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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  Commuters SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Maggie - December 20 - 8:46 pm

  If you want a commuter SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander is it. It handles like a car, is solid, has good fuel economy, and best of all a low price tag. It hugs the road and makes the driver feel safe.

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  Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Beaulieu - December 17 - 2:56 pm

  My wife and I love our Montero. The off-road handling is awesome, the independent suspention does a great job absorbing the bumps and keeping you in control. The engine has a bit less horsepower than other models but the gearing in the transmission makes up for it. The vehicle looks awesome, like your ready for the Paris-Dakar. With this one, we probably could run it! We have approximately 50,000 miles on it and have had NO warranty or miscelaneous issues at all with the vehicle. We have 2.5 year old triplet boys, we can fit all three in forward facing car seats in the 2nd row and still have the rear cargo area left. We picked the perfect vehicle for winter fun, beach fun and all round daily driving.

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  Alls Good with the Lancer OZ - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Misha - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I really have to say, I love the car. It looks good and its fun to drive. Its not as fast as the impreza wrx but for the 2.0 engine its decent. I wish there were more accessories out there for it, but i think that in time that will increase.

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  Sweet car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By oregonguy - December 15 - 8:33 pm

  Bought my car a week ago and love it. Got the car with sun and sound along with navigation. I suggest that you get all these features. The touring package is probably a waste of 1,000 bucks. Best handling car Ive driven. Comfortable seats and great feel for fabric only interior.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancealot - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Love it. This little car has attitude. It really performs great in traffic and responds well to all manuevers. I really am impressed with how well it stops and handels in wet weather. When I test drove it it really was the torque that caught my attention. A car that will go like that and give me 30mpg is a great thing. Enjoy!

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  Best Car Ive Had - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matt - December 15 - 9:10 am

  The 99 Galant is the best car I have had. I bought it private party in Aug. of 2005. I drive about 50 miles everyday, and have had few problems with this car. It runs great! The fuel economy is really good. Mitsubishi knew what they were doing when they designed this car. The body style is sleek and looks good. The engine is peppy and doesnt hesitate.

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  Love this car - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Monty Owner - December 12 - 5:06 pm

  Only maintenance that has had to be done is routine, an oil change every 3,000 miles. No other mechanical problems with this car. Its been great for our needs, up to this point. We are looking for new car with 3rd row. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Mitsubishi Power - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mitsu2002 - December 12 - 2:46 am

  Edmunds has helped out a lot so I decided to give back and contribute via a review. I own a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant with 121,000 miles on it. I had it since 2003. It is a very very reliable car. Any Galant 2002 and up has a very smooth steering and heavy bass sound system that comes standard, which no one really knows about. Japanese cars are the most reliable but this model has two major flaws. 1. the Galants engine coolant system is made out of plastic, so after about 100,000 miles, it may melt and start to leak. Another is that brakes have to be changed often (about once a year). Over the last 7 years, no repairs needed! Parts are not that expensive. Other than that, enjoy Mitsubishi power

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  My New Raider! - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Justin P. - December 9 - 4:40 pm

  My 2006 Mitsubishi Raider Duro Cross V8 has a very strong 4.7 liter engine. It has tons of space inside and gets all the looks in the world. I get more complements on the styling and questions on what it is. I love the power and looks the most.

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  Fun SUV - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Gil - December 8 - 3:50 pm

  Top Quality. Fun to drive. Great handling and road stability. I dont have any fears of tipping. Would buy another one.