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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  BLACK PEARL MY ENEAOR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MARK A - May 13 - 10:00 am

  MY FAMILYS ENDEAVOR IS LIKE THE COOLEST THING WE PURCHESSED IT AT DAYTONA MITSUBISHI AND LOVED IT THE AFTER A MONTH OF THE ENDEAVOR ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WENT AND BROUGH ANOTHER CAR FROM THE SAME PLACE AND NOW MITSUBISHIS ARE OUR NUMBER ONE QUALITY CAR

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  We LOVE our Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Terry McHugh - May 10 - 5:46 am

  We Love our Mitsubishi Endeavor. It handles like a dream! We have towed our boat on the highway, driven in snow and torrential rain and the vehicle hugged the road the whole time! After test driving 5 competitors, we stumbled onto this vehicle by accident as it was parked in a parking lot beside our old SUV. We said WOW! whats this??? and the rest is history!

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  Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By pga6 - May 5 - 6:20 pm

  I bought the 2004 Endeavor after some research and a couple of test drives. The vehicle I bought was used. The vehicle handles nicely, accelerates smartly, and is comfortable. The Endeavor is maintained on the Mitsubishi schedule for the most part, and the minor issues/recalls have been repaired in an expeditious manner. I use the car mostly for highway driving; I get about 20-21 mpg. When Ive used it in the city, I get 17-19 mpg.

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  Awesome Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RalliartOwner - May 5 - 3:10 am

  Ive owned this car a couple months and love it. Its 230hp keeps it as fast and fun as just about anything out there, while the 4 door design maintains practicality for passengers and other daily uses. The shiftable automatic transmission is a joy when you want it to be. The AWD keeps the car stuck to the road. Standard technology includes bluetooth phone to make calls without taking your phone from your pocket and a "FAST" key remote sensor that enables you to unlock and start the car with the key in your pocket. The exterior styling is fantastic.

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  2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chester - May 2 - 7:16 pm

  I just got my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT this month (Dec. 2006). Its great. Just had a race against my friends Honda Civic 2007 Si. He thought just because he has a V-Tec and that his car is newer then mine he could beat me on the track. Well he thought wrong I BURNT him. While he was on 60 MPH I was already getting up to 80 MPH. I am adding a turbo charge next week. I love Mitsubishi. My next car will be the Lancer Evolution VIII. Thats when the real fun starts. I will post another comment up here next week on how is the turbo charger is working.

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  Wow - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Adam - May 2 - 10:03 am

  If you drive this truck, it is impossible not to buy one. Every thing about this SUV is great, the looks, the interior, performance, warranty, and safety. I bought this truck for my wife and I end up driving it more then her because it is so much fun to drive.

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  Why did they quit making this car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By otis - May 1 - 10:56 pm

  This car replaced a 1997 Diamante. Both are great driving cars. Comfortable ride and tracking, excellent build quality and fuel economy. This car has 120,000 miles now and at about 100,000 miles had to replace heater core. No other maintenance problems. Does not use oil or have any leaks.

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  Mitsubishi Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By SteveS - May 1 - 2:00 am

  So far, we really like the car. Negatives are fairly poor gas mileage (17-20), and the car takes a long time to heat up the passenger cabin. The cabin itself is roomy and fun to be in. The car handles very well, and the engine is responsive when needed.

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  Great vehicle - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By kendrab - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I looked at several suvs before purchasing, and considered the Eddie Bauer Explorer ($6k more). My Montero has flawless comfort and performance; the only issue ive had is the antenna motor stopped operating after about a year. Its a great looking vehicle, very large cargo space (spare tire is underneat chassis, vs. IN cargo area), great sound system. Fun road trip vehicle. Id definitely buy one again.

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  My Opinion Hasnt Changed! VRX Rocks - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By KentS - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought my VR-X in 2002 and now have over 50K on it (Im a frequent commuter between Charleston, SC and Atlanta -- if you dont blink youll see me) and this is a great car! My only complaint is the terrible Goodyear Tires that Im getting ready to replace. Sorry to say that I see one on the road every now and then, so its not quite as unique as it used to be, but thats good news for some.