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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  Great Transportation And Style - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dustin2 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehiclepick up speed easily and the car interior design is superb. It has everuthing that i wanted.

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  I LOVE this SUV!!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By lc8128 - August 8 - 9:03 pm

  This thing gets as good mileage as my econo-box hatchback w/5-speed. I drive 60/40 Hwy/City and have been averaging 29/mpg!!! I bought the base model because I was trying to keep the cost down. I am really surprised at all the features that are STANDARD. Between the look of the vehicle, interior, electronics, & performance - this SUV has to be one of the best values out there. Good job Mitsubishi!!!

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  Searched for the best.... - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Decouvir - August 8 - 10:00 am

  And I got it. I researched for 3 months for a new car. Everything from a Civic, to the Cavalier, down to the Mirage I ended up getting. Everytime, the Mirage was the best value for the money

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  Love this car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kazax01 - August 6 - 11:38 pm

  One of the best car you can buy for less than 30K new. Car is fast. AWD makes it any weather car. Exterior is beautiful and aggressive. Got a lot of compliments. Interior is nice, maybe not expensive materials but great quality.

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  Love this car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rockchick12290 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car and the world and i would recomend it to anyone!

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  New to Outlander - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander - August 3 - 4:03 pm

  Ok, I just bought this used 2006 Outlander. Let me say that I am very impressed with how smooth the car rides. The seats (front, I havent been in the back yet) are very comfortable. Sound system is great. The viewing position is perfect for my height (59").

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  This car changed my outlook - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lil dunaway - August 1 - 3:36 am

  I was never a cports car fan until i was blessed with this car. I always wanted an suv but when i got this car i INSTANTLY fell in love. Its no Honda but its ok on gas, I love the blue lights on the inside its quick and very reliable as i have not had any problems with it AND its a HEAD TURNER TO THE MAX. I love the attention i get from the girlies lol. Im a sports car owner til the day i die and its all cuz of the Mitsubishi Eclipse

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  Raider Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By tmac - July 31 - 5:23 pm

  Great truck for the money, excellent ride, and a lot of head, and leg room. Great warranty, nice six speed! Nice body features. Gas mileage a bit costly, but now days what isnt?

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  dependable - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By txdriver4 - July 30 - 10:41 pm

  My parents have fords and dodges and i drove those for quite some time then i recently got the galant. i have t say it is a very nice car and worth your money, and it seemed to perform much better than my parents cars.

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  The EV technology is ready - 2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV
  By stan_cz - July 27 - 11:37 am

  I have this car for a half year with 2800 miles on it and it became the primary car in our family. Our 2 kids love it, too. The car completely changed my way of thinking as EV owner and driver. Going to a gas station is now hassle to me. Range anxiety is non existent as I learned that I need to think just a little before going for a trip. If the expected distance is above 75-80 miles, I take our Jetta TDI, that simple. Very recently, I have taken my iMiEV for a long trip to test its range when driving up to 40 MPH w/o A/C. I was able to get 93.4 miles with 1 mile remaining. No need to reach for the hidden reserves. It is really fun to drive.