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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  MONTER O SPORT AT 40,000 MILES - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By FRUITPICKER - August 13 - 2:00 am

  FAIR PERFORMANCE,GOOD LOOKS AND MECHANICAL RELIABILITY. AT 40,000 MILES HAS DEVELOPED A FEW RATTLES AND SQUEAKS, BUT STILL LOOKS GREAT AND DRIVES WELL.

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  Not a Camaro - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jarrett1967 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a Mits 2002 Eclipse GT 5spd manual that under normal acceleration behaves very well with good gas mileage but a few revs of the motor can be very entertaining. Not as neck breaking as a sports car but fun nonetheless.

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  FUN MACHINE - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By FRUITPICKER - August 13 - 2:00 am

  HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR THATS AS MUCH FUN TO DRIVE AS THE LANCER OZ. IVE OWNED ACURA INTEGRAS AND OTHER FUN CARS,BUT THIS ONE IS THE BEST SO FAR.

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  Fantastic - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tam - August 13 - 1:30 am

  This car is fantastic. It has zip, is very comfortable, and has tons of room in the back. The trunk is a nice size. With the price of gas, the Lancer is the auto to own. Having had Hondas, Fords, VWs, and a gas hog Jeep, this is my best decision yet. The only thing that would make it better, hmm... perhaps add cup holders in the back.

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  Back slip problem - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By n ancy - August 12 - 8:00 am

  This is my second Galant 1st was 2003 just purchased 2006. Love the improvements made to the newer model, but my 2006 backslips when on an incline. Brought back to the dealer and was told thats just how the car is and it was because the rpm werent as high as the 2003 model.

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  Great value for the money - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Lantgeo - August 11 - 3:20 am

  I traded my 2003 Infiniti FX45 for an Outlander. I needed a more practical vehicle. The good: I paid $25,000 for a demo model with leather, a sweet stereo, and navigation. It drives like a car, handles OK for an SUV, I love the paddle shifters, the 3rd row comes in handy for kids and short trips, and the fold down tailgate is a great idea. The Bad: It has pronounced wind noise from the drivers side window, it has initial acceleration hesitation, the fog lights cannot be used with hids, and the doors have to be slammed to shut. These are all minor issues. This is a good vehicle overall.

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  Diamante VR-X Rocks! - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By captkirkstny - August 10 - 2:26 pm

  Purchased August 2004. this is my second Diamante and third Mitsubishi. My dealer is 100 miles away. I only return there because of the free scheduled maintenance. Otherwise this car has been trouble free. Thats how reliable these cars are. I did have to replace the driver window switch which is under warranty.

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  ML430 Vs Montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By rkuch - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have both a Mercedes ML430 and the 2003 Montero. The interior of the Montero is just as nice, if not better than the Mercedes. I like the third row seating and wood trim on the Montero. The area of view is better in the Montero and it has much more interior room. A great buy for the money so far.

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  First SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Miss Tall - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive normally driven a Subaru, but was looking for something larger my 67" husband could drive - this narrows the field of cars. We love the Endeavor! It drives like a sportscar some say and has a great deal of power. There is also a lot of room in the back seat, it seats 3 very comfortably, even if all three are over 6 tall!

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  fast & furious - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By flower - August 7 - 10:00 am

  2 words to describe what I feel about this car , "Completely Satisfied"