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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  Great value for your money! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Fritz Lindstrom - August 13 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle for use instead of my useless Ford F 150. I was a bit nervous about my first backroad/offroad trip but the Outlander handled great. It is almost as high of the ground as a truck so you can go through potholes and deep puddles. Highway mileage is good, city mileage is decent. It is definitely good value for money.

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  My dream come true - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jenn - August 12 - 12:53 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2000 Eclipse GT. I love it. It runs amazing and is the perfect car for me. It is stylish among being very resourceful. I wouldnt own any other car. I am 100% satisfied with its performance this far. It hasnt given me any problems. As far as I can tell it is going to be the best car I own.

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  GS or GT? - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason S - August 10 - 2:00 pm

  When I drove the GS I thought it was a pretty neat car. Then I made the mistake of driving the GT and had to fork over some more money to take that one. The ride is fairly quiet and it is great to drive. The interior at night is very pleasant on the eyes. The front seats are very comfortable!

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  I love my Mitz - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Jamie0827 - August 9 - 8:30 am

  I am a proud owner of a "Mitz" Mitsubishi Diamante. I love my car its fast, nice inside and out, and its good on gas, I got it used and I have not had any problems with it since. (Thank GOD!) I also just love the color it like a baby blue, also like no other.

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  Awesome Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jessica Nevins - August 6 - 8:23 pm

  My Eclipse is very nice. It gets awesome gas mileage, and I love the way almost everything looks. The 6 disc CD changer is awesome. I definitely will stay in the Mitsubishi family!!

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  demossx - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By demossx - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The lancer oz rally that I have gotten from them is the one of the best cars that I have ever owned dont cost much on gas, very comfortabile ride, sleek design inside/out, and affordable. It is one car you can count on. Even great for first car or college. Good performance for a 4 cylinder. Just think if it had a v6 or a v8! Cool!

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  best of the best - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dina - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have only on word PERFECT.

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  Love the Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AZ Lancer - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has been AMAZING! Before deciding on the OZ Lancer, I test drove many cars in its class (Civic, Sentra, Focus), and nothing could compare to the Black OZ Lancer I have been driving for the last 6 months. It is superior in every way! I was sold on it as soon as I saw that it was styled differently than ANY other car on the road. After half a year, it has gotten me from point "A" to point "B" with nothing but fun and energy in between. A great buy!

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  sex appeal - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eric Boring - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My GT Eclipse fulfills all my expectations even though I traded a toyota supra. The looks cant be beat, it handdles well and is really fun to drive.

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  You cant go wrong with this car. - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By hodges0921 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  First of all, forget everything you know or think you know about the Mitsubishi Galant. This 04 model is a totally different animal from previous models. I opted to buy the LS V6 with the Diamond Package, but the main selling point was the V6 with the Sportronic transmission. This car is very quick with suck you back in the seat acceleration. It is quite fun to drive and offers a perfect blend of quietness and road feel. I think the build quality is top notch and gives you the feel of driving a much more expensive car. Buy one! You wont be sorry.