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 sporty commuter thatll make you smile - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Mike - November 12 - 1:03 pm

  This is such a big change from driving my 00 Corolla. Theres more space, the interior layout and design is far more stylish and I absolutely am in love with the sleek and boxy body. Wind has little impact on this substantial vehicle when traveling on the highway and youll often feel like youre going faster than you really are. The seats manage to be firm, yet comfortable and provide the necessary support during highway trips. The interior looks classy and feels pretty sturdy and not altogether cheap. You wont mistake it for a luxury car but you wont mistake it for an economy car either. The engine delivers spirited performance overall and gaining speed in the highway or city is easy.

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  Mit. Mirage 01 - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Wendy French - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is sporty and was a great price! I love it! I plan to buy anoother in a year.

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  BEST COUPE IN ITS CLASS - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JTX - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Hot car. I test drove many others and settled on the Eclipse GTS for the shear power and handling. This is the best coupe in America right now!!

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  My Best Buy - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Yari - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Im only 18 yrs. of age and a week ago I purchased my first car. It is a 4 Dr Es Premium Package 2001 Galant. Quite frankly I believe it to be the best buy I could have made to be my first car. It has a sleek, luxurious design, and leather interiors. Honestly Id rather be paying my $400 a month compared to over $600 a month for other midsize sedans that perhaps dont have the commodities that this one has. I am very happy with my purchase and recommend it to anyone that is looking for economy, luxury, and comfort.

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  Girly Looking Car that Kicks Butt - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By carlos vega - November 6 - 9:16 pm

  The 2006 Eclipse GT is a great car. It is a lot of fun and girls love it.

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  I have loved this car (mostly) - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jetchik - November 6 - 5:16 am

  Bought this car brand new almost 10 years ago! Mileage is 94,498. Its been good to me even though I have not always been so good to it. Have had no mechanical issues,except leak and battery. Performed all scheduled mx over the years. Had an oil pan leak last year--changed the gasket and good-to-go now. Have driven it USA cross country numerous times, and all over Europe as well. I have lived in many climates, cold, wet, hot, dry. 3500ft and it has been awesome in all. Heat and A/C work like champs! A/C cools immediately in 115+ temps! It has even been in storage for 1 yr while in Korea and sat outside for my numerous 4-6 month desert deployments. Hence the low miles/many long trips.

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  2006 Eclipse GS Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rasonjason92 - November 6 - 12:20 am

  The design and overall performance of this car are outstanding. However the craftsmanship is a little lacking. With in two weeks of my purchase the passenger side door started to rust, and now the dashpad has started to bubble a little. But overall I am happy with my purchase.

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  The best of both worlds! - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brian30148 - November 5 - 3:13 pm

  I just purchased this car and it makes me feel like a teenager again. I love that it has plenty of room, a commanding view of the road, and rides like a car. The engine has a lot of pep. The design of the exterior and interior with the blue dash lights give it a unique look. Now, all my friends want to ride in my car when we go places.

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  Great little car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By krafty81 - November 5 - 10:43 am

  Bought this car used with 40K on it. Mileage a little higher than I wanted it but the car is in great condition. Dark blue, cream colored seats. Navi is very nice - I like it better than my Acura. Built in Sirius and music server - have already loaded 10 CDs. The car has great response and handles very well. Suspension is still because of that - you feel the bumps! Love the keyless entry feature. Very pleased with the car overall - just a lot of fun to drive.

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  I Love My Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Brooke Allan - November 5 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle is new to this area, and lots of looks and compliments. I seem to different than most import drivers, because I dont drive a Honda or Toyota. I like being different and in my opion my vehicle is as good as thiers are. I love my Outlander.