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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  in the mountains - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JCFISH - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have been very pleased so far with our endeavor.It seems to be well made and is very comfortable on the road.We had a minor problem with the fuel injection right off the bat and the dealer could not have been better.Everything fine since.It really does handle like a car and less like an SUV.You feel attached to the road.

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  Great Deal - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By lc1001 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1997 model. Thinking about another one. Its flawless other than these fixes during warranty: 1. replaced a control chip on the transmission to correct the vibration at speed of 30-40 mile/hour 2. a cracked window seal 3. broken light bulbs

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  Great Value - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By EHAZE - March 5 - 3:36 pm

  I am comparing this vehicle directly to my 2006 Honda Pilot EX. The Endeavor SE with Navigation is very easy to drive. I love the 360 watt sound system. It is heads and shoulders above the 6 disc sound system that is available in the Honda Pilot EX.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By nagilbaz - March 4 - 4:27 pm

  We bought the Outlander in late 2007. The car has not had any problems so far despite the fact that it has been in major accident. I have read most of the reviews pointing to the fact that the interior has problems with the plastic parts and there is poor paint job, which is susceptible even to minor scratches and dents. Well it is absolutely true. Nevertheless, this is the great car and a great helper. We moved several times and overloaded it with furniture and other household items. It did well. Anyway the Outlander does not claim to be a luxurious SUV and saves you a lot of money over the time.

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  Fun ... and a looker too! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Steve S - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive been asked about this car at a gas station by strangers. The VR-X appearance package is outstanding! It handles like its on rails. I give it the highest score for its uniqueness - cache, if you will. How many VR-Xs do you see on the street? About 1 for every 1000 Maximas, Altimas, and other similar vehicles. I love it! Mustang owners look twice... (what is it?! and can I take it?!)

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  BEST LIL SPORTSCAR EVER! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BELINDAK - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive!! Comfortable for travel!! I have never enjoyed any other car as much as this one. My first Mitsubishi and it definitely will not be my last one. Extremely courteous sales and service staff have helped make my Mitsubishi experience a very pleasant one. Car handles like a dream and has required very little maintenance.

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  07 Outlander Exceeds Expectations - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Thomas Terry - February 27 - 5:53 pm

  Finally, an SUV built for the next generation. But guess what, my Dad owns it now. Mitsubishi means business here with a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 5 year/60,000 basic. This vehicles state of the art navigation and music package is something to behold. The 30GB hard drive allows you to store digital music for listening playback any time at your convenience.

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  1st Mitsubishi - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Al - February 25 - 1:43 pm

  This is my first Mitsubishi and my wife and I love it. Fun to drive ,VERY comfortable, lots of leg room. I am extremely satisfied with the Endeavor. Hope they come with another model soon. I bought the low end but feel like I am driving a high end SUV.

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  so far so great - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By eric287 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought our Limited with the premium pgk just a couple weeks ago. So far we love it. We shopped and shopped and then shopped some more. Came down to this and the Pilot. This was a few grand more, and I know the Honda will have better resale, but its styling was so dull and boring; both inside and out in our opinion. (A little more pizzaz, and Honda would have had us as customers I think.) Plus the Montero is a much more luxurious vehicle.

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  best little suv,bar none - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By miami beach - February 24 - 2:00 am

  i drove the honda,toyota,saturn and was not impressed at all,i found hype more than substance.then i drove the mitsubishi outlander xls and found the real thing a very comfortable and stable ride,suburb handling for a suv a very solid build quality inside and out.everything that i have read complains about this suv being under powered but thats only if you dont know how to drive,i can with the sportronic 4 speed auto if used with some inteligents you can make it get up and move with the best of them so dont beleave all the experts because they have ties to the suvs that they hype.the outlander is the best bar none just go drive one and you will see.