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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  Underrated and underappreciated - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By manythemiles - January 15 - 10:06 pm

  Bought car used in December 2011 with 144k on the odometer. Have driven the car 10k since purchase and am very pleased with it. Car gets very good gas mileage and has so far proven to be reliable and simple to maintain. All required maintenance can be done by anyone who has a basic knowledge of cars. Engine is well laid out and the small engine allows easy access to most components. Interior materials are of high quality and would rival the best. Dashboard layout isnt terrible, but I wouldve appreciated a higher radio placement. Cupholder is small and its effectiveness can vary. Blocks radio. Overall though, I think I will be holding onto this one for a while. Very satisfied overall.

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  The car survived the college student but not the accident - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By alycop - January 14 - 3:18 pm

  Ill be honest, I am a college student and I did not maintain the car well. I received the car in 2011 at 67k and the tires, battery and brakes needed to be replaced. Since then I had nothing more than a burnt out headlight. It ran great, got good highway mileage for an SUV, and had plenty of room. Sometimes it would take a second turn of the key to start, but that was because I procrastinated (big time) on oil changes and such. 2.5 years and 30k miles later I had an accident after my tire blew from hitting a hubcap. We spun out, I over corrected, slid to a ditch and rolled over. I came out with out a scratch, my boyfriend got a mild concussion, but my poor car was totaled.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Michael Farmer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is not a Famliy car or a first time car for teens. Its quick and fast and for most People that drive to and from work its just fun. A great car for two that likes to take long drives on the week ends.

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  Great overall for the money!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ladeebug25 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Galant a couple of weeks ago. So far its fun to drive and its very roomy. The interior (not the seats butthe dashboard, steering wheel, etc.)material is rather cheap looking and hard to keep clean. Overall I am impressed with the car and the way it handles.

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  Still fun, but Im giving it up - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kent Rebman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car a lot; its the first car Ive had in awhile with "punch," but it has been troubled with oddball problems. The windshield washer sprayers quit periodically; the passengers power window switch; the LCD panel. Its also invisible to other drivers and Ive felt like Ive had a target on me since day one, so, Im giving it up at lease end.

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  Mitusbishi ride to thrill - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By kid sid 2479 - January 8 - 4:33 pm

  I bought this car in April 2006 for only $7,999. It recently hit 23,000 miles. It was cheap and affordable. It was the best deal from a car dealership plus it still had avpowertrain warranty on it. It was easy to drive and had less confusing controls inside the car. It handled like a dream. It was a sporty looking car. The back part of it looks like Honda Coupe. I am not complaining about the power. It could have more, but that would make it more expensive. The car is very affordable, nice, and fun to drive of course. It does not give a good milege on roadways but on highways it does pretty well. For people with a tight budget who want a decent, sporty, eye-catching car, this would be it.

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  2005 Eclipse GTS Coupe - 5 Speed - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Adam - January 6 - 1:53 am

  I am very pleased with my Eclipse. Though, this is the second one Ive owned since 2001. The car extremey fun to drive and not something that becomes burdensome after a short while. The leather seating is comfortable, and the interior is roomy enough for the driver and passenger. I dont consider this car a true "Sports Car" by definition, but I would call it a "Sporty" vehicle. It has enough power and torque to get you where youre going as fast as you want, but dont expect to race your neighbors flashy Nissan 350Z. Mitsubishi has definately upped their build quality since the 90s. This Eclipse feels solid and is extremely reliable. The clutch on the 5-speed models is very forgiving and easy to drive.

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  ok truck - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By joe - January 3 - 5:23 am

  For most part, I like the truck, def. No power at all. Love setup, love the comfort and looks and love the height, I have a ram 4x4 with 3" lift and the raider is only an inch or so shorter on height then my 3" lifted ram, so love that. Comes with some good tires Goodyear wranglers. Rims are nice on it as well.

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  Love it! - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By meggiemay - January 2 - 11:25 am

  I purchased a 2012 Outlander Sport with 12,000 miles on it a little over a month ago, upgrading from a 06 Cobalt Coupe. All I can say is that I absolutely love this car and have no regrets making the purchase. I read every possible review on the vehicle I could find before making the purchase, so I thought it would be helpful to post my thoughts on the car. Overall I feel like a got a affordable yet reliable SUV with all the features of a more "luxury" brand.

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  Sleeper - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By venster - December 28 - 3:13 pm

  CVT takes some time to get used to. Has its quirks but helps with the mpg. I bought the car for an economical commuter which it does beautifully. Averaging 35mpg on my commute-80%highway. Interior is decent-alot of plastic but mitsubishi pulls it off. Exterior styling is nice. Handles well. Its not a BMW, nor does it cost as much.