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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  150,000 miles and still going strong - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Motschrocker - January 15 - 8:36 am

  I bought this car after graduating high school I put a good 80,000 miles on it in four years time. No major mechanical problems. Replaced brakes, tire, sway bar links at about 120,000 and then the radiator at 145,000. Great in Iowa snow storms. Unfortunately my model is black and the clear coat faded at about 100,000. This is a common problem with black Mitsubishis. Other than that great car! Would recommend to anyone.

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  long term review - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tezza - January 12 - 11:13 am

  I have owned this car since new, putting 135,000 miles on it. Mitsubishis are fun to drive because they are a light car, not over engineered. My Galant gets very good gas mileage, about 28 mpg (I do 80 percent highway miles and 20 percent rural driving with few stop lights). Quality and reliability is probably a little bit below Honda and Toyota, however the cost of the vehicle new is below the other brands, and used Mitsubishis are fairly inexpensive. The two bugaboos with this car is the brakes - the rotors warp and there is really no solution so just drive it with warped rotors - and the dealers which are far and few between. If you can find a local mechanic that is good youll be fine.

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  Great car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By christopher - January 10 - 1:13 am

  Great car. Bought this car new, had it about 7 1/2 years; car has never had any major repairs, just regular maint. I have never even had a tune up and it has over 150,000 miles. Gets average 25 miles to a gallon; on highway only about 27. Its been a great car.

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  People stop me everywhere about my car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SherriRhiannon - January 9 - 9:26 am

  I get stopped by strangers everywhere so they can tell me how much they like my car! It looks like and sports car and drives like one! The new body style is gorgeous and original. The interior is made for the driver, not the passengers, no room for a backseat passenger.

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  Messed Up Good. - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Rob Peter - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Somebody at Mitsubishi messed up. They made a really great car with lots of bang for the buck. My wifes boss is upset. He bought a Lexus. We test drove it at 5 dealers and pick ours up tonight. Love the VR-X package. Everyone looks twice and says what is that? Then they get in and say wow. Its the secret luxury car, for less than an arm and leg, and it does not look like every car on the Road. We had a tough time finding out baby, but that just means everyone else can drool in jelosy.

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  Be careful!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By D - January 2 - 5:33 am

  I LOVED my Endeavor... until I got into a 6 car pile up caused by MY endeavor. The car ran perfectly, was SO much fun to drive and it looked and felt brand new even after a year of driving. In a snow storm, I was moving 15 mph and a simply tapped on my brakes slightly, the brakes locked instantly, caused me to slide across the divider into oncoming traffic. There was NO reason the brakes should have locked. The insurance adjustor agreed with me. The body structure allowed for my survival but it wouldnt have happened in the first place if my brakes didnt lock. Dont go for looks alone and be careful if you purchase it!

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  Good vehicle...fix mpg - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Grle - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Endeavor in March. I have had no problems with it, but the gas mileage stinks! I took it to Mitsu and they denied the problem. I average about 14 mpg in town. I would like to see the 17 it was rated for. I do get 20mpg on highway, thank goodness. Also, the valves do "clack" with mid-grade gas. Performance seems unaffected but it really does need the high grade. There is such mixed comments on this that I wonder if we have two different batches oof SUV. Also, of note, Im 54" and I have to have a "booster" to see out. For short people, I would recommend the power seats to increase your heighth.

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  I Love My Galant GTS - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Shawn - December 31 - 7:06 am

  I am very satisfied with my Galant GTS, other than with the sound system. Perhaps it needs better speakers. Other than that, the gas mileage could be better especially with premium fuel Grrr!

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  So Far, So Good - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By isophorone - December 28 - 8:37 pm

  We bought this Outlander new in late 2011 to replace a Saturn Wagon that was burning oil (and that we were outgrowing). Right now we have around 23,000 miles on the car. It starts and runs well. Since we are used to small engine cars this has enough power for our needs. The trunk is huge, and the radio sounds great. Seats are comfortable. Handling is superb. We get around 23 mpg overall in winter and 25-26 mpg in summer (suburban driving). Highway mpg is 28-30 mpg. The CVT is a bit growly and low speeds and RPM, but once the car is moving it is fine.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ricardo - December 28 - 1:06 pm

  I really enjoy this car. I have not had any problems at all and I drive this car a lot. The only maintenance is oil change and things of that sort which I do my self. One more thing to add, this car has no axles.