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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  Amazing!!!!!! Oh my goodness! - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dy - November 24 - 4:31 pm

  I recently bought the MITSU Outlander and it proved to be a great car. The GT was outstanding and it has some technology that the Toyota Highlander and Honda CRV does not have!! Plus it comes standard with the Rockford Fosgate sound system which sounds great!

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  Excellent Monty - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ronnie - November 21 - 10:46 am

  This is not my first Montero, I just bought a 2006 XLS model that I found for sale In Puerto Rico. Its about $4,000 less than the Limited model, but I dont want leather, wood in the dash, or a sunroof for $4,000. It has power. This SUV can "only" tow 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine, but what the heck this is a luxury vehicle if I wanted to haul something I would buy a beefy gas eating pickup like the Chevrolet Silverado Z71 that I used to have. The Montero is a winner. I hope that the engine has stong seals, that is a well known problem with the Montero, but with a 100,000 mile warranty I can handle that.

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  Its awesome - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By ayimazte - November 21 - 10:00 am

  For those who dont know what a deal is, come and look at this car. It is not expensive and it is so reliable. You should check out all the reliability test that several website do and this car is ranked very high comparing to other cars in the same class. I think Honda and Toyota is over priced. This one is just right. Of course there is no leather luxury, no fancy stuff that you expect in a Beamer, but its a 13k car, what do you expect. So far I have never had any problem at all. As I state again, if you are to buy a car that gets you from A to B, then this is the car.

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  Poor Black Paint and cracking dashboard - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durbolie - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Oxidized paint and 3 cracks in the dashboard. Black eclipse with oxidized paint. been painted now a few times by the dealership ( contracted out ). Paint is not oxidized, but still looks bad. dashboard still has 3 cracks, but the dealership states the heat from the southeastern US caused it. anyone else with these problems...contact Mitsubishi and complain.

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  A Lot More Truck - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Bird50 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Was shopping for a Jeep Liberty and ended up with a Mitz MS LTD for less money and at 0%. Such a deal! Sorry Jeep, you loose.

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  Driving Delight - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PRC - November 21 - 10:00 am

  An outsatnding value... bought it for $20,400 and worth every penny. It has plenty of giddyup, corners extremely well and has the best body style of any car in its class. I drive 110 miles (round trip) to work each day and this car makes the trip enjoyable. Caution.... everyone wants to race you at every red light... and the car can creep up in speed without you noticing...

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  Bad Rear window glass! It will Blow out! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 1 Unhappy Customer - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Buyer Beware! The back glass in my 2003 Eclipse blew out due to a defected glass. The dealer and the manufacturer both refuses to replace it. The wonderful bumper to bumper warrenty is worthless!I had three experts all declare in writing the glass was defective from the factory and yet the dealer and manufacturer refuses to help me.I WILL NOT consider another purchase from them. Also before another person doesnt make the same mistake, I hope they will do a search on "MITSUBITSHI COMPLAINTS"and save themselves a lot of grief!

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  best suv out for the money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mr. e - November 20 - 11:30 am

  I had 05/4cyl now I have 07/6cly.. better gas mileage, more room and great drive, good pick up and smooth shifting with the 6 speed auto transmission. love the tailgate when putting in the golf clubs, help so you bang or damage the back bumper...

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  3 months, Paint Chipping , Roof Creasing - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Elaine Weather - November 20 - 1:30 am

  2016 Outlander less than 3 months old, front exterior has started peeling and chipping. Warranty says its from pebbles and not covered. This car rides the same roads my other two cars ride and none of them are chipping or pealing. There is a crooked crease across the inside roof where the sun roof is. The warranty company states that is a user issue to. This crease was noticed one month after purchase.

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  I love this CAR!!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BaddBradd - November 19 - 5:30 am

  Ever since I bought my Eclipse it has been nothing but FUN... I love this car and the experience Ive had since owning it. If youre looking for a Mitsubishi i recommend taking a look at the Eclipse. Trust me you will enjoy it.