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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  A Great Fun Foundation to build on - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PCC - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Solid ride, positive feel in the stearing , great responce from sport- tronic shift and automatic trans Good breaking distance, handles snow, water and potholes better than expected.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Mitsuman - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have an old Mitsubishi Montero that has 174,000 miles. I was so amazed with its performance bought the New 2002. Im sure Ill get the same performance if not better. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is quiet comfortable and has power when you get on the freeway you move. No Dogs here when it comes to engine performance.

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  07 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pitt4 - June 16 - 1:03 pm

  Have only had the car for a week now but am extremely happy I made the decision to buy this vehicle. Reliability is yet TBD, but Im confident this ones a keeper.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Frank jones - June 15 - 5:52 pm

  I bought mine in 2012 with 127,000 miles, still runs amazing! No major repairs on it by us or the previous owners. Only problem weve had is the air conditioning leaking back into the car but was quickly fixed by the dealer. Does excellent in snow/ice!

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  Amazing!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jessica Miller - June 14 - 9:33 am

  This car is one of the most amazing cars for the price it is. Mitsubishi really delivered, this car is so much fun to drive and have. I love to be seen in it and all. If you have the chance to get this car, do it you will not regret it at all.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Capt Zams - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife after buying a 2003 Outlander. I love everything about this car. The ride is similar to a big Audi or Mercedes and the acceleration is better than the Audi A4s Ive owned in the past. Combine the performance with the great utility, luxury and safety and this car is in my opinion the best SUV on the market.

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  Love it - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tanya - June 10 - 8:30 pm

  I was skeptical about buying my used Galant because the mileage was so high, but so far, I have no complaints about my Galant. As long as I keep up the regular maintenance up on it, all seems to be ok.

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  Id buy a Mitsubishi - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By neillangevin - June 9 - 5:06 pm

  Im on my 4th Mitsubishi and I always go to Westboro Mitsubishi in Westboro Mass. I am on my 3rd leased car from them an Outlander Sport SUV 2013 and I love it. The car drives great and handles great in all weather. The Sales and service staff are great and bend over backwards for you. I would definately reccomend this car and this dealership.

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  Top SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By cliath - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle, is is my second Montero.

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  Outlandish - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By camusgirl - June 7 - 2:23 am

  This is my second Outlander in three years after an AWFUL lease experience with Toyota where I will NEVER purchase another vehicle! Mitsubishi is right across the street and is wonderful to deal with, both in sales and service. The Outlander does everything I need it to do and more! Its gas mileage is above average (between 25 - 28 mpg) and its comfort is excellent with the lumbar package in the front leather seat. The Sunroof and sounds make the ride a joy and it is not HIGH off the ground so even in evening wear with high heels I can slide into the seat comfortably. I cannot wait to purchase a 2007 with a V6!