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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  Hot Car...Equals Hot Chicks! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Moe - September 26 - 11:16 pm

  The 06 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a great car, I just picked her up on Friday (7/14). Its been nothing but fun. I get great compliments from random people. The car is really quick. Also, its an official chick magnet. If you want to be the guy/girl that wants to stand out on the road, this is the way to go!

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  Better than expected!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By chief - September 26 - 4:50 am

  Im a truck guy, I bought this for my wife because I didnt want a "family" car. I couldnt even think of parking a Corolla, Camry, Sentra or whatever else in my garage. I love the aggressive styling. Its fast, dont get the wrong idea, using the paddle shifters will push you back in the seat and get you to triple digits fairly quick, I mean, after all it is a 4 cyl. We got octane blue, which is great looking in the sun. Fully loaded, every option available. Even had the dealer tint the windows and the car looks even better now! If youre on the fence, go drive one, you will buy!

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  07 Raider SE 4.7L V-8 - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Eire - September 25 - 3:50 pm

  Was looking for a Dakota but like others did not like the new front end. After looking at other mid size trucks and comparing the prices decide to go with this one. Love the V-8 and get the same mpg as a V-6 is great. Has good power and the truck rides great. Interior is comfortable and the kids love all the room they have in the back.

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  Outstanding car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Wolfman - September 24 - 7:43 pm

  Got my new Mitsu 2 days ago and I love it. Test drove 5 other cars that are comparable and this one was the best by far. GOOD JOB MITSUBISHI. Just hope you keep it up. The car has some amazing safety (good for my kids) features and lots of toys. It totally blew away most of the competition and at 6 foot 6 I enjoy the roomy interior. Lots of toys as well... Satellite radio, Blue Tooth, awesome stereo, and sunroof... Excellent warranty which gives me (new father of 2) peace of mind. Sales people were awesome as well. Let the car sell itself. They did not have any theatrics, drama, scripted tag teaming, etc.. Highly recommend the dealership. Great car and again, thanks Mitsubishi.

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  Love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliartchik - September 22 - 1:23 pm

  I have the Ralliart 5 speed and love it. I had to trade in my 2 dr car when I got pregnant and I told my husband that I would only get a 4 dr car if it is 5 speed and sporty. This car fit me perfectly and I love it. If I could afford the Evo I would but this is the next best thing for a reasonable price.

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  great starter - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By crow - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I also own a 2002 acura RSX, as well as my eclipse. I loved the car at first but it needs alot of improvments, compaired to the RSx it has no tork, and alot less comfort. To my surprise I loved the factory radio-sounds great. Has alot of extra room that could have been avoided-after driving the RSX and then geating into my eclipse it is a real ruff ride.

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  Replacing brakes as maintenance? - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By fccm - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Beware of their warranty!! We were just informed that we had to replace the brakes and that it was not covered since it is considered "maintenance" despite having only 20,000 miles. Wish I had bought something else

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  Saved our Lives - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gail - September 20 - 4:06 pm

  Our Outlander saved me, my daughters and her friends lives! Tonight we were in a terrible car accident where I went into a ditch and my truck flipped over three times! We all had our seatbelts on, the back windows shattered OUT the car, the sides got bangged up, but the doors never caved in, the roof and hood were badly smashed. When people passed the vehicle, they were horrified...and could not believe we were alive! I am going to buy another...as I feel it truly saved us....I give it a five star safety rating...thanks Mitsubishi!

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  Got One - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Stacy Cedars - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Its the most comfortable SUV we have driven.

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  70,000 Milles and still very happy! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Raul O - September 16 - 5:30 pm

  I have had my Mitsubishi Lancer for three years now, driving from Miami to New York, trailering my 850 pounds jet ski to the bay all weekends and the car still is like new condition. The only repairs that I have done besides oil changes, change spark plugs, filter and alignment, have been to replace the spark plug wires. I am really happy with the reliability of this car. It has a lot of space, is strong enough to pull the jet ski or a boat off the ramp on the weekends, and has good interior space. I am 62" and fit perfectly and comfortably in the car. Thus far my Lancer has been a very dependable car.