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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  The same car in Aust - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By gundie - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Well the car looks the same a different name, and built quality seems to be improved

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  There is MORE to this car than you think - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Adam - July 6 - 12:30 pm

  This is a great alternative to the others in its class. Awesome looks, great handling & it is pretty quiet. The ride is very good on the expressway, but around town on less than average roads, it tends to buck a bit. The hatch offers more space than the sedan. But IMO, the taillights are the biggest let down VS. the sedans. The CVT is for the people who want mileage over performance. You can play with the paddle shifters & NEVER have to worry about over-revving the engine. It still steps out nicely, but you wont win any drag races off the line. My mileage has been for the highway doing 70-80: 29.3 mpg & keeping a solid 55 MPH pace I get usually over 35. Around town I normally get about 25

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  Not the Greatest, Not the Worst - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By okeedokee - July 4 - 6:00 pm

  This is not the best nor the worst car I have ever owned. I have had many issues with rattles one in the rear suspension. Also, the check engine light came on with a misfire. The dealer is still trying to find one more rattle (possibly in the tail light). I love driving it and its nice to look at, but I hate having to take it in every few 1,000 miles. The dealership has been helpful in resolving the issues.

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  very satisfied - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By buckstalker - July 3 - 6:25 pm

  My wife found this car for my son. It had 100k miles on it. It was the first car I bought with 100k miles. My son has been traveling back and forth from college with this car and its been a very reliable car NO PROBLEMS. We have had the car now 4 years and its hasnt cost a penny for maintenance other than normal oil changes and such.

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  sad but true - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mamiya - July 3 - 10:46 am

  Had the car since Feb 08 and finding too many little things that bother me every time I drive it! Should have rented one first for a week before purchase.

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  Diamante - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By york gresser - June 19 - 1:46 am

  My 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante VR-X has been an excellent vehicle. I have had no reliability problems with it whatsover. Ive only had to change the oil. My only complaint is that it could have more leg room for tall drivers (I am 6 ft 3 in.).

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  Economy vs Comfort and Safety - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Joe M. - June 18 - 2:43 am

  The 2010 lancer rides just like the 08, 09 lancers which are a new generation of lancers. The 2.0 liter dohc, 16 valve engine with innovative timing performs well but the 2.4 performs much better and is only available in the expensive gts, which doesnt have as comfortable a suspension. The cvt transmission is smooth and the car soaks up most bumps. The cheap plastics on the dashboard somehow make you wonder if they cheapened anything else. Ive had prior lancers and they were all exceptionally reliable - as good as a Toyota.

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  Fun Drive - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GingerJozan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I love driving the Montero Sport LS. The roof rack and available space are great for traveling.

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  Fun and sporty, but needs help - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By rc - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Windshield is loud (blowing wind sound) at highway speeds, gas mileage ahs to be lower than mpg (18/22) listed

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  Strong daily driver - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jjimbo - June 13 - 8:34 pm

  My 1999 Mits Galant is one of the best cars I have bought so far. Strong engine and Transmission, OK suspension, roomy and classy interior, and great body style. Only improvments needed would be the suspension. It seems that Mitsubishi wanted to make this car more sporty and stiffened the shocks and struts.