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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  My Greatfirst car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Star - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Tis is my first car and i love it. I wish it was a bit fast ,but of course that keeps me out of trouble!

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  excellent car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lngtonge18 - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my OZ since November and absolutely love it. Its been flawless and the build quality is exceptional. Exterior is sporty and elegant, like a mini-BMW, and gets stares all the time. The interior looks great (love that brushed aluminum trim and the cream white gauges) and is so roomy. The ride is unbelieveably composed and comfortable up to 3 digit speeds. It handles good as well. My only complaints are the non-performance tires and the uncomfortable non- adjustable lumbar sticking in my back. Otherwise, the Lancer is an excellent car and definitely worth a look.

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  Impressive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kleo - April 4 - 10:00 am

  The elclipse looks great inside and out!! I find it to be loud and not enough space in the back seat. I fear the car will not hold up like a Honda or Toyota but Im hoping Im wrong. Over all I think it is a very nice sports car and I love the looks I receive when driving it. Its cool to see others driving one. I do feel the car should have more colors. I purchased the silver one and everyone seems to have the same color.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Leslie - April 3 - 7:56 am

  Ive only had this car for a few months, but so far, I love it! The first owner of the car maintained it perfectly, so maintenance has not yet been an issue on this 78K mile vehicle. Based on some of these reviews, my opinion might change once major work is necessary, but so far the car is wonderful, and the best Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive, handles well, and has enough zip to pass whenever I need to. Im planning to drive this car for years to come. Im a careful driver, and keep up on suggested maintenance, and dont see any problems in the near future.

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  3rd owner and no problems - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jacendb - April 3 - 1:13 am

  I bought the car in October 2011. I was looking for a Mazda but this was the only available back then and I didnt have too much time to be picky. Besides the radiator breaking one time, I havent had any issue. No loose interior parts, no shaking when driving the highway. Its 9 years old and its still soft and steady. It has surprised me in a very good way. I will have to change the catalytic converter eventually, but everything else seems to be ok. Parts are more expensive than other cars, but you wont need many.

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  I couldnt have made a better choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Wilma - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Mitsubishi Galant over the Honda Civic and Im so glad I did. Even tho it is a 4 cl it drives like a 6cl. It has a very large trunk space. Its very reliable, Never has given me a minutes trouble. I will always by this car in the future, thats if this one ever wears out. Oh yeah, its very good on fuel and I love the color (silver) inside and out. The audio sound is awsome.

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  Great Ergonomics - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By longdriver19 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I chose this car over the Mazda 3 because it simply fit better. Its fun to drive, has good power, decent brakes and okay gas mileage. The interior is bland as well as the outside. I could do without the "import tuner" wing on the trunk. If I had to do it again with the same money, I would probly get the Mazda 3. That car has waaay more available options, same power, less weight, same brakes, and looks like a more expensive euro compact. But like I said, the Lancer having lackluster features has great interior ergonomics.

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  it is fine - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By raiser - March 30 - 10:00 am

  not back for basic transport, but even mitsu dealer pays $3500 for a 12k miles car makes ppl leave mitsu bad resale value , dun buy this car a penny above invoice

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  Buy it if it is cheap - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By MD driver - March 29 - 4:03 pm

  When you need a cargo space, there is no better choice than this car, really. Mivech works great and runs surprisingly good for a wagon. In reliability and built quality, this car will not be as good as any other major Japanese makers, but again, this car got cargo space that no other matches, at least with good gas mileage of a car instead of an SUV. So, there is only 2 reason to buy this car, cargo space, cheaper price, at least in used market, Mitsubishi goes way cheaper than Toyota or Honda. If money and cargo space is important to you, this car is for you.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Raider Duro Cross V6 - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By D - March 29 - 3:03 am

  Apples to apples the Mitsubishi Raider is as good as any light truck that I have driven. The lovely thing about it is that its cheaper. I have had great results with my Raider, and I use it for everything, I have filled it with firewood, and could hardly tell the difference. Driving it I forget it is a truck, it feels like a car.