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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  Cant be Beat! - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bad in Cairo - September 5 - 7:40 pm

  Having had numerous foreign cars; Kia, Toyota, Lada and US cars; Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, I cant find any real issues with this vehicle other than the 1.6 liter engine (standard in the Middle East/African regions) which cranks out 108hp. I average 34-38 highway miles. Considering the roads out my way are not comparative to the US or Europe, I find this car soaks ups the potholes quite well and only time will tell how the FWD components last. But as Japanese cars are like Mercedes and BMWs here....worth the money, Ill buy another Mitsubishi again.

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  Awesome SUV! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By hh 589 - September 5 - 11:33 am

  I loved the build quality and interior at the time of purchase. A bit of remorse set in over the first year due to "road wildness" - read comments on the internet and found out I needed to change the "OEM" tires - changed to Michelin LTS and man what a difference - now I love everything about this vehicle - I now have 97,000 miles and have not had any major problems - agile , rock solid and extremely comfortable in and out , best visibility . My partner is on his third company car and I have still stayed in this one even though the company would buy me anything I want - nothing out there that interests me .

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  I love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ink - September 5 - 5:46 am

  I bought this car in 2006 straight off the truck (literally). Im one of about 5 people in a 50 mile radius that even owns a 4G Eclipse, there is no torque steer if you dont floor it from a dead stop. Handling issues are pretty much B.S., I took a turn going 60 mph with no problems haha, and I can go through curves at 75 mph, so whatever. Noisey exhaust? haha its an import - hello!!!!

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  Tough Comfortable Odd looking Suv - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By George - September 5 - 2:03 am

  Im really impressed with the off-road capablities of this vehicle, if not for somewhat low clearances, this truck could be unstoppable. Ive taken it places my friends have feared to tread, (pathfinder) just in its stock form. The gas mileage is unimpressive, though from its size its expected. Plus it was so cheap I can afford to have fun with it.

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  Great SUV, Really. - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By La Driver - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I replaced my 1998 ML320 with a 2001 Montero Limited and I am very pleased with this car. It has been over 30,000 miles and it is still completely trouble-free. This SUV has a very nicely finished and roomy interior. The V6 is adequate for getting to and from the office but a little more low-end torque would be welcome here. The transmission is very smooth, the breaks are very precise and the steering feels just perfect. I love this car!

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  Love the car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durachal - September 5 - 2:00 am

  As a whole the car is great, needs a little more power...

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  The best for your money - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kizashiowner - September 4 - 12:04 am

  My wife wanted 4x4 to tackle the snow mountain at shoprite and BJs, kidding ladies. I wanted her to have AWD si I feel safer that she is driving all weather car with my daughter in it. Researched over and over and couldnt find better value. 8.5 ground clearance, AWC one of the best with 4 lock in case of deep snow, comfort seats so she says and my wife is picky, as for the power though it can use more but you can always use the manual shifter by the steering wheel and pass with no issue, 710 W Rockoford Fostage, I want that in my car amazing sound if you enjoy your music, HD headlights cover four lane in the highway bright like a daylight, enough cargo for small family but fun safe AWD

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  Great Sporty SUV - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Nikki - September 2 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased a XLS V6 Outlander, had it now for 500 miles. Cant wait for the break in period to finish. Technology wise this car is packed with it. Rain Sensing Wipers, Keyless entry/starting, subscription- free traffic service, the list goes on. my family wanted something different instead of a typical Rav4 or Cr-v so we decided on this great Outlander. It has great in your face styling and has the power to back up its look.

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  1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dsmbasshead - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, as a replacement for my 2002 Mercury Cougar C2, and I think the eclipse was, by my standards, definitely an upgrade! First of, the exterior styling. The "2G" eclipse is definitely, the best looking generation IMO. I love the body lines, even the uneven hood. The interior is some what bland, but the curves of the dash and panels keep you entertained, although the interior pattern is ugly. Performance on this, for a 2.0l DOHC L4, is awesome! It beats hondas all day and Ive even run agains a Dodge Ram Hemi and won! Its has its flaws, such as questionable build quality on less important components, but over all its a great car with good fuel economy, thats really fun to drive!

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  Mint 1999 Montero To Replace My 1991 - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Mr. Montero - September 1 - 4:00 pm

  I put 235,000 miles on my 91 Montero. Sold it in 2009 due to rust but it still ran good with excellent Michelins on it. It went to a good home and the guy who bought it drives it daily. The 99 Montero is a definite step up from the 91. Had to put Bilstein shocks and John Baker Performance Products heavy duty springs on the back of the 91 to keep it tight. The 99 has hydraulic adjustable shocks. The 91 3L engine was underpowered. The 99 3.5 L 24 valve engine takes care of that. Larger wheels on the 99. Intended to have my 16-year-old drive the 99. But while driving it the 430 miles home from the dealership I had to keep it and find her something else.