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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  kbza review - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By kbza - November 4 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle adapts to every type of life... i got 2 years with this vehicle and i dont have any conplaints. good aceleration, can tow 5000 pounds, seven seats , gorgeous exterior and interior, excelent off road capabilities, great room for cargo... i love it....

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  Excelent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By kbza - November 4 - 10:00 am

  ....

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  Wow, Impressive!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jayinnerbeat - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a impressive vehicle. This is nothing like the past model. The vehicle is all new, bigger, wider, more refined. The exterior and interior styling is very modern, yet clean. There is plenty of room for five people. The new 4 cyl. engine with the Valve timing system provides 6 cylinder performance with 4 cyl. economy. I had been to many dealers in the S. Florida area, I finally bought at Phil Smith Mitsu. Could not have been happier with the deal, the service and the way I was treated.

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  More for Your Money - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Earl C Roark - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Lexus 300. After pricing the 2004 Lexus and driving the 2004 Endeavor the ride was just as good and the price and space were better. You certainly get more for your money in the Endeavor.

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  Amazing - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Annie Welch - November 3 - 1:50 pm

  My family and I were in a terrible accident back in June and our Subaru Forester was totaled, which by the way was an excellent vehicle, and kept us very safe in the time of the accident as we all came out with no injuries....however the car wasnt the prettiest sight...we then shopped around for the next amazing car and as always and should be, safety was our #1 priority...we came across the Mitsubishi Endeavor and we knew from then on out that it was the one for us. This SUV is absolutely amazing..its so powerful and handles so well...I love driving it and I fall more in love with this vehicle every day that I drive it...it has an amazing stereo/sound system, unlike any other...this car truely is a joy.

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  Time to trade it - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By IN-Deavor - November 3 - 12:40 pm

  Ive driven the 2004 Limited for 120,000 mi. over the past six years. Overall Id rate it high. New brakes and tires around 65K and no other complaints until the transmission had to be rebuilt at 118K. Also ball joints went and car now has a bad shimmy when breaking. Appears to be other drivetrain-related issues besides the transmission so Im bailing on the car. BTW: Im an over 50 driver so dont hot rod it, gave it all scheduled maint and oil changes and 90% of miles were expressway. So I consider recent drivetrain issues a warning sign of further problems to come. Id planned on keeping the car until it was time for another set of tires (probably around 150K mi.).

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  Wind Noise, Wind Noise, Wind Noise!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kswnfrd - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The wind noise on both door seals as well as the hatchback is TERRIBLE!! The seals are poorly constructed and placed, and the overall door and hatchback seal is extremely poor. Also leaks water above the door windows when washed. Have been to dealer 3 times in 4 weeks, and was finall told it was a "design thing" and was normal for the 2002 and 03 Eclipses. Have also talked to other Eclipse owners with the same problem.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Dane - October 30 - 12:56 pm

  I have put 8,000 miles on this little gem and very happy with it overall. For the price you cant go wrong. Mine is rock solid and dependable. It could get a little better gas mileage.

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  Montero LTD 2001 - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By TJ - October 29 - 2:43 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle with front and rear a/c. SUV has third seat and trailor hitch package. Window vent convers on all four doors. Front windows have extra tint to match factory tint. The sunroof also has extra window tint to keep inside really cool. The front of the SUV has a bug and wind spoiler. Great Michelin Tires package.

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  Love this truck! - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By meagain076 - October 29 - 11:20 am

  I just bought my 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander this weekend. I fell in love with the design, and the sportiness of it. It is well worth the low price tag, and it is very fun to drive. It handles well on corners, though the pickup from start is a little slow. The gas mileage is great. Overall I am very happy with my purchase!