sport. this car is cheap and reliable and i dont feel like i should be picking up the kids from soccer practice in it. great car for college, i intend to keep this for a long time. also has very eager acceleration for a 4 cylinder engine. fully loaded and very attractive.

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  Best in class! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Voorheez - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Well, I was more than surprised when I test drove the 2003 Eclipse GT. You feel like your driving a much more expensive car than you really are. If you havent given the Eclipse a try, this baby has grown up. The V6 sounds awesome and the car is just beautiful to look at. Everyone will want to race you! :)

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  Good car, has quirks - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Captain - April 19 - 4:30 pm

  The car has cool going for it, comfortable ride and okay handling for being so heavy. It has a lot of road noise, huge blind spots (but that is to be expected on any sports car) and a turn radius so bad you have to drive it to believe it. Interior is plastic, but stylish. The back seat is merely for looks, but you shouldnt have a problem selecting takers for the front seat (everyone wants to ride in it). It is very reliable, no mechanical problems, although I would highly recommend better grounding wires since Mitsubishi stock grounds are suspect at best. There have been two attempts to break into the car with no success (popped lock stayed locked, window wont peal). All in all, good car.

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  Diamante Dynamics - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By mmlee1 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  My experience in owning a 1997 Diamante LS has been great! It performs well, and handles superior. The merging power is incredible above 50 mph. The ride is supple and quiet, the torque this car has provides smooth distance riding. The only flaw is the brakes; they wear out very fast!

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  reliable built poorly - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By haylock - April 18 - 10:00 am

  i have a galant i bought about 6 months ago its reliable and very fast but i recently got in an accident and it is built very poorly made out of nothing but i enjoy the comfort.

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  One pleased driver - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By wbill - April 18 - 10:00 am

  The ride does not feel like a truck compared to some other SUVs. Interior design comfortable. Sound system very good. Easy to reach all controls. Seat height good when entering and exiting the suv. Visibility good. Engine very responsive, good acceleration. Turning radius tight.

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  Lancer GTS looks like twice the price - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Geodude - April 11 - 10:36 pm

  The Lancer GTS is a lot of bang for the buck! I looked at cars in the same class as well as some upscale makes in the same size. Hands down this car is the best value and absolutely the best looking including cars costing much more money. Ive never had so many compliments at stop lights and convenience stores. Mitsubishi may well be on their way to moving up the sales ladder with this fantastic car with Japanese reliability!

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  Fun to Drive! - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By BellTinker - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Really zippy and fun to drive! Decent pick-up and solid ride even at highway speeds. Very good on gas mileage. Easy to reach controls.