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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  Ralliart fun and free, service - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Zack Bardonner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  For an inexpensive sports car I dont feel you can beat the ralliart. I have drove Fords SVT Focus and a few other slightly more expensive economy sports cars, none felt as fun or solid to cruise around town in. Something very exciting about this car is the free maintenance and warranty that come with it. About a week after buying mine I cought a screw in my tire and the dealership was more than happy to patch it up the next day at no cost to me.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By HIGH ROLLer - September 26 - 10:36 pm

  The 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante was the worst car ever. I bought it to see what everyone was talking about and I have no idea what they were thinking. This car is pathetic. I returned it as soon as possible. I suggest the 2006 BMW 7-Series; that is the car I got once I returned that piece of trash. It has horrible handling, terrible interior comfort, and the outside is hideous. If I were one of these owners I would pay Mitsubishi to take it off my hands.

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  Its not going to work!! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Fuzzywife - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has a fairly nice design, but is too under-powered for my taste and for the price I paid for it (13K used!) I should have bought the Diamante!

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  It is a luxury car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Seb - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car to own-I feel like I dont deserve it. It looks, feels, like a luxury car. The red gauges look BMW like, the interior is refined, huge, the outside is beautiful. With the 2.0L engine, it has enough power accelerating and merging. The engine is so quiet and the ride is as soft as any luxury car. The corollas engine is about 5x as loud and the ride seemed stiff. The corolla seems way heavier and doesnt accelarate as fast and as quietly as the lancer. The civics have a smaller engine then the lancer, the lancer looks kick ass while the civic looks conventional, and it is bigger then the civic.

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  Great deal for its cost!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jnpchad - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for a short time but it is truly fun to drive. Its a smooth ride and very comfortable to sit in and drive. For the cost of this car you really get more than what you pay for. Prior to this car I had a Ford Expedition which I LOVED....I am just as happy with this car with the exception of the 4 cyl. engine...I am use to a V8 so this is quite a difference. But overall, I am very happy about the quality and comfort of this vehicle for its cost.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By gt7318d - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the car last weekend, and am loving it so much. I have so much fun with the V6 engine. The car is on the go with just a tap on the gas pedal. It drives like a dream. The car is very quiet. The stereo sounds good. The seats are comfortable and spacious. Plus, I was treated very well in Carmax. With the $2500 cash incentive, it is about $5000 less than a comparible Camry, and even more compared to Accord. It is the best you can get for the money.

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  2001 Montero Sport XS - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By grapesmuggler - September 23 - 3:53 pm

  It sounds like people have had a lot of issues with their Montero Sports...I have not. I am now up to 170,000 miles and have only done standard maintenace repairs. It has been an extremely reliable vehicle.

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  2004 Galant ES Bought at 45k miles - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By RK - September 23 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant ES in July 2009 from a Mitsubishi Dealership (Schaumburg, IL). I had a fantastic experience with the dealer by the way. The car was at 45k miles and 1-owner when I purchased. Good used-car bargain. Came with great features including powered sunroof, infinity audio system, 17" alloy wheels and leather strapped steering wheel. Excellent control and driving performance. Low on the mileage (I get around 22 mpg city and highway mix). Havent used in snow yet... hopefully it will drive well. Love the exterior and the looks.

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  Never again - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Last Mitsubishi Ever - September 21 - 8:53 am

  Early on the wipers made horrible noise. Then the Drive shaft went out and had to be replace. Today took it in and the transmission is out at 64k miles with regular service. Too much trouble and poor service. CD player only works half the time NEVER AGAIN

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  Suprised and Pleased - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mark - September 19 - 2:16 pm

  My wife and I were searching for a sporty car that gets decent gas milage at an affordable price. The 07 Eclipse fits the bill very nicely. We love the "new" body styling. It had always been my dream to own a Porsche 911 someday. But lets face it, the average person will never be able to afford that. You can get a similar look for 1/4 of the price with the new Eclipse. The performance of the 4-cylinder engine is really suprising. It has plenty of power for the average driver. We took it for a 150 miles trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway this past weekend, and it ran and handled like a dream. I am 6 3" and weigh 220 at 52 yrs old. I can get in and out of the car with no problems.