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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  Built to Last - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Silverado - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Drove Monteros and Landcruisers while working in Saudi Arabia back in the 80s. I could tell the quality even with this Monteros predecessor. Toyota and Mitsubishi know how to make true reliable 4 wheel drive automobiles. The beauty of the Montero is that it has the ride and fit and finish of the Landcruiser, with a much better designed interior, but is thousands less!

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  2014 Mirage ES CVT - Great little car! - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By dparris99 - December 13 - 1:41 pm

  Mirage ES w/ CVT automatic, and Navigation. Excellent car, 3,200 miles to date and zero problems - just keeps on getting better! As of October 2013 the base model was the least expensive new car available in the USA, even though it had far more standard features than the 2nd least expensive (Nissan Versa). At 1,600 miles I got 55.3 MPG at 55 MPH, 53.4 MPG at steady 65 MPH. My daily average MPG is about 42, but my MPG keeps improving as the car gets more miles on it. Great in snow, even without switching to winter tires. 6" is deepest snow driven in so far.

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  I Love My Car!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By spunkymonkey72 - December 13 - 12:52 pm

  I purchased this car used in 2010. I figured Id have fun and drive it until my son was old enough to drive it and then I would pass it down to him. Well, he is 6 months away from being able to get his license and honestly...I dont want to give it up! It has been very reliable and lots of fun to drive. In the time I have owned it I have only had to replace the battery and tires.

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  Beats Altima - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By doogienj - December 12 - 11:26 am

  I work in the car rental business, so I often change cars that I use as company cars. My previous car was the Pontiac Grand Prix. The V4 engine is a bit sluggish with the acceleration, like there is a delay when you floor it. But when you get it up to speed, it performs great and you are very comfortably at 80 mph. The breaks are great right off the bat. Im not sure if it has traction control or not. If it does, its not great. So its a bit tough to accelerate from wet pavement. I have previously driven the Nissan Altima as a company car and Im not sure why its hailed as the category leader. Its nosier than the Galant, feels much lighter and flimsier.

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  At last............ - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By pcmench - December 12 - 5:46 am

  I have loved this car since last year when I purchased my Mirage. I wanted the Galant, but at the time, I couldnt afford one. This car has a smooth ride and luxurious features. I have the 2.4L 4 cyl. but you wouldnt know it when you press the gas. It has get up and go!

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  great car but inferior interior - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sfo_bayarea - December 11 - 5:06 pm

  Great engine, though inferior quality of interior features - easily scratched panels, no lights for button Windows except 1 -inferior seat cover - brakes are already squeaking at 7 mos old -prone to moisture, my front Windows have weird sound already- I am expecting them not to open anytime- informed dealers already - I am a Mitsubishi person though next time -I think Ill try Honda - my car was shipped from Japan- I noticed my tires are already worn out considering I just I take care of my car very well - Ill change my Yokohama tires in less than 2 years -maybe the u. S. Version is have longer mileage- who knows!

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  Sweet deal for the price - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ball - December 8 - 2:13 am

  I bought my car just over a year ago and I have no complaints about it. I hear some that say it doesnt live up to the fuel economics, but I drove from San Diego to Washington averaging 31 mpg. If thats not good enough for you then buy a prius. Car has been great and everything that I bought it for. Fun to drive and decent power for how much it weighs. Wish I would have waited for the Ralliart.

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  Quite a decent car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Erik - December 7 - 1:23 pm

  The new Mitsubishi Eclipse is a hit. The four cylinder loves to rev, has adequate performance. I have 15k on the car on everything is great on it. Everybody loves my car. People think it is nice. The quality of the interior is fairly good. The optional Rockford Fosgate system booms with sound. The ride is comfortable. The steering is nicely weighted. But I hope you dont plan on using that back seat. Only children or small toddlers can tolerate it. Im over six foot, trust me, youll go nuts in the back seat. When it comes to cargo time, this car aint too bad. I hauled a new boxed computer in it and monitor and it fit just right. The car in my opinion is a car that is a looker.

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  HOT ROD TO GO! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By beatles4ever - December 7 - 3:06 am

  This is my second red Eclipse. I originally purchased one in 1996,and had no problems. My 2001 GT is even better looking than my first! I am in my 50s, but feel like a teenager all over again in this sporty car. The car still turns peoples heads, and everyone assumes its a high dollar auto! Four years later, and everyone still asks, "Is your car new???"

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  Great Initial impression - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Woodstock - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased one to replace an old van. Very impressed with quality. Spunky and fun to drive. Was comparing with Ford Focus and it wins hands down. Better creature comforts and style for the price. Also better J.D. Powers ratings... Great Car...