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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  Cute but Sensitive to Road Conditions - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By 580 Lady - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is cute and perfect for commuting to/from work or even for professional moms. It was a great deal for a used car but I quickly realized that the car lost its appeal on me when I noticed how sensitive the wheels were to the road. If anyones driven on CA-580 knows the road is full of potholes, cracks, and whatever else. You must have a steady hand and heart to drive this lightweight car around the Bay Area. The car is sensitive to high winds while driving on bridges and overpasses and obviously will slip and slide all over the place when the road is not in the best shape.

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  We Love Our Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jen & Mike - November 4 - 10:00 am

  We were leaning towards a Ford Escort, Honda Pilot or Toyota 4Runner when we bought the Montero. Went with the Montero due to the great price & financing and couldnt be happier. Its super comfortable inside & has tons of convenient cargo room. The rear seat is small, but we just about never use that for seating anyway. Weve been skiing, offroading, and driving on the pitted streets of Philadelphia and weve had no problems so far. Plus, when we got pummeled with 2 feet of snow this winter, we had no parking problems since the Montero scaled huge mounds of snow with ease.

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  very cool!!! U should be jealous - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By adrian24 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is an awesome truck.... very roomie and drives awesome I can see myself in this truck for years... Finally a truck with no regrets

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By HJH ROCKS SO HARD - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car you can ever drive. It reall atracts the ladies.

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  Wish Id chosen another car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By lindag3 - November 3 - 10:07 pm

  I just got my Mitsubishi Galant 2 months ago (used) and thank God I got the extended warranty with it! I just took it in to dealership last Tuesday and the ABS sensors werent showing on the dash. They ran into needing more parts and I dont expect it back until end of this week (almost a two week repair!). Thank God for the courtesy car I am able to use. I sure hope this isnt a sign of things to come with this car. I loved it at first but this isnt good two months into a loan! I hope to trade it in as soon as that opportunity comes up. It wasnt great in the snow so I bought two snow tires for the front which did make a difference. The dealership has been helpful I must say.

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  2008 GTS Lancer w/ Sun & Sound - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By zunescene - November 1 - 11:50 pm

  I really like the appearance of the car and how it feels spacious inside. The paddle shifters are really really fun. The CVT does not like to run in high rpms or go fast but it does like to conserve gas. I like to switch between auto and manual depending on my mood.

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  A fine vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ping - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  I just finished driving it hauling a 1500 lbs 5 by 8 moving trailer from Florida to California in 4 1/2 days. The longest day was acroos Texas, 750 miles day. No problem what so ever!! If you can be really gentle on the gas pedal like myself, 24mpg with that kind of load is possible. On the hills it struggles a bit. The sweet spot for the rpm is arond 2200 to 2600. I found that at the 4th gear this would give you 50~63 mph and really efficient. 32~35mpg on the high way is possible if you do this constantly. I had the car for more than 3 years now. Admitted, it is not a luxury car, but its practical and you can almost say its fun to drive.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Galant - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By frank Sabia - October 31 - 10:50 pm

  This is my fourth Galant and this is the best of them all. I like the interior with the information center. The exterior is very nice as well. I really like the tail lights.

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  I Love my Eclipse - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Marilyn Jacob - October 31 - 2:40 pm

  Im a mature woman and love this car but young at heart! It handles very well in all weather conditions, I was mostly impressed as to how it plowed right through the snow and did so well on icy roads. My previous car was heavier but didnt handle well with icy conditions as it seemed to hydroplane, but not my eclipse. I got used to driving with the mirrors more and had no problems seeing other vehicles. Have no fear if youre considering purchasing an Eclipse.

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  all I can asked - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sakaw - October 30 - 10:00 am

  just good..I love my car so much..already do some mod to her and more will come