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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  montero sport 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By cruzer2k3 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The Montero Sport 2002 is a strong, dependable vehicle. I liked the interior and exterior of the SUV very much. The one thing that bothered me the most though was the suspensions were a little too much on the soft side, which made the ride somewhat uncomfortable if you were going over bumpy roads. Fuel economy was my next concern, as the Montero can eat up gas like it was air (which is true of many other SUVs aswell). Overall, it is a great off-roading SUV.

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  Still the "Fun" Sport Coupe - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Masahiro - January 27 - 3:23 am

  Its been nearly one and a half years and 16000 miles since I purchased my Eclipse. So far, it still performs like it did when I first got it. Its running great! Im totally satisfied with my vehicle. The only improvement I made last month was getting a new set of tires. Got the Kumho ultra high performance (slightly wider than the original Goodyears). And, it certainly was worth the money - rides even better! Im hoping to get many more "fun" years with this Eclipse.

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  GT Auto - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Decseh - January 24 - 7:43 am

  Hot looking car, very fun to drive. Car is hungry to go fast all the time. The 5 speed auto with sportshift is fun to drive, if you leave it in auto mode it shifts fast to provide better speed/acceleration. Awesome sound system. Nice leather interior. Great for someone who just rides themselves or maybe one other person. For 263 hp the cars gas mileage isnt too bad. I drive mostly city and Im getting about 16-17 mpg and probably about 25 on the highway. Thats driving with a lead foot too. I dont want to get rid of this car because theres not another car on the market that compares to it. Goes great in the winter as well with the FWD system.

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  I LOVE MY GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Heatwrt - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My Eclipse GTS is the best car I have ever driven. I love the smooth ride and the persice handling. Everything is made so convient the controls to the radio are on the steering wheel and it has a 6 disc in dash cd changer. The sound quality of the stereo is superb. I love the way you feel when you get in and sink into those leather bucket seats.

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  Lancer 08 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancer 08 - January 23 - 11:26 pm

  Me and my wife both love this car. 13,000 km on it now and preforms great. The style is the best on the road for a sedan. the warranty in Canada is the best on the road. Wish I could have had the 2.4 from the 09, might have more power. Not an overall fan of the CVT. I drove this car in heavy snow all winter and it preformed great. Temperature hit -40 and relays blew with only 2000 km on it. Moisture out of the factory they said. The joys of a new car I guess.

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  I Love My Galant - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By DeekDeezie - January 23 - 7:26 am

  I received a 2004 Galant as a graduation gift and I love it. I searched from Nissan to Toyota to Honda. Not only was this in my budget, it was complementary to my style and image. I feel an obligation to always keep it looking good. When I first got it, I remember after getting out of the car always having to look back at the car in disbelief that such a beauty was mine. Love the big body design.

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  Great Car/Good Price - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Kathleen Wheeler - January 22 - 6:43 am

  I have had my new Lancer for two weeks and absolutely love it so far. It is stylish, seems well built, and gets good gas mileage. This is my third Mitsubishi and may prove to be my favorite. Six days after I purchased my car my best friend backed her SUV into the drivers side front fender of my new car. I have found that the Lancer holds up very well under attack and it actually relatively inexpensive to repair.

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  aperance/convience pack-total cost 18200 - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Outlander4life - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I have researched over 10 of these so called "crossover" models and the outlander is by far the best choice. It gets unbelievable gas mileage and sits up high enough to feel like your up with the big boys.My biggest concern when buying this vehicle was all the negative reviews concerning the power to get up and go.At 75 mph you are barely at 3000 rpm! I guess if you wanna drive a 100 mph power would be a problem but for everyday comuters this is the best. To give you a better idea as far as the size of the suv it is probably the same height and size a the old chevy blazer 4 door. Overall this was a great buy.

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  Love At First Sight - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Stacy M. Cedars - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We test drove 3 diferent vehicles, and when got in the Edeavor. I was like Love At First Sight. The comfort, style was just taking us away. Spent the day with relatives and everybody just couldnt get this vehicle out of thier sight.

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  Fun sports coupe - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Red GTS - January 16 - 5:10 am

  I wanted to buy my daughter the Eclipse in 2003, but opted for a "practical" 4 door vehicle. 4 years later, I helped her trade in the other vehicle for a red 03 Eclipse GTS (with only 20,000 miles). Its a sharp looking, great performing car. Made changes to the wheels (larger) and new wider Kumho tires. I own an 06 Eclipse GT (6M) and find it to be great. Now, Im glad to see her as an owner of the Eclipse she always wanted.