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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  2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Karen OSullivan - May 21 - 10:40 am

  This car is AWESOME! Its great looking, handles great, has good safety features, has good fuel economy, has an incredible sound system, has great acceleration (surprising for a 4 cylinder!), nicely lighted guages, and is really really fun to drive! It is definitely a great car for the money. GO FOR IT!

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  great SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Schmee - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with it the first time that i drove it. alot of people told me not buy it because montero sports were a piece of trash. I bought one anyway and I LOVE it!!

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  Balanced 4x4 trail sleeper. - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Binder - May 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Montero limited I have owned. The first saved my life in a collision. Tough truck! I had no maintenance issues with the first truck, however, the cam did break on this one, and it cost nearly $3K to fix. Not a common problem though as I have not heard of anyone else having this issue. This vehicle is simply a perfect balance. The V6 is peppy though not a hot rod, gets decent fuel economy for a full size SUV. Can seat 7 if needed, or hold lots of cargo, and takes only seconds to go from cargo van to people hauler. Good quality replacements on the tires, and brake pads cure wear issues. Got 78K out of 1st set of tires, and about 40K out of brakes. I get 16 mpg city/21 HWY.

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  Love it! - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Samantha - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used with 500 miles on it. Am at 60k now and still enjoy this car. Love the features, heated leather seats, navi, sunroof, and rockford fosgate sound system. This car is reliable. I only have to take it to Mitsubishi for oil changes. It is roomy and comfortable on long trips. Gas mileage is decent. Love, love, love the horsepower! What a great car at a great price. I traded my Volkswagen Passat for this car and glad I did.

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  An Honest Review of the Diamante - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Diamante Driver - May 16 - 3:40 pm

  I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante new in 8/02, just over 3 years ago. It has very quick pickup and the heated leather seats are nice when its freezing. The traction control is great. The car responds quickly. Its gas mileage isnt wonderful, but its OK. The trunk is very spacious, but I would like to see a trunk cargo net as standard equipment. The only repairs that I have needed to make have been a lousy battery, and engine light stayed on unnecessarily, also some minor repairs. The warranty is lousy! It should be 50,000 or 5 years. I only have 34,000 miles on my car and the warranty is gone! Overall this is a very nice luxurious car but, it is priced too high.

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  VRX Baby - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By bucs35674 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great Car, Quick response in all aspects of driving, very fun to drive. However I am a little concerned about the resale value.

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  Endearing Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Valrud - May 14 - 2:00 am

  A solid and sporty upfort vehicle. No rel frills, just plain honest performance and style. After over 3500 miles, no speaks, rattles or noises. Vehicle came with NO exerior defects. Stays on the road, for an SUV type vehicle like glue has got hold, I like the crossocer typr suspersion and frame configuration. Overall a pleaseure to drive and own.

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  Initial impressions/Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mark Breithaupt - May 9 - 10:30 am

  I had a radiator leak that was repaired promptly. Towing was quick. Customer service was fast and courteous. I like the ride and feel of the interior. Any concerns I had are put to rest by a positive experience with this first repair.

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  2004 outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pauleee - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the Outlander. The only complaint so far is that the ride is a little harsh on bumpy roads. It has a lot of features for the price.

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  Nice SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pjohn - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought Outlander last month. Exterior, Interior is the best than other competor(CR-V, RaV4) Driving is like a car, and very quite. Interior is kind of simple, but driving is very fun.