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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  One of the last real off-road SUVs - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By phonos - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great off-road, much better handling and confort than my 1986 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban. Wife even like to drive it. Beat out Land-Cruiser in one Austrailal off-road review

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  Love this Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pooh&Tigger - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. It is sporty yet is great for a family with small children. There is not much leg room in the back seat, but overall very nice. I highly recommend this car.

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  2003 - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Old Timer - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The new 2003 looks sharper and drives great. Hugs the road good and has alot of power. You wont be disappointed with the GTS.

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  car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chrisguy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My first car. And also the best Ive ever driven.

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  not too shabby - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Squirrelly Rascal - October 25 - 2:00 am

  people seem to slam this car in its performance. Two of my friends have cvics, and as far as Im concerned this car is more fun to drive, and at least as peppy. I paid 16.5K and compared to the civic, golf, etc I think it fares well, sure more power would be great, but lets not forget the great interior, ride quality, check it out

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  Runs Strong 250,000 Plus Miles - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jfooks - October 24 - 10:19 pm

  I bought my car for $2000 about 5 months back with 240,000 miles on it and have put well over 15,000 and have not done anything to it. Before i bought this car I had a 93 eclipse with well over 220,000 miles and the only thing i had to do to it was replace the alternator. All in all these cars are worth the money.

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  My First Mitsubishi - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By arelle20 - October 24 - 5:36 am

  So far, I am pleased with the handling of my 2010 Outlander. The 3.0V6 is nicely responsive on both city streets, as well as on the highway. Fuel economy is not as indicated on the brochure but that may be the result of my somewhat aggressive driving. With the 230HP powertrain, its so easy to enjoy the thrill of experiencing "G-force acceleration" without breaking any laws. We havent had much snow in our area, so cant say much about the 4WD except that I can hardly wait to put it through its paces.

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  Great Car (Ralliart) - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Davidl - October 22 - 9:43 pm

  This is a great car. It has great handling. It is one of the most fun vehicles to drive in this price class. Just remember its not an EVO! It does everything well!

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  Took Me a Month to Adapt - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Larry in Boston - October 22 - 8:46 am

  This is the first two seater Ive ever owned. I had always driven sedans. This car is a good value. Its styling is to my taste and the interior design is well thought out. This car is enjoyable to drive although not a high performance sports car by any measure. I am getting 27 plus miles to the gallon with only 2,000 miles on car so far. I am still adapting to the drivers seat. It took me one month to find a comfortable driving position. Getting used to the passenger side blind spot is no big deal.

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  lancer, lance away - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cmore - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is great all around. It is compact, therefore parallel parking is a breeze! The gas mileage is economic as well. The seats are comfortable even on long trips. Overall it is a great car to get around for being a college student