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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  Worst Car that I have Ever Owned - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By clrcode - March 29 - 7:33 pm

  Since buying my 2000 Eclipse it had the transmission re-built at about 30,000 miles, this took three weeks or more. The sunroof has never worked right. When car was under warranty it was in shop about nine times the first two years just for the sunroof. At about 65,000 miles the transmission is giving me trouble again. The car was in the shop dozens of times for different reasons. After complaining to Mitsubishi about the car while under factory warranty I was then told by the dealer if I did not stop complaining about the car they would refuse to work on it. This was said in front of Mitsubishi District Manager. Guess its okay to sell a car to you, but fixing it was another story. I would never recommend any Mitsubishi to anyone.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryan - March 29 - 11:50 am

  I have had my Eclipse for about five months now. I really enjoy this car! Once the 4 banger is broken in it really wakes up and has no problem leaving rubber! It drives very smoothly with very little body role. It allso has a remarkable stereo! The bass can shake the car next to you! Every time I look at the car it looks sleeker and more sexy. I sugest you go look at one up close and soak up the car from all angles and you will see what I mean. Pictures do not do this car justice, you need to see it up close.

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  2006 Eclipse - Buy It! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike R - March 29 - 4:03 am

  This mid 40s male retires the family minivan to buy the Eclipse GS manual trans (couldnt afford a Porsche). I got both the Sun & Sound and Accessory packages, which both add nice features. The GS is more than peppy enough around town to get me into trouble, but it could use a few more HP on the highway to pass. It really begins to shine on twisty backroads. Its acceleration, handling, and braking are all excellent. This car is built very well - no squeaks or rattles. Its fit and finish are execellent. The ride is a little harsh depending on road surface, but hey, its a sports car. It is a real head turner and its even got a little growl from the intake/exhaust. It is very fun to drive! Compared to the Mustang, RX8 and 305Z - this is a much better value.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By CayC - March 26 - 8:23 am

  The only thing wed change about the Mitsubishi Outback is the back seats should completely flatten. If they made this a hybrid version of it Id by it in a minute.

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  Rental - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Endeavor Envy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have not yet purchased this vehicle. I had it as a rental and loved it. Seriously considering getting one. Very nice ride. Built like an SUV, although rides very smooth. Lots of pep. Fun to drive.

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  Stay Away - Major Paint Defect. - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nathanas85 - March 24 - 3:33 am

  I researched for a mid-size SUV and upon my reviews test drove the Outlander, Nissan xterra, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Honda Pilot. I found after test driving the Outlander test drove more like a smooth sports car. I fell in love with the diamond black exterior paint and the spacey interior. Overall a great vehicle to drive, per performance wise. After one winter the paint chips near the rear panel on both sides of the vehicle. I have read other Outlander owners with the same problem, a paint defect, after I purchased the vehicle. I contacted Mitsubishi about the problem and just like other customers with the same problem, Mitsubuishi doesnt honor their warranty on the paint defect.

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  Excellent sports wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ralliart fan - March 23 - 11:36 am

  The Ralliart wagon offers an impressive compromise between excellent well controlled handling and a comfortable ride. The engine is surprisingly powerful and the tranny downshifts quickly and smoothly. Build quality is exceptionally tight and the structure is very solid. I found no defects on my car at all. The cargo area has lots of storage nooks and offers quite a bit of space. The knee level liftover height makes loading extremely easy. The front seats hold you in place well but could be more comfortable. The rear seat reclining feature is nice as is the ability to fold flat without removing the headrests. Very roomy interior. The warranty cant be beat!

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  Great value. Fun cheap drive. - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By bigdav15 - March 21 - 7:09 pm

  Overall, a great fuel saver and a fun little ride. Some complain about the CVT and its "growing" or sounding like "an angry vacuum," but I enjoy its capabilities in the mountains and highway riding. Driving easy (45-55 mph under 3000 rpm) I average between 45 and 55 mpgs. Next to my old 2002 Cavalier 2.4, this is my favorite fuel efficient car to drive. If I didnt have payments left on a Jeep Patriot (CVT also) Id get a second one of these. Only downfall is sudden braking with curves, but a good driver will not present them self with this issue.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By The Docnzok - March 18 - 10:00 am

  If you have not looked into this vehicle, you are missing something BIG. I was in the market for a new vehicle and was there the day these were put on the lot, my wife and I looked all over for a used car with low mileage for under 25,000. We saw the sticker on the outlanders and were absolutley amazed at the 16000 price tag.

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  Ralliart Vs Evo - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By TicoRico - March 17 - 2:23 am

  I think this car is great for the money you spend. its 10 - 15 grand cheaper than any of the Evos (GSR/MR/MR Touring) for a difference of 50 HP (larger turbo) and different suspension, rims, and a transmission (Taken from older EVO) Your spending most of that 10 - 15 grand on the name, and the small differences listed above. I wanted the Evo, but i didnt want to spend 40 grand on the MR touring. This car is a great deal for the money. You could take that 10-15 grand you saved and make it alot nicer and or faster if you wanted to. The car is quick and fun, it gets decent gas and is big enough for a family, and can drive anywhere due to its all wheel drive and traction control.