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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  2007 Eclipse GS - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MitsuMadness - July 25 - 12:56 pm

  This is my first Eclipse and I love it. I get so many comments from so many people and it feels good. I wish the car was lighter and had dual overhead cams instead of a single because Im 24 and I like to have a lot of power, but with modifications it could be a power house. Over all I love the car, the feel of it on the road, the inspirated racing seats, the blue gauges astound me every time. This is a very fun car to drive and fun to look at, its a real eye catcher.

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  greatest on earth - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By rubduk - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i love my vechile

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  Great....... - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ellen123 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I think the Outlander is the best buy for your money. It gets great gas mileage but it still has plenty of power. It handles great, it is lower to the ground then some of the larger SUVs and it doesnt feel top heavy at all. The seats are very easy to fold down and the back seats fold totally flat without having to remove the headrests.

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  HarsHs GaLaNt - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Harsh Vyas - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Inside, it has a very roomy, and a luxurious interior, when you go with the leather package, The trunk is preety big too, and the head room is real good, not made for ppl over 64 But for a normal 58-62 its perfect. And the sunroof works like a charm...Though the one thing that might disturb some is the new mitsubishi styling,the front nose piece. But if you learn to live with it, or actually like it like i do, You just got yourself a real real good car that stands out and is no match for those new accords or camrys and the altimas.

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  Awesome, awesome car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Happy Galant owner - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, I am a previous Mitsubishi Galant owner and this one out does the previous generation of Galants. The v6 engine really moves this car fast, lots of low end torque and very good handling for a sedan. I got a great deal at Capital City Mitsubishi, and I am the first to own an 04 Galant in my town.

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  Endeavors are awesome vehicles!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By An Average consumer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Endeavor for about 3 months and it has easily been the best SUV I have ever owned. It handles better and is faster than the BMW X5 that I test drove before I bought my Endeavor. Was easily the best SUV I drove during the purchase process. From the drivers seat you get an excellent view of the road. Do not buy any other SUV without giving the Endeavor a try, you will not regret it.

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  mitsuubetcha - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jim Jaques - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love it from new ,want to see the next eclipse to take its place...

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  Powerful - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Very Hot Car - July 21 - 1:40 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is at the top of its class. it is great looking inside and out and has awesome power. I would put this car up against most other cars on the road today. it is extremely quick off the line and has smooth on the highway. It handles great. Did I mention the power? This is the perfect sports car. I had a BMW 328 Coupe before this car and by far the 2006 Eclipse is better and faster. I highly recommend it.

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  2000 Montero Sport Limited, 3.5L - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By GJP - July 18 - 4:03 pm

  Great truck, high enough off the ground to get through NE Ohio winters with ease. Only issue is front end pull, (shim Issue during alignment) Alarm intermittent Plenty of room for my 3 boys in the back,

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  10 - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By tina1968 - July 11 - 2:10 am

  I love my new car ,,, best car on the road,,,,,