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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  Very cool vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By hammondjammin - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Im really glad the dealer recommended this vehicle, after all weve been through with a previous Mitsubishi auto. Definitely a fun car!

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  I Love This Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Shen Ron - December 3 - 2:00 am

  What can I say; Mitsubishi has a winner on its hands. I love the front end styling and the roomy interior.

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  3rd gen not the way to go - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By strong bad - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Grant it I think this car, looks beautiful, but being the last "sports" coupe mitsubishi made they really should have put a little more effort into it. The quality of materials that have been used are very dissapointing, the glove box that doesnt properly latch, 6 spoke GT rims bending, and 5 spd transmission problems. These items were the most of my troubles some others being acceptable; rear spoiler blocking to much rear view, cup holder not allowing to shift, hatch to heavy for release to function properly.

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  eclipse wow - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bakmaneta - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new eclipse this Jan. I love the GT and went from a 2002 malibu to this. Almost bought a 2004 malibu and glad I got this instead. I blew a mustang off the road the other day! Not even close to winning!

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  IF YOU LIKE DRIVE - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By PENSACOLA - December 3 - 2:00 am

  IF YOU LIKE TO DRIVE YOU WILL LOVE THIS CAR ITS FAST EASY TO HANDLE AND JUST A PURE PLEASURE TO OWN.I HAVE HAD MANY NEW CARS AND MOST COST A LOT MORE THEN THIS ONE BUT NONE OF THEM EVEN COME CLOSE TO THIS CAR AS FAR JUST BEING EASY TO KEEP UP AND A LOT OF FUN TO DRIVE

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  Love my Bishi - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By blkwdw187 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  So far, I love my truck. I was seraching for the best truck for about 6 months and found this one. I like it the best. Good size for me and my two kids.

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  Sporty & Powerful (V6) - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ray - December 2 - 5:46 pm

  My 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS is fun to drive, especially during warm weather with the sunroof open. It is as powerful as many of the V8s were several years ago. Its price wasnt too bad for a sports car. The cost of insurance is kind of high though.

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  Cool Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mikey27 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but fun driving this car. It has a great look and ride. Very cool.

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  Love my lancer 2 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - November 30 - 3:10 am

  After 25,000 miles I had to update my review of my 2006 Lancer SE. Still love it! After reading reviews of Honda Fit and Kia Rio5 (by the way my first choices), reviews cite poor mileage (well below EPA estimates), and some quality issues with the Kia. My Lancer is still running strong, Ive done nothing but regular maintenance, and even though I was originally disappointed with the mileage, after further research it looks good (above average). My Mitsubishi has been very reliable

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  its ok - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By cool18 - November 29 - 4:55 pm

  Im 18 and my grandparents recently gave me their 2002 Montero Sport Limited. I must say it rides rough in the back seat but overall its good. it has 180000 miles and they havent done much but replace the radiator. i was 9 or 10 wen they bought it. I love my truck it saves gas, room for my friends and its enough storage for college moving lol