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:

• 

  Mitsu Montero Sport 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By ChrisZ - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Montero Sport is a fun vehicle to drive, but the engine is sluggish at times. It seems as thought the 3.0L V6 cannot pull hills. It continually shifts gears searching for the correct gear. Also, there is a constant raddling noise in the front driver and rear passenger wheel. When we took it back to the dealer, they said that it is the normal sound for an SUV. I have had other SUVs and have never heard anything like this.

• 

  200,000 miles - here I come - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NowAPorscheDrivertoo - January 27 - 9:13 am

  Picked up my Solano Red GT in 2000 and I went thru 2 faulty side air bag changes in the very first month. I almost felt that I landed a lemon but was convinced other wise by Mitsu techs. Well, I will celebrate 8yrs of owning this marvelous car (my first ever new sports car) this 7th of June. Design - The exterior SST styling in this 3G GT - in my opinion - beats any G of the Eclipse.Performance - V6 with 205 hp - enough to pass quickly and stretch the odo (once in a while) Fuel economy - 26-27 avg on regular gas. Driving a 2000 Boxster S for the last 2 yrs, but the Mitsu is my daily road warrior with 157,000 mi and going...

• 

  Love at first sight! - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rob - January 24 - 7:06 pm

  This car is awesome. The price was great! Especially for a car of this year and miles it came with. Before deciding to go for the Eclipse I looked at the Mustang and the Honda Accord Coupe but both these car lose in looks and Warranty. Im thankful I bought this car even though its the GS model it comes with many standard features. It drives like a dream very fast and peppy for a 4cyl engine. Miles per gallon are okay considering the weight of this vehicle and the safety features. Great car for the money!

• 

  My previously owned Diamante - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By joekewl55 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been a very nice automobile, no problems yet. I have read reports about the heater core going out at about fifth thousand miles, so I am hoping that my car will not prove this to be true. The car is about a eight on a scale of one to ten. I love the looks of it, and the performance is good, the gas milage is a little tuff, but concidering the performance with the 210 horses, it is not too bad.

• 

  montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By theodore - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent service

• 

  Safety First - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By 03ol - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a few suvs and the mitsubishi outlander is by far the best i have owned. It has great styling, perfect ride, plenty of room and the back seats recline, how cool is that. the only problem i have is the gas millage could be a little better. But the best thing about it is, i was hit in the front passenger side at about 30 mph and i had about $4500 in damages. i know it sounds like alot but the other car, a 2003 nissan maxima was completely totaled (the engine even fell out). i highly recomend the Outlander.....

• 

  Awesome Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By 04rallyart - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Best Deal for the money

• 

  Its ups and downs - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By a galant driver - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Really, its a nice, fun car to drive. Knowing that whenever you drive down a street, people are looking at your car wondering if its a BMW is a nice feeling. However, before driving this car, I drove a 1993 Honda Accord. Another member of my family drives a 1998 Accord. One thing I noticed is that on the Hondas (even on the 10 year old one), there are more features in the interior (pockets on the back of the front seats, glove compartment lock, easily accessed cupholders) than on the Galant. On my angled driveway, the parking brake tends to squeak and slip a little more often than my Accord previously did.

• 

  Fantastic Automobile! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By KentS - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealer to check out the Eclipse Convertible and was bowled over by the VR-X...all the comfort and quiet of the LS with a little more hp, sport suspension and exhaust. Ive never been this comfortable or had this much fun in a car. While there is a 300M or Acura on every corner, you wont see many of these. Super Car!!

• 

  great ride for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By bbf65 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  v6 engine is really smooth, powerful and quiet. sound isolation is at par with class leading camry. ride is a bit stiff but with moderate body roll during spirited cornering. brakes are strong and non dramatic. front seats have adequate breathing room but rear seat is cramped. interior could use a little adrenaline. exterior styling is really nicely executed.