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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  Love My Montero - 2006 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Ray - January 16 - 12:36 am

  I rented a 2006 white Mitsubishi Montero SUV in Fort Lauderdale in October 2005 for 4 days. I fell in love with the entire structure and feel about this beautiful vehicle. The funny thing is that I didnt want to rent a SUV, I wanted a luxury car to drive on my vacation. I week after I got home I purchased a new 2006 Mitsubishi Montero for myself. I love it.

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  Diana - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Diana Harms - January 15 - 4:03 am

  I like this SUV would like a little better mileage . I think service is excellent and the suv is great on long trips

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  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By TexasJoe - January 14 - 5:43 am

  After owning several cars over my lifetime I can say this is definitely the best so far. The car is very reliable, inexpensive to own, gets great mileage (20-24 city and 32-38 highway depending on my lead foot). The engine has a lot of power if you need it to. Taking turns sharp will automatically throttle the engine to keep you from losing control (did I mention my lead foot?). Interior comfort has really spoiled me on other cars. I have recently car shopped with a friend and wasnt happy with the interiors of newer cars in comparison. My only complaint is the leather is Black. In Texas, that makes for hot summers but the comfort makes up for it.

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  Great all around vehicle! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Shirley Price - January 13 - 5:50 pm

  Tired of being pelted with cigarettes, pushed around by wind, and being srayed with garbage truck stuff I traded in my 2004 Toyota MR2 Spider for a Mitsubishi Montero Limited. The Limited has great pick up, a luxury car ride, and every creature comfort. I no longer fear aggressive / distraced drivers, bad weather, not so safe neighborhoods, or buying too many groceries. Its gas mileage isnt great, but I knew this before purchase. My cost for insurance was a surprise, I guess the rate assumes if I were to hit something it will be flattened. Maybe thats why I like her so much; the Montero is a great mixture of luxury, beauty and brawn.

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  Montero rocks - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Dave Ratliff - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The best midsize suv on the planet. Kicks @$$!!!!!!!!

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  We like it - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Patricia Ansell - January 13 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun, sporty car to drive. Very comfortable with lots of luggage space. The only thing I dont like is that the back seat is not easy to put flat. It has alot of little storage places, and shopping bags have a holder so that they dont dump all over the back of the car. Interior is very nice. In fact, it is so nice that we havent allowed the dogs in yet, and they are the reason we bought an SUV.

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  I love my Montero !!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RJC - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Just sold my 1995 Montero with 150000 miles... not one repair of significance. Traded in for a new one because I could not resist the beautiful design and the price / value realtionship!

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  A fun car to Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jenks46 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive, I truly love it in fact its been one of my best cars ever. I had a dodge Caravan that I loved and now I dont know what I was thinking I have found my true love in cars, its just great.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mcwilcut - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Endeavor. It is easy to drive, has lots of power, and is very spacious. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a superior SUV.

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  Satisfied - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Ycakos - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, Comfortable and powerfull.