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 commuter, not bad comfort - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Gattor - July 30 - 3:16 am

  This car is great for commuting and could be more comfortable... went on many long trips with it and its good... I would consider buying another newer model in future.

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  Over 115,00 and still running - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Toledored - July 29 - 7:36 am

  I was third owner and bought with 68,000miles. It is 4 years later and over 115,000 miles and running great! Very impressed with its high performance and handling. Still zippy and fun to drive; handles very well in snow, as long as its not too deep as the car sets low. Have had issues with aluminum rims and having to replace tires that wont seal the rims. Added a remote start so car heats quickly in cold. Had to replace shocks initially, but no problem in 4 years.

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  Dissatisfied Owner - 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By glenda5 - July 29 - 3:22 am

  Not worth the money I paid for it. Have had it for 2.5 yrs now has a significant leak coming from the sunroof as well as passenger air bag light and emergency brake light on (they never go off.) I so regret trading in my Subaru Legacy Outback Limited for a Mitsubishi. I purchased my Subaru (preowned) paid 5,000.00 for it, had it for 5 yrs and never had any mechanical nor any other problems with it. Sometimes what you see isnt what you get and wanting a newer looking vehicle can lead to buyers remorse. Should have stayed with Subaru. :(

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  Just wait.... - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cbull25 - July 25 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Lancer in July, and like all of you, was very excited about the look, ride, value, and features. That is until I washed and waxed it after a few months. The paint on the rear side panels chips like you would not believe. I searched on the internet and found so many other Lancer owners that this is happening to as well. WHAT A BUMMER!!!! If I wouldve known the condition that the paint would be in after only 6 months, I wouldnt even have considered a Lancer. Oh yeah, you guessed it..."It is not a defect with the vehicle design or paint, so it is not covered under warranty." Normal road wear....youve got to be kidding.

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  outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By cristine - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my Outlander, it handles really well, it;s very comfortable and great to run around and do errands in. The height is just right for getting in and out. I find all the controls easy to use, and the sound system is great. My only complaint is the gas mileage. Its not that great but maybe thats becasue everyone in my house wants to use it all the time.

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  2001 Montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Guizer69 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I believe this is an excellent ride. These reports about fliping over is totaly rediculas.

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  2001 eclipse - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Paul Smith - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall a nice car but it could be more reliable, I already had a few problems with mine. Ex. Something was wrong with the steering and I have to get that fixed.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By X-Men - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have bought this car for 2 months as 2nd hand and Im loving it so far. I gives me the power when ever I needed it on a highway/city and the comfort the car gives is imaginable. Great "Infinity" stereo sound system with 6CD changer.

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  Still pleased - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By res - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and i bought this car with 11 miles on the odometer. Great feeling.8 years later we are almost at 60k. This car is mostly driven by my wife.We use to use for long trips and am surprised to hear people have gotten up to 30 mpg on the highway. I have seen consistent 25 mpg on highway. Anyway this is a great little car that is nimble but lacks a little power.

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  nice truck - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By basagulo - July 19 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport used with 8,000 miles on it back in 1997. I drove it cross country and in long trips for vacation. I also haul home improvement supplies, life rocks, and concrete in it. It is a very dependable vehicle. The power antena went out after six years and the Infinity radio went out after years years though. The leather seats are a nice touch. The engine keeps running and has not left me stranded. The suspension is truck like, this definitley is not a car based SUV. I love the look of the Montero Sport and I think most other manufacturers SUV was designed based on its looks. I have changed the radio to a CD player and the wheels to 17" to freshen its looks.