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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  My Precious - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ben - July 21 - 1:10 pm

  This is the first car I have ever loved to drive. The performance on this car is outstanding, and the gas mileage is great out on the highway. It is heavier than my friends RSX Type S, so it doesnt have the get up and go, but has smooth torque curve from the start. The shifter is placed perfectly, and the engine revs easily. Some design cues are hot, but the ugly plastic gas cover is horrible.

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  My new Toy - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By BritishGirl - July 18 - 12:23 pm

  I got this vehicle just last month and I have to say this meets all of my needs. It has the luxury I wanted. The drive I enjoy, looks great, makes me HAPPY.

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  Outstanding gas mileage! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jim - July 17 - 1:46 pm

  34.5 MPG on a regular basis. No kidding. 106,000 miles. Awesome car. No maintenance other than suggested/standard stuff. Only one item has broken/worn out: the switch for the AC/heat temperature. Thats it! Definite, high quality car.

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  2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse gs 5speed - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tbeirlair - July 16 - 6:59 pm

  I bought this 2011 Eclipse when they came out in August 2010. I own a 2003 and 2005 eclipse also. I think theyre great cars. Very reliable. The 2011 I bought handles great and shifts smooth. Its fun yet practical. I do have a problem with Mitsubishi and how theyre packages are set up. You cant have any options with the manual. It must be an automatic to have anything in it. And you cant have a manual v6? It doesnt make sense to me and I think theyre going to lose alot of business doing this. Other than that. I highly recommend this eclipse. Its a great car. Mitsubishi has great deals and awesome warranties. Lets just hope we can have luxury and a manual in the next generation eclipse

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  Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Moongoose - July 16 - 2:00 am

  After wrecking my first oz lancer and coming out unscratched, I instantly bought a new one. The car is a blast to drive, and with intake, exhaust, and cams you can get it running at almost 200 hp for under an extra 1000 dollars. It handles great, rides extremely smoothly, has great after market potential, looks nice, and best of all, is cheap to maintain. I highly recommend this car, especially with Mitsus current incentives.

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  9.5 years later... - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Pupule871 - July 16 - 1:26 am

  Purchased new in 1999. It now has 163,000+ miles and is still a good truck. Average 19 mpg. Only problem was a check engine light and O2 sensor. Replaced factory Yokohama tires at 80,000. Currently run BF Goodrich KOs and just about ready for a new set. At about 90,000 put new timing belt, spark plugs and water pump, just for preventive maintenance. Had a problem with the front brakes going out quick, upgraded to a higher quality pad and now get about 20,000-24,000 miles on front pads. Ive only changed the back pads once. The pads are disc front and rear and are extremely easy for do-it-yourself. With minimal tools I can swap out the front pads in less than a hour.

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  A Very Decent Automobile! - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Gerald Zymet - July 15 - 2:10 pm

  This was my second purchase of a Mitsubishi Galant GTS and probably my last. Mitsubishi has poor quality control as both vehicles had major factory defects at under 1,000 miles. The car does handle and drive very well, though the engine does give you some wallop when you accelerate.

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  A lot of car for a little less money - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mark m - July 14 - 12:00 am

  I walked into showroom after seeing the car I wanted, sat down and the Eclipse caught my eye. I had to have fun looking car for little money. I took it for test rive and knew right away it was me. It gets good gas mileage, pretty good giddy up and go for a 4 cylinder. I am very happy and feel like a kid again.

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  This car is great - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sirarmanichap - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Every thing on this car is awsome. The only downfall is that it sucks on the freeway.

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  Awesome ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By clr5671 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  From the timew a test drove it, I loved it. It is a great ride. Comfortable interior with plenty of room. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the exterior and interior design. The performance I like as well, specially when taking a turn.