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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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By joey povlosky - May 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR TO FIVE. NICE INTERIOR. ONLY BAD THING ABOUT THE CAR IS THE HUP CAPS.

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  Buy Used - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By edbeng - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car for $5900 with only 40k miles - ran a carfax(ok) - car runs and drives great. The resale value on these cars are low so purchase it used and you can get a good deal - look around -- I checked out the car completely and it is in great shape. This is the best value in a used car.

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  excellent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leelee - May 24 - 2:00 am

  i love my galant. i am really impressed with the performance and capabilities for a family car.

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  The Outlander made me a believer in Mitsu - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Jerry - May 23 - 12:13 am

  The Mitsubishi Outlander won me over with its great power, smooth acting 6 speed auto transmission, high technology car with GPS, blue tooth, fast key, satellite radio, high output audio, xenon headlights, MP3/6 CD changer, ABS, EBD, ASC systems, MIVEC, TPMS, HDD navigational system and DVD/CD player.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By carol mcmenamin - May 22 - 10:13 pm

  I am thrilled with the new design of the Eclipse. It handles so well and is fun to drive. Everyone turns and does a double take when I drive by. The interior is so different, it has motorcycle gauges. This car isnt just for teens, adults love it too. I even bought my husband one.

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  Love thec ar; its fun and eye looker - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sandy - May 19 - 11:56 pm

  Car is beautiful. Went from a truck to this new look. It is fast, great to look at and fun to drive.

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  Eclipse Fanatic - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By geography - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had 5 Eclipses over 15 years and LOVE them. They look good and drive very well. I have never had 1 mechanical thing go wrong with them. Mitsubishi has finally solved the low front end problem. The 2004 front end is beautiful and does not scrap when going through low areas.

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  Montero Limited - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By L. Sandoval - May 17 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this Montero brand new. Zero mechanical problems to date. Good first time Japanese car owner experience. I would recommend this truck to anybody looking for a good reliable SUV in this category. Truck has not been to the dealer not even once for repairs or under warranty. Third row seat is good enough for the kids and nephews.

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  Eclipse Rocks !! ...... For the money... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dangull - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 2000 Eclipse GS as a second car, mainly my wifes use. She loves it, as do I. It is not a Ferrari... but its priced like a Toyota!!! This Red GS really gets the looks. It handles very well and goes great with only the 4 cylinder. We had a 1995 and this car is even better. I would recommend an Eclipse to anyone who wants a fun car at an affordable price. Cheap insurance too.....

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  outlander on the go - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gusszilla - May 13 - 10:00 am

  ive owned this suv since dec 2003 and its the best one i ever bought i cromed out the outside with running boards front crome bumper and rear crome bumpers decals on side added ventshades grill gaurd and it had bland stlying but now i get alot of complaiments on it its fun to drive and great in the snow and smooth ride has never been in shop for anything very reiable would defently buy another mitsibishi