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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  Best sedan ever manufactured! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jdm7018 - September 24 - 4:20 am

  This being my second Galant in 3 years should be enough to prove their impact on me personally. Ill keep this short and sweet. The new designed body style keeps the same Galant that we have all grown to love! I tried an 04 Accord, and compared to my Galant, it stunk.

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  Wow...you were owned - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BreakNeckSpeed - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Let me tell you. After buying the car new what has impressed me most is the cost to maintain the vehicle. This was my first Mitsubishi, and after owning several Toyota products, what a welcome relief at the parts counter. This car is fast stock, but its fun to add something new now and then to liven up the atmosphere out on the highway. 120k miles on the clock, and still strong.

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  First Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Swimster144 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car -- performance, looks, and reliability. The V6 w/ 5 spd is awesome. The tranny is very smooth. The infinity sound system is sweet! The suspension handles well, although I wish it were a little stiffer. I have aftermarket wheels on it, since the stock wheels were not my favorite, but other than that the exterior design of this car is awesome. The modern look of the interior and dashboard makes it a fun car to be in.

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  Hot car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vionlizzie - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car. Its actually the only car i enjoy driving. I have driven a lot of other cars and i like the eclipse best.

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  frank & gisels review - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By forno1special - September 19 - 3:46 am

  we feel this is one SUV that people have not taken the time to go see otherwise there would be more of them on the road its got sportronic transmision on the fly AWD plus 4HL,4LL exelent turning radius seating for seven electric seats trip computer w/digital compas the list goes on in other words with a few more ponies and a GPS it would be the perfect SUV.

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  awesome car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By davo yoyo - September 18 - 10:00 am

  i just got car today great sofar.fun to drive very comfortable.very economic recommend it to any one.

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  Great economical SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By tbailey152 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very reliable. Would recommend AWD version though. I bought FWD and sometimes wish I had AWD.

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  My First Mitsubishi is a great vehicle! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gmo - September 17 - 3:13 am

  My switch from a full size Ford pickup to a suv came when I needed a newer vehicle to drive in heavy Nashville traffic. The 2010 Outlander has been great so far with better than expected gas mileage and comfort. I researched the SUV line heavily between a Subaru Forrester,Toyota Rav 4, and the Outlander. I am 6ft. 3 and the Outlander by far is the most comfortable. I would recommend to anyone.

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  My First Mitsubishi - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Myprotoge - September 16 - 7:20 am

  This is my first Mitsubishi vehicle. So far I must say, I am very pleased with my 2006 Galant. The four cylinder engine is quite peppy. The automatic transmission (my very first automatic) is very smooth. Its accelerations is crisp. The ride is awesome, it corners well, and handle bumps effortlessly.

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  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By ARS - September 15 - 5:03 am

  I like this vehicle more and more each day. It drives nice and has a lot a cool features. I find the engine a little soft on immediate acceleration, but find it very responsive afterwards. The third road seat is not that useable and I would like to have that as an option to get the extra storage. The clamshell rear opening is very versatile. I found you can lower the tailgate and close the top hatch to haul longer items like boards. I feel like I am driving a high class vehicle but not paying the high price. It is a real value!