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 my car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NeverSummer420 - April 16 - 6:46 am

  My car has really been good to me. It only has 60,000 on it but it still drives like she was brand new. Granted you always have to do preventive maintenance to keep em running well, but it is very reliable and a very sexy car.

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  Our Third Montero - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 2003 Evo - April 14 - 4:33 pm

  This is our 3rd Montero (1992, 2001 LTD, 2005) Our experience with the reliability and dependability of our Monteros has been outstanding. Fluid changes and brake pads were the only maintenance we needed to do and we drive at least 18k per year in NE. My advice: Buy one before Mitsubishi stops importing them.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nmeskullrider - April 14 - 10:00 am

  my galant is lowered, black and 18s. Its great drives really smooth and has a great look.(Beamerlook)Everybody asks me if i bouught a bmw.I love the way this car drives, looks, and is comfortable.

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  Serious Competition for Honda and Toyota - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Marcus - April 12 - 9:50 am

  I reviewed and tested the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty and Mazda Tribute. All of which had their pros and cons, but the Outlander seemed to be more of a compromise of all the pros. My first choice would have been the Honda CR-V because I am a Honda loyalist comming from a Honda family. I might have even paid more for it. However, since none of the 6 dealerships in my area treated me like I was a loyal customer I actually entertained other competitors products. I have to admit that I didnt know what I was missing. There are better options to an over priced Honda. Their reputation preceeds themselves and they take advantage of it. Dont be sheep like I was.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By northern lite - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had a very good experience with the first 12,000 miles in my Mitsubishi Endeavor. It gets up to 19 mpg highway and 17 in town.

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  Awesome, dependable car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Greg - April 9 - 3:36 pm

  Took a chance when I brought this car brand new in 2001, very much a Honda/Toyota lover because of their reliability. I have been more than happy with this car - very little has gone wrong with it and I am almost at 197,000 miles!!! This thing drives great, with so many miles still gets around 35 mpg!!! When this car finally dies I will most likely get another Mitsubishi.

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  Diamante is the best car I ever had - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Jack Willington - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Drives so smooth. Its so e-z to take care of. I had a BMW and a Lex. and this car is by far the best over all. For the price you pay, you cannot get a better deal.

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  Tough 4X4 - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By John Hutchins - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Great vheicle for Alaska. The AWD is wonderful to have for Alaskan roads. Would like more trailer towing power. This is the 5th Montero I have owned.

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  Id buy it all over again! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rob Raff - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were in the market for an SUV, as my 00 Eclipse was ending its lease in June. I looked closely at the Explorer, but refused to support Ford after the 2 Lemon Cougars (1999 and 2000) that Ive owned I saw an early advertisement for the Endeavor. Based on the photos and multimedia demos that I saw, I knew my wife would love it. A day after it came off of the truck, we visited our Mitsu dealer and test drove a Silver XLS. We bought it that night. I was amazed at the job the Mitsu pulled off. My wife really loved the deep dashboard and radio controls on the steering wheel. I really dig the styling, handling, and power.

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  Awesome - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Me - April 8 - 2:33 am

  Bought the car yesterday, didnt want a dull looking family sedan. Wow, turns heads, stereo and navi is awesome. Black with tint and all options. Love it.