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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  Fun factor < Maintenance headache - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TheMongoose - February 5 - 2:26 am

  Great handling car. gets 23-26 city and 35 hwy mpg with the 4 cyl. decent acceleration for getting on the highway. The motor needed a new head gasket and milling at 81k miles. Too early in my opinion.

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  fun suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By thirdcreek2 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has the looks of a Vamp & drives like a Cloud. I have owned over 150 New cars,trucks and suvs and this one is the most fun to drive. It fits like a glove,solid and smooth. It it is like a Links it goes farward with personified awareness.

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  Beautiful Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By LoCo68 - January 30 - 5:16 pm

  Couldnt wait for this to come out and I bought one of the first 2006 models on the market in June of 05. Owned an Eagle Talon in 92. Decided on the 4cyl due to the gas mileage. The car takes curves nicely and there is no lack of power. Wish I had upgraded to the 6c and the better sound system.

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  Outlander XLS - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Onda - January 29 - 9:10 pm

  We bought our mid-size SUV leaving the orginal Saturn family car. It rides higher than the car. The luxeries are all great, leather interior,heated seats, electric tilt sun roof. For the price and the cost of gas its a positive move in a SUV. Looks great and rides great!

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  Very pleased with Sportback LS - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By sevenseas7 - January 28 - 11:16 pm

  Needed more interior space than my Mazda Protege5 offered, which I traded to purchase this car. Paid $2000 below invoice. Tight turning radius, easy to park, ease of entry/exit, roomy interior. Stock stereo sounds good. Feels safer than my Protege5. Currently 1000 miles on odometer. Getting 20mpg city/25mpg highway. Overall Im happy with my purchase.

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  Galant Lover, Hot body, Sexy tail ... - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By galantlee - January 27 - 4:06 pm

  This piece of art should be placed in the museum someday. How did they make the exterior look so high class? I just love all the lights, the placements, the designs, and the options. If only the accelation was even better and more sensitive this would be the ultimate racing machine. Girls dig it, women wants it, boys are jealous and men just dont have enough gas to hunt this sexy beauty down, except for the rich folks. I wish everyone realized what a historical piece this will become and how safe, fast, smooth, reliable, fair pricing, and cool looking driving pleasure this is. Is a different feeling, being a parent and can still look young and cool. Be that parent, my friend! You will feel FREE!...

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  Trash the Aston Martin, James Bond! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By The Fox - January 26 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car to replace an aging, 10 year old Ford Probe. My Mitsubishi Eclipse GT has turned out to be a true drivers car and equal to the Ford / Mazda. Ive had it for 5+ years and am still learning more about how to unlock the secrets of handling and all out performance.There are fewer places now where you can open her up but, when I do, it performs like a true GT car. Im 58 and started out driving MGs, this car is vastly superior to what those oxcarts could ever have been had they evolved to the present and embodies what a true GT car should be. Im still enjoying it, in fact I just bought new mags for it. James Bond wasted her Majestys money on the Aston, he should have gone with the Eclipse.

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  Fun to drive, easy on the wallet - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dallasfan - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The Mitsubishi Lancer is what it is. An inexpensive, comfortable, fun to drive car. The vehicle has an ample, pleasant interior. I have two brother- in-laws over 6 foot tall who say the back seats give them exceptional room. The sound system is excellent and the ride feel is superb. I have cruised along at 90mph with little to no road noise, and no body vibration. This is a solid, reliable car that will get you where your going comfortably, and enjoyably.

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  Good, just not great - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By daveb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I leased a LTD model in Feb. and so far so good. I think its a solid SUV, but could use an overhaul/upgrade in a few areas, like interior design and center console. I think the engine/transmission are just fine, no complaints there. On the exterior I think its one of the best-looking SUVs out there.

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  nice vehicle - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By RobP - January 21 - 10:00 am

  No problems. Mechanically great. Never a problem..