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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  GOOD CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LIDYPR - January 10 - 10:00 am

  THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. ITS REALLY COOL TO DRIVE AND IT IS REALLY ENJOYABLE TO HAVE. I BEEN REALY HAPPY SINCE I HAVE IT THE CAR IS GOOD ON GAS AND ALL THAT WONDERFUL THINGS. IF PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT TYPE OF CAR THEY SHOULD BUY ILL SAY THE MITSUBISHI LANCER.

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  Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Relic - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Tested the Civic,slightly more money,I found it less refined.The Lancer beat it ,in my eyes.Thats coming from a guy who just bought an Odyssey.

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  Good Stuff - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By C.D. - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Just got a new one, so far it is great. Smallish engine but enough power to move when it has to. But the big test is how it handles in the snow, wont find that out for a couple months!

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  This truck is a dream - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By rose - January 9 - 5:06 pm

  This truck has it all, its roomy, reliable, pulls your boat, huals all of your family, and you enjoy driving it. It rides like a dream.

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  Should have read here first - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Nebraska - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Why oh why did I not check here first! This car is a joke; my kids RC car has more power and is in all likelihood more comfortable. For Gods sake what is in the console armrest - concrete? Cause there sure as hell is not padding. If, and it is a big "IF" this car had ANY redeeming qualities it would be the mileage, but who cares about mileage at the great expense of power. If you plan on passing anyone, make sure they are either riding a bicycle (and it better not be Lance Armstrong) or they are a little old lady on a motorized cart, other than that, youll never make it. Had the car for 9-months and I will never get those 9-mos back.

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  A pleasant Endeavour - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By YACK6 - January 7 - 2:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle new from the dealership. I average 19 MPG in everyday driving. The only money I have put into it are for normal wear and tear items. I had a problem with the clear coat but the dealership took care of this at no cost to me. I have 124,000 miles on this SUV and it still looks and drives like new. It has a very responsive engine and transmission with a great highway ride. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested.

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  I love my Mirage - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By DREA38108 - January 5 - 5:50 am

  I bought my mirage back in July of 2007. It is a 2001. I love the little thing. Especially since gas is very high now. At price of 3.75 I can drive 300 miles off 37 dollars and thats speeding most of the time. The thing that I dont like is that I dont have any cup holders in my car and the fact that it does not have auto locks and windows or cruise control. Other than that though this car is great.

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  MY FIRST IMPORT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ManagerMJK - January 4 - 2:00 am

  After owning more than 10 brand new American cars over a 20 year time span I deceided to buy my first import. I can only say this......I plan to drive this car for 10 years. Its incredible. Looks, functionability, practical & value priced.

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  So far so good! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By LOKI - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 eclipse GS 5 months ago w/32k on it and I am very happy with it. I have the full package w/ the auto tran and havent had any problems with it. If you are considering one of these I would highly recomend it! However, some words of warning. First, the front end of this car is so low you may scrap it up on parking blocks,driveway etc. Second, if you want a manual be aware, some of these engines have whats called a walking crank. Its mostly in sticks w/the turbo but, this flaw can lead to a trashed engine (thats why mines has an auto tran) , be prepare to get it fixed. The g2 95-99 eclipse is relible and an excellent buy! they turn heads and are extremly fun!

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  Dont Overlook This Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matt L. - January 2 - 8:46 am

  I dont see many of them on the road. The Galant is very under appreciated. It is every bit as good, and in some cases better than an Altima, Camry, or Accord. I think it looks better too, with an edgy, more modern styling, especially with the SE tail lights and spoiler. This car looks smaller on the outside than it really is on the inside. Im 64" and I have plenty of head room and leg room. The interior has a very clean, modern look and the blue lighting is unique. The hidden radio controls on the back side of the steering wheel keep everything looking neat and uncluttered. Its four cylinder engine has more than enough power to move this car. Im getting 25 mpg in town, over 30 mph highway.