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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  Happy That We Bought IT - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Argentum - September 3 - 8:06 am

  With a recommendation from Consumer Reports and good reviews here at Edmunds and elsewhere, we were confident about the purchase. Also, we own an Eclipse GT which we love. So we traded in our trusty 2002 CRV and never looked back. The ride is a big upgrade from our Honda. It is smooth and composed, corners nicely and the steering feedback is excellent. Though there is some wind noise.

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  So Far, So Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sermonator - September 2 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased a used 01 Mitsu Galant ES (V6). Less than two weeks after purchase, I had to get a new bearing assembly for the left rear wheel. That was a surprise! However, since then Ive had no additional problems. Since purchase one year ago, I have put another 8K miles on it (present mileage: 98K). So far, its shaping up to be a nice, reliable car. Listen, its not my dream car (that would have to be a 1976 AMC Pacer), but Im glad I purchased it.

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  I was sold, where do I sign!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By McCloskey - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Endeavor for 8 months so far I have had to replace the rear differential (service bulletin) due to between 25-40mph nioses that sound like they are coming from engine. The acceleration is EXCELLENT. The price wasnt bad, I test drove the Pilot I just didnt like how it ran. Once I drove the Endeavor I was sold.

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  Id buy another - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Rick - August 31 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my SUV with 30,000 after reviewing consumer rating and maintenance reports. I made the purchase with only one concern, the maintenance cost. Ive maintained the required maint. on schedule and to date I have to say I am very happy with the decision. This is a great vehicle and lot of fun to drive. I currently have over 124,000 mile and the engine, performance and handling are excellent. I have no regrets.

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  Great Car! At an auction?? Cant be... - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Rita - August 31 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased this great little car at an auction a couple of months ago for about $1000. Couldnt believe the next day I cleaned it up and drove it! Ran great! Everything on it working and in tip top shape. Only had $129,000 miles on it. The gas mileage is great and the body looks really good. I ordered a spoiler and some euro lights for it and Im going to put rims and tint the windows!! Very satisfied with this car.

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  Stong tuner - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By smartautoguy - August 31 - 3:02 pm

  3.8 V6 pull hard! TCS works even in the snow.

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  Be Intelligent, Give It a Shot - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By M J.DRAHL - August 31 - 7:16 am

  My spouse and I were not seeking to purchase a new vehicle on that hot humid New Jersey afternoon. As we passed the dealer I noticed the Diamond White Pearl OZ Rally from knowledge on upgrade platform outside. We just had test driven such a vehicle. Both my wife and I took separate drives in a five speed. We were so impressed by its handling, brakes, outward vision, and tremendously smooth gearbox 4.04.1 that we placed our down payment on one in less an hour. The vehicle was delivered as promised in less than three days. The sales staff and management were very business-like and extremely professional in all respects. We purchased another Lancer ES for our college bound son for his NY trips.

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  I Love This Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By P$ - August 29 - 5:26 pm

  I just recently purchased my 2008 Lancer GTS and I love it! I was the first person to purchase one at the dealership. My GTS is Graphite Pearl Grey, it has the sun and sound package. Drives very well and is very fun to drive. I got the CVT with the magnesium paddle shifters, they are so fun and easy to use! Definitely would recommend this purchase to anyone.

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  Im Quick - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Freddie - August 29 - 8:33 am

  My 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a great car. The price was nice, and the acceleration is great. It is hard to drive it slowly. It wants to haul. And it does! I would recomend it to anyone looking for a sweet ride that is just as reliable as it is fast.

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  The reasonable car - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By planotx - August 28 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say about this car that its the perfect combination of every use for you money. It is fast enough, comfortable enough, not too expensive to take care of, fun enough and still not too out of fashion.