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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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CFV - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is pure fun!!!

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  Great cars even used if you take care of it - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By overboost007 - May 6 - 3:11 am

  OK people lesson I am 6ft 8in tall, 260 lbs, I formally drove a 1999 Honda Accord EX CPE V6 with 248,000. Now I have a 2003 Mitsubishi clipse GTS 5 speed manual that had 98,000 on it when I bought it. The previous owner took great care of it. I went through it hard. I am just a DIY guy that knows car. This car was a good buy because of how it was taken care of. The dealers can clean it up but I know brakes, fuel systems, intake, transmission & engine. It is not rocket science. Research on line and make a good choice. The car runs great I will upgrade the brakes to what I like an just maintain it until I am ready to by a newer vehicle

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  I Would NEVER Buy it Again - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Tony Sam - May 5 - 6:20 pm

  The ride is awful - it’s the worst I have ever experienced in any car I’ve driven in the last 40 years. Very small bumps are okay and smooth roads great. But any other size bumps are bad jolts and very uncomfortable. Road noise is pronounced because poor insulation. The rear view is awful - obstructed by low hatchback, head rests in the back seats, and if people sit in the back seat, its hard to see anything. And this causes problems parking and backing up and can cause the car to be accident prone. The stability control is not perfected as it doesnt always stop straight. Fuel economy is well below competitors, Toyota, Honda, Kia, etc. The cheap plastics on the dashboard cause easy scratches.

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  Mitsubishi does it again! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GThomas - May 5 - 2:53 am

  I own a 2nd generation Eclipse and when the 4th generation came out, I was put on the waiting list. The car is awesome, full of power and a great surround sound system to boot! The sport seats are extremely comfortable and headroom and visability are good as well. Great styling rounds out this great ride. It should do well.

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  Most fun for your money! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By troff - May 2 - 1:26 am

  I love this car. Its not as sporty as G1/G2 Eclipses, though it traded some of its sportiness to a true everyday comfort and that was a square deal. Its still fun to drive either its mountain Colorado roads, everyday commute or 2000 miles vacation trip to Yellowstone. Ride is smooth but you have all the control through the corners you can expect from a n Eclipse. V6 gives more than enough power for civic roads, thanks Mitsubishi for standard stability control! In its price range Eclipse GT has no close competitors, youll get most for your money.

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  Top ten worst car in 2011 - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By soaks - May 1 - 9:50 pm

  My CUV has a noisy cvt transmission. My CUV has low powered 145 hp engine. My CUV also has a music usb music port. My CUV also has a mpg monitoring system. My CUV gets up to 36 mpg. My CUV goes up to 2 or 3 weeks without refueling. My CUV cost less than most CUVs and has more standard features than most CUVs in its class. My CUV has taught me how to drive during these high priced gas prices. My CUV looks great! My CUV has not ever had a repair issue. My CUV can go beyond the posted speed limit. Including this CUV I have bought 6 cars from Mitsubishis My CUV is a 2012 Outlander Sport! I plan to keep this Outlander Sport forever.

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  Great looks, a few problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By nebhusker - May 1 - 7:20 am

  I bought my 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport brand new in 2001. It looks like a million bucks, very rugged and sporty. The power of the 3.5 in the XS model is outstanding, at least compared to many other competitors in this class. This truck doesnt handle particularly well though. It is a bit sloppy in the turns. I have had a problem with uneven tread wear on the tires, with the outside of the front tires really getting worn. The air conditioner is very weak on hot days - you have to put it on full blast just to try and stay somewhat comfortable. Ive also had trouble getting it into 4WD mode early in the winter, if you havent used it during the summer. Overall this is a decent vehicle.

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  2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mtsgt - April 26 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great vihicle if maintenace kept up on. Ive never had any major problems with this car. Had to have the radio replace twice (could not get a display). Great to drive, reliable and good performance.

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  Great vehicle, my third Mitsubishi - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tonyemuth - April 25 - 4:36 pm

  This is my third Mitsubishi vehicle and they have all been exceptional vehicles. As long as they continue to build with the quality vehicles that I have owned in the past I will continue to purchase them. Ive owned Ford, Chevy, and Dodge vehicles and none can even come close to the quality and reliability of my Mitsubishi vehicles. The Endeavor is a wonderful vehicle and has power to spare as well as awesome handling. The roominess of the interior is very nice. This is an awesome vehicle.

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  Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By richtylenda - April 25 - 3:50 am

  Just purchased the vehicle and I am completely satisfied. It is more than I had expected.