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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  Happy with my Diamante - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MarkPenner - February 2 - 2:36 am

  I purchased my 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante in Dec. 2003. I did a lot of online research before purchasing and found that most of the people complain about its fast depreciation, but praise reliability of the car. I was looking for a good used car, so fast depreciation was a good news. Why pay $36,000 for a new, when you can get a great used car for $12,000? So, I found a Diamante with 55,000 miles online and drove it home. For two years that I owned this car I just did regular maitainance (oil, transmission fluid, brakes, put new set of tires). I had no problem with transmission, it shifts perfectly. I didnt have any problems with the heat-core either. I spent only $480 in maintainance to keep this car in excellent shape for two years.

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  JUST GOT IT and LOVE IT!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrspsb - February 1 - 2:00 am

  well,where do i start. My GTS has it all and I got a great deal.

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  Drives like a car.... - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gofast - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a Ford Explorer and a Jeep Grand Cherokee and really liked them both; however, this is a different kind of SUV. It drives soooooo much nicer than the SUVs designed for off roading. This car is simply a blast to drive. You can push it hard into turns, it brakes great and the transmission is great for curvy roads. If you want a SUV that drives great-- this is it. If you want an SUV that is great off-roading--buy something else

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  Quality and fun for bargain price - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mithun2005 - January 31 - 3:16 pm

  I purchased this car in early 2009. Although dealer said it was one owner, I did not check anything officially (carfax etc). It is at 30,000 miles now from 12,000. Not a single problem so far. Fun to ride. Excellent handling. great exterior look of SE compare to other Galant models. Excellent sound of upgraded audio system. First Galant for me, third in my family. Nothing else can beat the value of this car.

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  A Very Nice SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Noel - January 30 - 8:40 am

  I bought this a few months ago. The SUV is very nice to drive. The engine runs very smoothly for a three year old vehicle. There is enough room for five passengers and enough space for cargo too. the controls are easily accessible.

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  Mitsubishi Monterto 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By David Michielin - January 28 - 4:46 pm

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Montero drives well. My wife finds the vehicle very easy to drive and park. I particularly like its turning radius, it should be a police chase car. Im also very impressed with torque the engine puts out, but it does come at a price for fuel. The vehicle is still relatively new and I hope I can get better mileage on a tank of gas. The seats for the 6th and 7th passengers at the back are relatively cramped for an adult but fine for my 7 and 10 year olds and their friends.The sunroof is large, which is great in the summer time.

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  Dude, I hit a deer. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Alyssa M - January 28 - 11:00 am

  This car is amazing. I owned a Cadillac before, and thought I would be disappointed, but its a lot of fun and drives great. I have been rearended by a heavy duty truck, and hit a deer at 50 mph - not a single scratch on the car. Its very reliable and takes a lot of abuse. Its the best car I have ever owned. I would highly suggest it to anyone. Its definitely a headturner, and unique, which were big pluses for me.

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  Old but new - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By p cola - January 27 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my Diamante a little over a month ago w/ 94000 miles on it and it runs great so far. When I first set my eyes on it I had to have it. Even though it may be old to someone else its new to me and I am glad I chose it over any newer car. I get tons of compliments seeing as though there arent a million Diamantes in the area and I like that. I was very impressed with the stereo system. I love to play loud music, unfortunately I bust them. I love my car and I wish there was an 2007. I dont want anything else but a Diamante. Even my ex-husband gives my compliments. Gas mileage is not the greatest, but who cares. My car looks good and I look good in it.

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  LOVE MY ECLIPSE, 2ND ONE I OWNED - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GABBY - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE TO DRIVE IT. THE ONLY CAR I HAVE OWNED & STILL LOVE IT. THIS IS MY 2ND ONE. WOULD RECOMMAND IT TO ANYONE. IT A PEPPY 4 CYCLE WITH VERY GOOD MPG

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  2002 Montero xls is Awesome !!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Sauel A. - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Has power, and handles like an eclipse this SUV rules !!!!!!!!!