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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  Great Transportation And Style - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dustin2 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehiclepick up speed easily and the car interior design is superb. It has everuthing that i wanted.

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  my car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chevytrk - August 10 - 2:00 am

  this little car is pretty comfortable, fast!, little rough going around curves. but better tires probley fix this. the sterio system is really good. also getting comments about the cars looks & style. i have the off white color. it still looking good. it does have a little road noise but nothing to gripe about. it even put a grand prix it its place " in the back"!

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  I LOVE this SUV!!! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By lc8128 - August 8 - 9:03 pm

  This thing gets as good mileage as my econo-box hatchback w/5-speed. I drive 60/40 Hwy/City and have been averaging 29/mpg!!! I bought the base model because I was trying to keep the cost down. I am really surprised at all the features that are STANDARD. Between the look of the vehicle, interior, electronics, & performance - this SUV has to be one of the best values out there. Good job Mitsubishi!!!

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  Searched for the best.... - 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Decouvir - August 8 - 10:00 am

  And I got it. I researched for 3 months for a new car. Everything from a Civic, to the Cavalier, down to the Mirage I ended up getting. Everytime, the Mirage was the best value for the money

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By susieris - August 8 - 6:53 am

  I have had my Outlander for 3 1/2 yrs. I checked Edmunds before I bought it, looking for an SUV that got good gas mileage, was economical to insure, and that was able to accommodate two tall adults. It has made two long trips (over 1,600 miles) and several 400 mile trips each year with no problems.

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  Love this car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By kazax01 - August 6 - 11:38 pm

  One of the best car you can buy for less than 30K new. Car is fast. AWD makes it any weather car. Exterior is beautiful and aggressive. Got a lot of compliments. Interior is nice, maybe not expensive materials but great quality.

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  Love this car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rockchick12290 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car and the world and i would recomend it to anyone!

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  This car sucks - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Pali - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Dents VERY easy. Cheap parts.

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  New to Outlander - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander - August 3 - 4:03 pm

  Ok, I just bought this used 2006 Outlander. Let me say that I am very impressed with how smooth the car rides. The seats (front, I havent been in the back yet) are very comfortable. Sound system is great. The viewing position is perfect for my height (59").

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  This car changed my outlook - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lil dunaway - August 1 - 3:36 am

  I was never a cports car fan until i was blessed with this car. I always wanted an suv but when i got this car i INSTANTLY fell in love. Its no Honda but its ok on gas, I love the blue lights on the inside its quick and very reliable as i have not had any problems with it AND its a HEAD TURNER TO THE MAX. I love the attention i get from the girlies lol. Im a sports car owner til the day i die and its all cuz of the Mitsubishi Eclipse