Automotive Einstein

From the Japanese word meaning “Three Diamonds”, Mitsubishi was founded by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s primarily as a shipping company.

In 1917, focus had changed and Mitsubishi produced the Model A, Japan’s first production passenger car. In the years leading up to World War II, the division primarily responsible for transportation shifted its focus towards building ships and vehicles for the war. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that Mitsubishi began producing passenger vehicles again on a large scale. Mitsubishi eventually spun off its automotive arm in the 1970’s with the formation of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The company’s Colt model made it to American shores in 1971, the same year that Chrysler purchased a 15% ownership stake in the company. The company’s line of vehicles however were sold as rebadged Chrysler’s, Plymouth’s and Eagles until the early 1980’s when finally, Mitsubishi began selling under its name with the introduction of the Lancer and Galant in 1982. The company hit stride in the 1990’s with the introduction of vehicles like the sport-oriented Eclipse and 3000GT. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become Daimler Chrysler. Mitsubishi’s partnership continued with Daimler Chrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003. The new millennium has not been particularly good for Mitsubishi. Sales have wavered and the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects. The brand has done much to turn itself around since then, streamlining its vehicle roster and improving quality.

2009 Mitsubishi Model Lineup

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