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 Sporty Wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By GeoN - October 1 - 6:50 am

  Wanted manual trans but only automatic was available. Turned out it is a great auto trans, always seems to be in the right gear and shifts smooth. Car is great for carrying bicycles with roof rack because its low enough to put them up without a step ladder. Lots of room for sports stuff inside, too. Accessory soft cargo liner saves the interior & looks good. Motor is surprisingly powerful and seats hold you in place for spirited driving. Could use better fuel mileage: avg 20 in town. Open road trip mileage OK at high 20s. It is the best combo of fun to drive and practical livability I could find.

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  I love this car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mrmspyder - September 30 - 10:56 pm

  I traded in a 2000 Firebird Formula on a 2008 Lancer GTS. I was shocked at how great the performance was on the GTS. The CVT takes some getting used to, but with the paddle shifters Im able to manuever in traffic fairly easily. The car feels faster than the specs lead you to believe. The technology of this car is amazing. I got the optional DVD navigation system with the 30 GB hard drive. Im able to store 100 CDs on the hard drive which is very nice. I love the fuel economy too. Ive been averaging 26 mpg and using regular gas, so Im saving a ton of money compared to my firebird. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty practical car.

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  2000 eclipse gt - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By robplee - September 30 - 5:20 am

  fun car to drive . holds up very well in auto accident.

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  Love this car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sephiroth1386 - September 29 - 4:46 am

  Ive had this car for about a year now, and Ive never had ANY problems with it. Not even the paint chipping problems that some have had. The only reason Id trade this car in, is for either the Ralliart version or Evo X.

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  Could have been perfect! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Eric - September 28 - 4:40 pm

  Had the car for 3 years now, this car is like bi-polar to me, it can give me the greatest feelings on the road or just looking at it already creates emotions. It handles nicely looks like a shark and is pretty roomy for its size. Whats sad is, it is near perfect but mitsu made cuts in bad areas thinking we would not notice. First thing I notice, rattles came in pretty soon, about a month after purchase they came from the road noise and when I turn the music at near half power speaker grills rattle and doors to. And this is the BASIC sound system not even with the sub-woofer in it. And the paint. Where is it? Oh! I supposed they put in more clear then. Nope! Thats not what road hazards say.

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  CANT BELIEVE IT!!! - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jim O - September 27 - 11:53 am

  I leased in 2005 and bought in 2008! I have had NO PROBLEMS with my 2005 MITSI!!!!!!!NADA!! ZERO!!! Go figure! PLUS My wife would KILL ME if I traded her for a 350 Z..Im sold!

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  Superior Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kmak - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Montero Sport for an Endeavor, and I love it. Mitsubishi actually took a lot of the popular features from several different SUVs on the market and combined them into one great vehicle. Would definitely suggest this to those who drive long distances. This comfortable ride has a great sound system, 4 power outlets, and plently of front cabin cargo area. A wonderful value for the money.

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  You can feel the power - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lovely Car - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have been driven this car for 3 months I realy love it you can feel the power under the hood and the body style I think is the best for the sport car same class with this

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  Much Happier on 93 Octane (or higher)! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By GM - September 27 - 1:20 am

  I love my little Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. I have owned a few budget sports cars (Mazda Miata, Dodge Daytona Shelby Turbo, Honda Civic S...) and I would say this car is as fun as the lot of them. Well maybe the Miata was a little more fun. The Lancer Sportback has the acceleration of my Turbo Shelby and the nimbleness of my Civic S...with a lot more room.

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  Young Family Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ihab.salem - September 26 - 1:36 pm

  This car is very practical for small/young family. Its smooth, quick, not feature rich but do the required. Average cargo space, very comfortable with more than enough legs, head and shoulders space for 5 adults (or 2 adults, 2 child, and a baby seat). As I am living in a very hot country I found the AC is very effective in summer. The automatic gear is very responsive. I tried many other SUVs nowadays (e.g. Acadia, Pilot, Explorer, etc) and cant find any match to its powerful & responsive brakes. I was near the Oman tsunami in 2006 (in Sharjah Emirate) and this car saved me from drowning in water in low streets while similar SUV drowned (CR-V, Sportage, Vitara). But very low MPG in city.