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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  I love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jaguar - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I Just LOVE it!

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  Chemical X - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Silver Magic - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is faster and more powerful than the 99 Galant. My only disappointment is that all models did not have the fog lights like before nor did they have the woodgrain dash I love.Only the GTS has it.I will miss the Barcelona Red which is my favorite color but overall this is an outstanding remake and its fun to drive.

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  suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ljppp - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Love the way it handles

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  Best Used SUV Buy - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By richardb41 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and have been completly turned off buy how much I owe on it compared to what its currentley worth. If your in the market for a used SUV this is a great deal. Im so upside down on it for buying it new its not funny but whom ever buys it used is going to get a heck of a deal. DONT BUY A NEW ONE, BUY A USED ONE!

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  Love It More Every Day! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By monterofamily - July 31 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful alternative to boring minivans, tiny SUVs, V8 SUV hogs. If this truck proves to be reliable in the long term it will be one of our best vehicle purchases. Great space, great luxury, greater style. A *true* 3rd row seat in every way. Styling and luxury of a more expensive car.

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  Super New Compact from Mitsubishi - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancer Guy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to trade in my 4x4 for an economy car since I am going to grad school. I compared all compact mfgs. I’m 6’4, 245 lbs - Civic was too narrow, Corolla had poor driver legroom, and the Elantra felt a little cheap on some of the interior pieces. Protégé was roomy and nice. However, ride was VERY stiff and jittery. Then I drove the Lancer OZ. It’s not going to satisfy the teen racer crowd without aftermarket mods,but in stock form it is a very peppy,solid, fun car to drive. Very roomy upfront and in the back. Excellent build quality, low NVH levels, and excellent IIHS crash results – it got a “Best Pick” rating.

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  Hey, its not the best, but its darn good - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Supergecko - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Although Mitsubishi cars have had problems in the past, such as flipping over, i think that it all depends on how u drive. The Montero Sport is one of the best looking SUVs on the road and the awesome interior gadgets are actually useful and awesome! Stering is quick to respond and the brakes are excellent for a big car like this! If u are looking for a good deal, nice looking SUV, and arent too hyped on the safety this SUV is for u!

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  Love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By straycat - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several other suvs in this class and found the overall best value in the Endeavor. Ride quality and performance are great. I like the seats and have had passengers comment on how comfortable they were in the back seats. Fuel economy is about what I expected and is exactly what was posted on the window sticker.

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  Good style and reliable - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By J - July 27 - 8:53 pm

  Have had the car for going on 7 yrs and still love it. No real issues with the car (only the timing belts which were expensive). Brakes lasted 60K, still original clutch, leather still looks great (garage kept). Still performs great. I have been very happy with this car. I have read some of the other reviews and have had none of the issues mentioned in the negative reviews. Only criticisms I can agree with is the small turn radius (though not as big deal as some make it) and the hatch channels water into the edges of the trunk space when it is raining (only if you open the hatch all the way though). I have had every Eclipse except the newest body style and have been the happiest with this one.

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  Best SUV Owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Best SUV Owned - July 25 - 6:06 am

  Purchased used Endeavor in 2006 with about 60K Miles. The Endeavor is very comfortable and great to drive. It has not had any issues at all. All wheel drive is excellent. I even had the car on the wet hill and it would not spin a single tire. I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Its a very comfortable drive on the highway. Large mirrors and plenty of space for 61 foot guy. Lot of space in the back seat.