The History of the Mitsubishi lancer

More than 6 million Mitsubishi Lancers have been sold since 1973, and it continues to be one of Japan's best-selling family cars. Marketed worldwide under such nameplates as the Carisma, Mirage, the Dodge and Plymouth Colt, the Colt Lancer and the Eagle Summit, it serves as an entry-level car.

The Lancer is a family car built by Mitsubishi Motors.  It has been formerly know as the Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times.

In the early 1970s, Mitsubishi Motors established a strong foothold in the American auto market thanks to its compact, economical cars. The 1973 oil embargo proved to be a boon for the automaker; as Detroit struggled to comply with new fuel efficiency and safety regulations, the Lancer was a perfect, inexpensive alternative for the weary American buyer.

The Lancer offered an economical alternative to American-made cars, and had the added prestige of performing well in international road rallies.

Its cluster of three red diamonds on the front grille identifies the Lancer as a Mitsubishi. Early versions pioneered the modern hatchback coupe and station wagon.

The vehicle is offered as a coupe, a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon under such names as the Fiore, Cedia, Libero and Evolution.