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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  Mitsubishi Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ed Curtsinger - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The only two pitfalls are with the use of premium gas, and when you try to ride with the rear windows down, at a speed above 35-40, strong vibration like wind sound which is annoying, makes it almost impossible to enjoy the ride. Other than that, WE LOVE THIS VEHICLE!

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  Give me a RAIDER! - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Todd Bonsang - September 8 - 8:20 am

  I just recently purchased my Raider and the very next day I had a cat-back exhaust custom built for it and WOW what a difference. The timid sounding Raider opened WIDE! I also put a k&n filter on it, 33-2175. It costs about $40 for the k&n. Shortly after instaliing the goodies, the performance probably jumped easily 20-25 h.p. So forget about the bigger h.p. Dakota or even the more h.p. V6 Tacoma and Frontier. Because the bottom line is that torque=power and the Raider beats them both stock. And do a mod or two and youll smoke em. I contacted Hypertech about a power programmer also. I cant wait! Another 25-30 horses await. But the bottom line is that you see a Tacoma, Frontier and Dakota on every corner.

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  Watch Out for the Heater Core! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By justin - September 5 - 3:23 am

  I LOVE this car. It has great style and great reliability - except for the infamous heater core that Mitsubishi refuses to recall. Make sure there is no syrup smell to the Diamante you are looking to purchase.

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  Huge Turning Radius - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Keith - September 4 - 9:00 pm

  Overall, I am very happy with this vehicle. I think the interior could be "spiffed up" a bit, but generally it is ok. The blue dash is great at night. The only real issue I have is that for being such a small car, it weighs a lot, and the turning radius is that of a Super Duty Pickup. Allow yourself plenty of swing when trying to fit into a parking space!

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  Galant GTZ - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By KS - September 3 - 8:16 pm

  This car is comfortable, reliable, fast and safe. My infant is as happy in the back as I am driving or riding in the front.

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  Happy That We Bought IT - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Argentum - September 3 - 8:06 am

  With a recommendation from Consumer Reports and good reviews here at Edmunds and elsewhere, we were confident about the purchase. Also, we own an Eclipse GT which we love. So we traded in our trusty 2002 CRV and never looked back. The ride is a big upgrade from our Honda. It is smooth and composed, corners nicely and the steering feedback is excellent. Though there is some wind noise.

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  Junk - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Beth - September 2 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my Galant after receiving a settlement from a bad car accident. Figuring it was a good deal (89k for 3,900), seemed fantastic. It drove fine for a while. Then I realized, it gets 21 MPG on average. Really? For a 4 cylinder motor I expected much more. As for handling, its alright. Ive driven better and Ive driven worse. I would never ever endorse this car. My mistake. Hopefully no one else does the same thing.

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  So Far, So Good - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Sermonator - September 2 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased a used 01 Mitsu Galant ES (V6). Less than two weeks after purchase, I had to get a new bearing assembly for the left rear wheel. That was a surprise! However, since then Ive had no additional problems. Since purchase one year ago, I have put another 8K miles on it (present mileage: 98K). So far, its shaping up to be a nice, reliable car. Listen, its not my dream car (that would have to be a 1976 AMC Pacer), but Im glad I purchased it.

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  greaat car but... - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By mr.joshua - September 2 - 4:46 pm

  i had my 2010 lancer gts sportback for a week and i started to hear grinding noise coming from the engine; then the low oil pressure light came on. so i had my car towed in to the dealer. they told me oil pump went out, short engine block needed to be replaced, and an over laping valve. omg!!!!!! a brand new car right off the truck with only 2 miles has all those problem. so the dealer has had my car for 2weeks now. i believe and i know mitsubishis cars are reliable i just got the rare 1 -1000 but overall its a great car and i cant wait to get it back.

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  I was sold, where do I sign!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By McCloskey - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Endeavor for 8 months so far I have had to replace the rear differential (service bulletin) due to between 25-40mph nioses that sound like they are coming from engine. The acceleration is EXCELLENT. The price wasnt bad, I test drove the Pilot I just didnt like how it ran. Once I drove the Endeavor I was sold.