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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  The Best Money spent - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By chinna - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I Moved from Loaded 2000 Honda Accord to this one. Infact I liked this one much better. Yes, there are few short comings, but again not for this money. I saw, Edmunds road tests and some other guys reviews, saying power is weak and noise is more, but it better than 150HP Honda Accord, 4WD may be little slow, not this one and engine is very smooth. I compared and Drove CRV and this, I felt this is more comfy, easy to handle. Just drive and see youll love it.

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  eclipse is # 1 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By petey111 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Mitsubishi eclipse provides great performance and reliability. it gives the sleak qualitys of a great sports car

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  Nice ride - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By go mitsu! - November 10 - 6:26 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle used after looking at other new and used SUVs of this size. We love it! The ride and space inside is great especially for 2 kids. Not one thing has gone wrong with it since ownership.

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  Really enjoy the car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By David M. - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to replace my 2004 Mazda RX8 which was no small task especially considering I didnt want a dedicated sports car. I tried a lot of cars and kept coming back to this car. It is not the fastest but the AWD, the dual clutch transmission, and the look really sold me. It is fun to drive and handles fairly well and does not beat you up with an overly stiff ride like most sporty cars. I regret not opting for the Recaro package as I have a bad back and the standard seats cause discomfort on long drives (seat upgrade is in the works). I wish it had telescoping wheel, the turn signal is ridiculously quiet, and the horn is the weakest I have ever heard. Great car for the money. Love it.

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  Ignore the reviews. This is a great vehicle. - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Luke Short - November 7 - 7:59 am

  I read the reviews for this vehicle and just knew it was the worst vehicle since the Yugo. But.....I decided to test drive it and determine for myself; Im glad I did. With almost 13,000 miles on the clock, its only seen the shop for oil change and tire rotations. HID headlights, LED taillights, Bluetooth, heated seats, climate control, power drivers seat, PW, keyless entry, and on and on and on. It has every toy I could possible want and it does everything right. Today we loaded 750 pounds of dog food in the back; 15 each 50 pound dog food. There was room for more and I couldnt even tell the load was in the back. I still got 30 mpg on the 30 mile trip back home. We drove from Phoenix some 200 miles up to the White Mountains at 75 mph and still got 29 mpg. 1200 above sea level to 7000. The seats are a little stiff and the interior has some cheap looking plastic, but its $10,000 less than any competition and I can live with a few shortcomings for that kind of money. I paid just under $20k and got this amazing vehicle with a ten year bumper to bumper warranty. Great mileage, great storage capacity, almost every toy and the best warranty in the business. UPDATE: Almost a year later, nothing has changed. Rock solid. No problems and dealer service from Mark Mitsubishi is terrific. $39 for an oil change, tire rotation and car wash. You simply cant go wrong with this vehicle.

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  **** Love My Car **** - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Pam - November 5 - 7:16 am

  I love my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse, it dont be fooled - its a two seater! The backseat is a place to haul groceries during the day and throw your coat on Friday night! I chose this car after test driving at least 20 different models, all makes. It is a great combo of gas mileage, cost, style and stereo. Im the coolest mom at my daughters school cause my stereo out thumps anyones and my car looks good!

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  Lots of Car for Less - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By PhillyO - November 4 - 9:40 am

  I bought my 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage with only 12,995 miles on it in April, 01. Now, in March of 06, I have over 112,000 miles on it, and my only problem is that my AC does not work (it needs to be charged, thats all). It has gotten me through snow, ice, and all that is not nice. Its not the most powerful car in its class, but it will get you around slower cars on the interstate without much effort. Everytime I feel the need to trade in or sell my Mirage, I drive it once more, and Im reminded as to why I still have it.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE $$$ - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MMD - November 4 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY !!!

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rich00203 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with the SUV, just wish it had more power. Only available in a 4 cylinder. It could use a six for trips up the grades here in california. The transmission is auto/stick, so that helps with the power, all you have to do is slide the gear shift over to be in manual and downshift to 3rd to get up the grade while maintaining your speed. But overall it looks sporty and drives like a car. I love it. Will probably keep it until they wise up and come out with a more powerful model.

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  Purely AMAZING - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlandadvocate - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is quite impeccable!