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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  Fun and Problem-Free - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Winn - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Rugged, great looks Reliable and very smooth ride for an all-wheel drive suv

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  Underpriced & Overperforming - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By philww - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My 04 Endeavor XLS is a dream to drive. Its quiet, very comfortable and one of the nicest-looking SUVs on the road. I was blown away by the "Sportronic" transmission shifter and the sheer power of the vehicle. Id recommend it in a heartbeat.

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  Whats not to love - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brooksprod - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I went up and down automotive row in my town not really sure what car I wanted. This baby caught my eye and said drive me. I wasnt dissappointed. The ride was smooth, the interior very comfortable with well place instumentation, sharp exterior and a kick ass stereo to boot! I have never had people compliment my car before, but since this is a new model, I have had 4 strangers in the two weeks I had the car come up to me and compliment me on it. Being a new crossbreed viehicle, it really feels more like a car than the SUV I drove for the last 6 years. I really wanted the room of an SUV, but not the bumpy ride. The Endeavor satisfies this niche.

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  Another Mits in the family - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By skwillbanks - September 24 - 12:25 pm

  We have had several Mitss. Eclipse, Spyder, several Galants, Monty Sport. All excellent purchases and very dependable and they run forever. Our daughter is now of driving age and we went out on a limb am bought her a new car. Lancer SE. Was originally looking at an ES but the 2.0 is noisy. Drove the SE just to see if the engine was quieter and it was. This is the same engine my first Galant had in it. Very, very good car. With the warranty, the safety ratings, and the quality they offer - well I would say it was an easy decision.

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  New Owner - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Yvonne - September 22 - 4:23 pm

  I am a new owner and therefore can only tell you about 1,000 miles worth of information. The interior is leather, warm and spacious. I use the SUV for shopping, beach and mini excursions. I have grandchildren, so I need the space. However when alone or with a friend I have all I need. One complaint is about the middle head rest on the back of the middle seat. It blocked my vision. So I removed and wella! So far so good! I LOVE IT!

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  Great car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By maurice - September 21 - 12:16 am

  Bought mine in 2001 with 10000 miles. Now at 182000 and still going strong. Every couple of years It suddenly needs a new battery. I dont know why, but dont care, I have had no other issues with the car. I was going to trade it in, but my wife talked me out of it because it is such a low maintenance car. I replaced the radiator because of a small leak, do my regular services after they are due and change the oil every 5-7000 miles. The timing belt takes me about a half hour to replace and I have done it twice just as a preventative thing. It is not the prettiest car due to a couple south Florida hurricanes and I will probably repaint it soon.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By brbrsks - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 2004 Outlander for about a month now. I absolutely love the appearance of it from all angles including the "pointy" front which somehow doesnt look as nice in photographs. The bucket seats are comfortable and roomy. The radio controls are just fine. The many storage spaces throughout the vehicle are well placed and designed, inluding the cup holders with room for coffee cup handles. I have not yet had the chance to calculate my gas mileage but I estimate it to be in the low twentys. The all wheel drive with sixteen inch rims really seems to hold the road even in the rain. Its a great little SUV!

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  Galant GTS Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Willyd - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Have driven this car less than 1000 miles, but it is evident this is a great car for my rush hour commutes. Good ride / handling compromise with a sporty feel but not too jaring ride. The body seems to be solid as a rock. You can hear the engine when you push it, but it has a great tone. Super stereo and a decent sized trunk that is easy to access. I got a light silver exterior color that shimmers and the black interior. Great looking combination. The most important feature is a decent price for the car. At a little less than the average price car you get a Galant that is fun, confortable, and loaded with great options. Good job.

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  Purchased new... still a great car! - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By HLC2071 - September 19 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2001 Diamante LS and have had zero problems with this car. I have driven it everyday (city+highway) and the quality has been simply outstanding... Tires-Oil-Gas only. Mitsubishi built this great car to last many years.

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  Best power for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mark V - September 17 - 2:56 am

  This car is a very fun car to drive. For $ 20000, you get more than 200 HP with an unmatched exterior styling which looks like a concept sports car. Also, the standard acessories are numerous. With the added leather and sunroof options you can get anything you have ever wanted in a sports car. Two thumbs up!!!