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:

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jgskains - January 29 - 10:17 pm

  Although the it didnt have the horsepower I was looking for, it more than made up for it in every other aspect. It was more comfortable than other cars in its class. It was quick, fun, and handled like a dream. It never gave me any trouble and aside from the color I got stuck with I had no regrets. I dont recommend the automatic transmission I read lots of complaints about a lack of power. But my 5 speed had plenty of power. In the end it proved itself to be extremely safe. After hitting a retaining wall and rolling mine 3 times I walked away with out injury. I love this car and I will miss this car. Eventually I will come back to this car.

• 

  My Eclipse & I - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lidija - January 28 - 5:40 am

  Ive always been a Mitsubishi fan and I really wish they still made the 3000GT- that was one hell of a car. Ive had my Eclipse for less than six months and for a sports car, it survived the winter with no problems. Mitsubishi offers one of the best warranties around, so when youre a broke college student like me, whats not to like about that? :)

• 

  First truck - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By 1truck - January 27 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first truck and I like it. So as for the mileage still trying to get a handle on it but it seems to be around 17 or 18 in town. I thought the 40/20/40 bench seat would be awful but it surprised me and makes you believe that you have bucket seats. Like the storage in the armrest. So far I am happy with it and it looks good.

• 

  2006 Lancer Ralliart - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By davidl - January 27 - 4:46 pm

  The car does everything well! Just dont think you have an EVO! This is a great car, it handles great and is very fun!

• 

  Wake Up and Drive - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Timber - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a stylish, reliable, easy to handle SUV and have really enjoyed driving this car. Even at 4 yrs. old people still ask me if I just bought it... Interior cloth seats are easy keepers and always look good. Have regular oil changes, tire rotations, recommended key service and it runs great. Didnt need new tires until 45,000 miles. Fold down seats allow for hauling oversize items. Love this car.

• 

  HORRIBLE - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jacobo - January 27 - 10:00 am

  TOO MANY WARRANTY REPAIRS ALREADY. TOO MANY FACTORY DEFECTS BEFORE 6000 MILES

• 

  My Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By rebcurless - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car-like SUV. Attractive styling, good handling and good gas mileage for an SUV. Nice audio equipment. However, Ive only had the vehicle for 4 weeks, and already the power windows have failed and an interior storage compartment has broken.

• 

  Overall Excellent - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By NS - January 27 - 3:40 am

  My 2007 Endeavor XLS is an excellent drive. It has a very smooth transmission. It provides excellent handling around the corners, almost like a car.

• 

  I love my Lancer!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sweetheartkillz - January 24 - 12:46 am

  Ive had this car for almost a year now. I drove my pile of junk 2007 G6 all the down from NW Iowa to Kansas City to get this car. I love it!! Ive had no problems except some jerk keyed it. : ( My brother ran his car along the side of it, but thats been fixed. Its sleek, sexy, faster than my Bfs Mustang. I agree a 6th gear would be nice but thats the only thing! If you want a quiet car, buy the automatic. Manuals are naturally louder. I havent added anything to this car, yet. Also has awesome speakers. And as for the rattling in the door thats only from the junk you have in there, if you take all the CDs and stuff out it stops. Mine is black by the way. No paint chipping.

• 

  Mitsubish Eclipse - 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Janice Kahn - January 23 - 7:26 pm

  This car was listed as an automatic but its a stick shift. It made a horrible noise when I was driving it and the salesman said theyd have the shop look at it. Although listed with blue tooth, there is no blue tooth. Although listed with a sun roof, there was no sun roof. The stick shifts numbers were all rubbed off. The salesman suggested I write them back on. The car looked well enough cosmetically. Just minor dings and scratches. It was just ok, nothing special. The price was listed at one price and I was going to buy it buy they added on over $2000. for I dont remember what. Bringing the price well over the original price. When I told them that the price was listed much lower they gave me excuses but refused to lower it so I passed on it. As I told them, it was a stick shift, when I wanted automatic, there was no blue tooth, so Id have to change out the radio. And the car was nothing special to purchase it at the price they wanted. So I passed.