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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  this is the best Eclipse ever - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By scott - July 6 - 4:00 am

  The new engine puts out about 270 horsepower about the same torque. The Eclipse handles excellently for a car that weighs more than the pervious versions. The exhaust is sweet to hear growl when I start it up. The interior is great as well, with everything within reach

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  For those with good taste - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Alfred - July 6 - 2:26 am

  I have owned my Lancer GTS since late 2007 and it is my first car. I did get it keyed by some ****** dog a month after I bought it (hopefully karma got him). Besides that, this car is excellent. I am in love with the 650-watt sound system it has and its navigation system. As for the paint, It has chipping and scratches over the front bumper but thats because I live in the northeast. I have had no mechanical problems so far which is a testament to Mitsubishis renewed oath to quality. I would recommend getting aftermarket performance parts to beef it up. I think that the 5-speed manual is better since the automatic does not exploit all of the engines power. No rust so far ha!

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  Best Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By S. Dot - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had no bad problems with the car, just a flat tire and a shield rattlen.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By myke - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had our Outlander about 6 weeks now. Havent found anything wrong yet. Starts right up, runs great. Comfortable, easy in, easy out. Bought it primarily to be an economical cruiser around town, handles that flawlessly. On the highway, Ive had it up to 80, cruised at 70, felt safe & secure. First foreign vehicle, extremely pleased with it so far.

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  Love it - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Eddie - July 3 - 10:10 am

  Great SUV and a lot of bang for the buck. Performance and gas mileage are great, stereo system rocks! Clean lines and styling. Only knock I give it is relatively high cabin noise at freeway speeds.

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  Poor Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ice1012001 - June 28 - 3:00 pm

  I have had my Mitsubishi Galant for less than one year and the O2 sensors and the catalytic converter went out.

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  Review Title - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Macho - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Handles badly in bad weather.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mike2595 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  GREAT HANDLING CAR. VERY RELIABLE. GAS MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER. SOME LARGER CARS WITH V6S CAN GET THIS KIND OF MILEAGE. 4 CYLINDER HAS PLENTY OF POWER.

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  This car stinks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ChrissyB - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car "LOOKS". For the first year it ran great. Now.... it is horrible. It vibrates, the front clip is coming off, and it has had the bushing replaced 3 times. It has not been wrecked and the tires are spin balanced every 6000 miles as well and well maintained. DONT BUY IT!

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  wow - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Billy Bob Jackson - June 28 - 10:00 am

  this car is grest