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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  Have 500 miles on it! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Wayne O. - January 6 - 11:22 pm

  If you have never driven a CVT it will take you a while to get used to it. We had a turbo charged vehicle with a 6 speed tranny before and it would really take off after the turbo lag. It takes a while to accelerate with a 4 cyl and a cvt. Other than that the car is really great. The Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system really rocks. I do wish the power lift gate was foot activated. Have not taken it on a long trip to check mileage but computer is saying around 30 mpg. Our much smaller car before would be lucky to get 23. The 3rd row seats are really only good for kids but nice to have in this size vehicle.

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  My Clipze - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Anthony - January 3 - 6:26 am

  Driving this car is very fun and pleasurable. The 07 Eclipse is a great head turner. Its styling is awesome. Road trips in it are comfortable and its performance is A-OK even with the 4-cyl. engine and the A/C on. Overall the car is top notch. We are very happy owners of this vehicle.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Great Ride - January 2 - 10:00 pm

  This is a really fun car to drive. Great body style, super sound system & pretty good gas mileage.

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  GSX ONLY - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vantweek44 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car.. There are a few fixes that should be done, better bushings in the shifter. A bigger turbo for sure,also the tire size is a bit big Mybe a 17x7 in stead of 17x7.5.. Overall this is my first import and Im hooked Thanks DSM.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kwonda - January 1 - 2:00 am

  My Mitsubishi is a greatly styled car & very dependable. Most powerful 4 cyl. I have ever owned. I would buy another!

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  Best in its class! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mariano - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Exactly what my wife expected and need. Nice high quality interior, superb sound system, adequate cargo space, great fit & finish, nice extra gadgets. Of course for my taste I wouldve prefered a 6 cylinders engine, but then again this is not a vehicle for sport cars fans like me. Great car for its price.

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  Love hate relationship - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By yuuuup - December 31 - 2:32 pm

  bought it in 2008 with 39,000 mi., now has 160,000. A/C was clogged twice, heater door became stuck, and thats about it. I ride this bitch like a beast at an AVERAGE 80 mph on the freeway. The biggest issues are the maintenance issues that arise, such as the recurrence of misfires which can potentially damage your catalytic converter if not assessed ($900). This car is tough like a honda and can potentially be just as reliable at the cost of good maintenance. change the timing belt every 50-60 k miles. change the tran fluid every 40 k miles MAX! Make sure you put in luxury fluids, like amzoil, and mobil one. on my benefit, i bough it used with nearly new miles. used with high miles is iffy.

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  Stay Away From Mitsubishi - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander Buyer - December 29 - 8:40 pm

  I just bought 2010 Outlander XLS in one week and drove in 5 times, the air conditioner stopped working. There is leaking! Such quality.

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  Eclipse Design Saved My Teen Driver - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eppie - December 29 - 4:56 pm

  My daughter was in a horrible accident yesterday in her 2008 Eclipse. I bought the car for the safety rating and airbags. She and her passenger flipped end over end 3 times before coming to a rest 50 ft from the highway on the roof of the vehicle. They were going 75 (the speed limit on this hwy). They both walked away with minor scratches. THANK YOU Mitsubishi for your excellent car - it saved my kids life.

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  My Second Eclipse - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sandi Lubisco - December 29 - 3:03 pm

  I Traded an 01 for the 07 Eclipse. I loved my 01 model, but had to trade it in. My new car handles easily and is very sleek. The 07 Eclipse is not just for the young, but for anyone. I am 61 years old I know I will love my new car as much as my old one.