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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  I love my Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By abulldog4us - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my eclipse this month because of all the incentives. I have to admit at first I didnt really think much of the car, seen a few on the road.I liked the body so I decided to go down and test drive one.I drove the GTS and I was really impressed. The acceleration and handling were phenominal.In my opinion I think that this car is very underrated.The reason I would say this is,I read a lot of reviews in magazines and I think they were far from the truth about this car.To top it all off, my no hassle salesman Matt was awesome.I would recomend this vehicle to everyone. If youre considering a sports car give this one a chance before you buy.

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  Very nice car - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By DF - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Styling, performance and reliability is great. Interior very classy and comfortable. Rivals the Lexus, Acuras and alike in all respects except maybe build quality (although it has been extremely reliable and virtually trouble free). The only negatives might be the somewhat quirky transmission, but I would still buy it again. Very nice for the money.

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  Excellent handling - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By tyky - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV handles like a car, the steering is excellent which makes it easy to manuever.

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  Nice Looking Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ckdtodd - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the sharpest looking cars on the road. It handles well and has good acceleration with the 4-cyl and 5-speed. Mine has 25,000 miles on it and I have had no problems. However, the paint on the front of the car is terrible. I have so many chips to the point it needs a new paint job after only 1.5 years!! The interior is of low quality grade materials.(seat fabric, and dash board) Overall, I would go to the Acura RSX for the money. I just may!!

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  Regret My Quick Decision to Buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By LisaD2003 - March 1 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES used in August 2003 with approx 30,000 miles on it. It seemed like a good deal at the time, but I was never truly excited about the car. Lots of little things have gone wrong over the past year and a half. The most annoying problem has been squeaky brakes...the car has been in to the dealer at least 5 times for very loud squeaky brakes, and it still isnt totally fixed. The design of the car is boring, inside and out. It cant get out of its own way on the highway. Once youre up to speed its okay, but forget accelearting quickly to pass. Im currently in the market for a new car, and it definitely will not be a Mitsubishi!

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  A Good Deal - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Bill T - March 1 - 9:43 am

  I bought the Diamante for several reasons. One is the warranty. If you buy after 8-1-04 the second owner gets the balance of the 5 year or 60,000 mile coverage. I also like the way it looks. It has all the features of a more expensive car. I looked at more expensive cars, but to buy them I would have had to go higher mileage, have no warranty, and get someone elses problems.

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  One to add to your shopping list - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By BellaCroix - February 27 - 3:46 am

  This was my first NEW car (7 miles at pick-up) - traded my Dodge Intrepid. I dont know how many times Ive noticed people checking the car out even a stranger at the gas station who struck up a conversation with me about the car. Its an absolute dream to drive, a ton of fun and so packed with technology that its like driving INSIDE a computer sometimes. Highway MPG is very respectable, city isnt the greatest but isnt that bad either. Its not a car to challenge other sport compacts to a race but if youre looking for a fun-to-drive car with enough get-up-and-go to get up and go this is worth adding to your short list.

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bobbi m. - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been completly happy with my Galant it meets all the needs I wanted plus is really fun to drive

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  Different, but it in great way - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By country bumpkin - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The appearance of the Endeavor took me a couple of viewings to get used to, but like all good things, has grown on me and now Ive come to appreciate the unique styling that Mitsubishi has put together. It separates itself in a class that has become fairly boring. I dont agree with Mitsubishis advertising focus and I think theres an awful lot of people that have been misled into thinking of this vehicle as trendy.Its quality, fun to drive,comfortable and beats the heck out of the others in its class. If you werent considering one, test drive one and youll change your mind!

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  Fun in the Sun! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mike4usc99 - February 26 - 7:20 pm

  This car gets as many looks as a Ferrari. Ive had nothing but great things to say about my 2006 automatic Eclipse GS. I purchased the Sun & Sound Package (sunroof and powered subwoofer) which makes all the difference if youre a music fan! Many people have complained about the blind spots when changing lanes, but you pretty much get used to it after a while. The back seats are really for small children, adults will be very cramped. The back seats fold down which allows for a great deal of trunk space for those who need it! The interior is great and the blue lights on the dash are something else. I drive pretty conservatively and usually get around 23 MPG. I love the car!