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:
Showing 2011 through 2020 of 4,714.00-
02 montero - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
By geob - April 17 - 2:00 amoverall great vehicle. roadside assistance! dealer network the most customer oriented ive ever dealt with
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Head Turner - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By D Storm - April 15 - 1:26 pmThe first thing I can say is while sitting at a red light in my new Eclipse a guy in a new Corvette pulled up beside me, is all smiles and says hey nice car! The new styling is great. The power that the GS 5M delivers is incredible for a 4-cylinder. So they have it governed at a top speed of around 122 mph! It handles incredibly; the purr of the exhaust can be heard throughout your drive. If you love to drive and love to have a little bit of attention I recommend buying it.
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Wait and See - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By Wscott - April 15 - 10:00 amAalue and performance are great but I think the XLS should have come with separate climate, rear air and heating controls. There is a recall on transaxle bolts. Some need the computer system to be reprogramed. Mine fell into that category. The symptom was the transmission slipping and hesitating going from reverse to forward. After the computer was reprogrammed there was still a slight hesitation, but after a couple of days of driving now, seems to be smoothing out. One last note... I was jerked around a bit getting this service done and I saw others complaining about two different dealerships. Maybe its a local problem but getting good warranty service might be a problem.
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My Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By lchhan - April 14 - 11:56 pmMy Blue Eclipse GS model is not bad for those looking to drive and have fun at the same time. It is really nice around the corners and it has a smooth ride. It gets peoples attention when crusing the streets. Also, the guages are really nice to look at when checking your speed. The seats are comfy, too.
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Best Vehicle For The Money Ever! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By jja006 - April 12 - 7:20 amThe 2008 Lancer is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven! I was one of the lucky few that was able to purchase one of the very first GTS with nav and tech package, sun sound, full load! I have waited ever since I saw the concept online. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who enjoys a great value for the money, and look great doing it!
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The best Limo in the US - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
By johnywiz - April 12 - 2:00 amAlthough I get strange looks in the Limo lot at OHare Airport this car is proving to be a great alternative limousine to the generic Lincoln. Not only is it a great drive but,as my customers keep telling me, it is a great ride. I bought the ES and had the dealer installed leather option. Fit is great but one of the door trims is not up to scratch. However it has been a no quibble replacement. 100% reliable and drives exactly the same whether empty or fully loaded which suggests that it was engineered with integrity. Every day a passenger leaves my Diamante with the intention of putting it on their new car shopping list. I wish I was on commission!
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Its been a joyride! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By missarin - April 12 - 2:00 amI purchased mine used May 2001. It came with 20K miles on it and I have put about 14K more on it in the past year and 9 months. I have had no internal problems with this car. For some reason, I have busted about 4 tires in that time period, but I doubt that is car related. Just odd b/c it never happened with any other car I have had. But its a lot of fun to drive - great pick up. It too has the 205 HP (didnt realize the HP was cut back to 200). Of course, its also very snazzy looking. And its been quite reliable.
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Spoiled Corn - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Cynara - April 12 - 2:00 amMy experience with my Eclipse has been absolutely wonderful! Its a wonderful car look wise , performance wise, oh my just everything about it is absolutely awsome! I cant go anywhere without getting awsome complements on it.
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Solid Choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
By michelle - April 11 - 8:23 pmThe Galant is a fun, competent, reliable ride to the Accord and Camry, plus less expensive. I bought my 2004 Galant in November of 2008 and have not had any issues since, other than regular maintenance (brakes, oil, tires, etc). It has all the bells & whistles u can get on used car for less - sunroof, leather seats, seat warmers, etc. Max Madsen also has great service coupons as well as great service! If you cant have your dream car (Honda, Acura), go with the Galant.
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good bang for buck - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
By nito721 - April 6 - 10:00 amonly had it a couple of weeks but very satisfied with my purchase. only problem is a few paint chips. has power and comfort plus other high end options for a low end price. only paid 14000. looks like i paid 18-20k. at least.
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Mitsubishi Diamante 201 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Eclipse 775 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Endeavor 483 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Galant 757 Reviews
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Mitsubishi I-MiEV 10 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Lancer 667 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 53 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Mirage 147 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Montero 345 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Montero Sport 346 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Outlander 756 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 109 Reviews
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Mitsubishi Raider 63 Reviews