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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  Best Sports Coupe Around for $23,500 - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike - July 20 - 6:50 am

  I originally was looking to buy a Scion tC or Acura RSX until I went and saw the new 2006 Eclipse. The new body style looks GREAT. It looks more like how the old ones used to look. The interior is nothing but stellar. With a 162HP, it moves around pretty quickly...Id say 0-60 in about 6.5 to 7.0 seconds. The Independent suspension makes cornering childs-play even at high speeds! The fact that it comes standard with side impact airbags, in addition to side curtain and front air bags is a big plus! If youre into music, you wont be disapointed with some lame stereo system. I have been rather impressed with the 650- watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. A+++++++

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  Good Purchase! - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Kaelyn - July 19 - 2:20 pm

  This smaller SUV handles like a car, which is what I was looking for. So far, its been a smooth ride, not as bumpy as I wouldve expected. I really love the cargo space & riding much higher than Im used to in a conventional auto. Ive only had the car a couple of weeks, but have almost 1,000 miles on it as its been fun driving it everywhere. Its a purchase that has put a smile on my face!

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  six month review - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By miko - July 19 - 10:00 am

  lots of pluses, offroading excellent, great turning radius, good ac. Not so great on highway, tends to wander but overall it is a nice vechicle.

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  Buy One - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By geminite - July 19 - 10:00 am

  One early problem that was instantly rectified by the dealer. Problem with power steering. Otherwise, great car, roomy, perfect for taking the kids and animals on trips to the mountains.

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  Good fun car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Baltfan - July 19 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car I wanted something fun to drive. I wasnt concerned with cargo space or rear seat comfort. (As I will never be in the rear seats) The acceleration, handling, and transmission are all great. As good as this car is... aftermarket parts will make it even better.

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  mitsubishi endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tmeister - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had the endeavor for appx 9 months and am extremely happy. My experience at the dealership has also been positive.

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  Good Choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MS Franks - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great comfort for an SUV. No stepping up. Great sound system. 6 CD changer. Things I like the best, sun roof has sliding roof panel, so you can see the sky without opening the entire sun roof. Second the controls on the steering wheel. Real easy to turn up or change the tunes without ever taking my hands of the wheel. Exellent safety rating. Dual air bags. Would recommend getting the cargo liner. Looks really sharp in the back with the liner.

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  Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dubb28 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were initially loking at Tahoe, Expedition, Denali, Navigator. Tested the Limited fell in love. Mitsu sales/service outstanding. Got a fabolous deal on new 02. Features match the top of line SUV with a better price. Plenty of room, handles great, and can be taken everywhere from shopping, to the park, to off roading and camping to a night on town.

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  Great car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By joey - July 16 - 3:03 pm

  I own several cars and this was my latest buy. This is a very impressive car. Has a lot of toys and gadgets that make the car very fun to drive

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  253.000 Miles - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jennifer - July 16 - 6:23 am

  I bought my baby back in May of 2000, she had 13 thousand miles on her. Today 01/22/2010 she has 243,000 miles on her. The only maintenance Ive ever done on her was regular schedule oil changes. The most expensive repair shes had done, I had to replace the alternator in May of 2009. I live in Ga. Ive driven her as far West as Texas, Orlando Florida, and numerous times to Philadelphia Pa. All 3 of my adult children at one point had to drive her when they needed transportation. I am pleased with her. Should she quit tomorrow. I can honestly say I got my monies worth and then some. I wonder if Mitsubishi will make me their spokes person. :)