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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  Good Car but way overpriced new. - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Intellifox - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I cannot complain about performance the car gets me to where I am going has a great sound system and is definitely fun to drive. The original sticker price was about 26,000 dollars which is way out of the market for what it is worth. If you can get it for around 12,000 dollars your getting a good deal. My particular car was built at the Bloomington Illinois facility. I have learned a hard lesson on this car and about purchasing things overpriced. As far as the car itself goes it is reasonable in costs to repair needs little maintenance and is great to drive on the open road.

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  Awesome Compromise - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TxFemme - June 7 - 1:40 am

  I bought my Eclipse used with 17K miles on it. I now have 29K and it has not so much as hiccuped. Its powerful, fun to drive, and I get compliments almost daily. The RF system is AWESOME, best stock system Ive ever owned (and there have been many). Its a relatively comfortable ride for a sports car and Ive taken it on several long road trips. The backseat is best suited for those under 54" but at least it has one. The curb weight gives the car a substantial, safe feel. The stock tires are not as sticky as Id like in slippery conditions. Probably the main negative point for me is the turning radius. Also, the powerful engine combined with FWD equals major torque steer at times.

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  Looks Great! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By 7Mick - June 5 - 7:50 pm

  Overall I love this car. Like many others though. I too had the transmission problems. Even after the fix. Still not right! The car is so great to look at. Kind of a Beemer front and a Volvo back. But very unique. Drives like a much bigger car with its smooth ride. I am a chauffeur and when I get out of my town car I dont mind jumping into this car!

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  nice car but needs power - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancer_Racer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  its a real fun car to drive but it lacks at top speed it needs more horsepower. if you do get this car for racing plan to put a lot of work into it.

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  Very good--not excellent. - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By DACNA - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The interior is flawless. Honda could learn something or two from this vehicle. The seats are supportive and very comfortable. The rear seat and space is remarkable considering its a mini-ute. Yes, cargo and power are down, and fuel consumption is not the best. But the torquey punch is great. This engine races to the redline so first gear upshifts need to be guarded while going through the gears. The Freelander is the only other mini-ute to offer a manumatic shifter, albeit a 5 speed.The stereo is clear, accurate, and thumps. The styling is great til you get to the rear (too quasi- econowagon) You should pay about $200 over invoice; I did.

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  2childhood - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 2childhood - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Good performance. Great looks. Really turns heads. Wouldnt trade it for anything in this price range.

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  Best buy in its class - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By mbranton - June 3 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this car a couple of months ago and use it every day for commuting. It is not noisy, it is not sluggish, and the interior appointments are well laid out and the ride is comfortable. I have gotten 40+ mpg no matter if I drive conservatively or the way I am used to, by "feeling" when to shift and accelerate. I love all the standard features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB input, cruise control, automatic climate control, traction control, antilock breaks, electronic stability control, tire pressure management system, and despite what the "critics" say you cannot buy a car with all this for less money from any other brand, period. I know, I did my research for quite some time

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  great car - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Peggy - June 2 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this car new and have only had reliability. I have only done routine maintenance. Never broken down or replaced parts other than brakes, tires, and muffler. I have over 155,000 miles. It still rides it did new. Great riding comfort and pickup. I get about 27 miles highway and 24 around town. If they were still made I would buy another!

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  Excellent driver accessibility - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By RonK - June 1 - 4:26 pm

  First impression after 650 miles is that vehicle is built like a swiss watch, very precise. Compared to 4 other SUVs and features/price could not be beat. Very impressed with warranties/roadside assistance offerings. Speaks to manufacturer confidence in vehicle. However, having said all this, vehicle does have peculiarities, which I cover in suggested improvements.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Nona - May 31 - 11:23 am

  We had over 200,000 and was a great car until our transmission went out.. We loved it............