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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  mitsubishi lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jamie m - November 5 - 2:00 am

  i absolutely love this car! i have been driving for 10 years and never been so comfortable in a vehicle. and i got a great deal on this one enterprise got me in the car in 2 days with no hassle for 8,000 dollars. you cannot beat that.

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  Its Great!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Harry90 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Cool!!!!!!!!! Gud acceleration Extravagant Interior Roars like a LION :)

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  I just love this car - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero
  By guts - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has a spectaculor look from the outside. The one I bought has every features you can think of for much less price than a 4-Runner. Leather seats, power seat, sunroof, Infiniti sound system with a 10-CD changer, power mirror, 4x4, switchable shock level, hydraulic jack, portable light, a full set of tools inside the back door. Just remember this SUV is full size with three rows of seats, a total of 7 seats. It is so roomy inside. Much bigger than Pathfinder or 4-Runner. Driving it is just so much fun.

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  Im Impressed - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By J. Haupt - November 4 - 8:53 am

  Sought a car for my daughter and looked high and low on the internet and at dealers. Bought the Galant at a great price and have been astonished by the features they have packed in this vehicle. For a 4 cyl. it has amazing power and at speed it is so quite. No vibration at all from the engine and the body is so tight and the fit is perfect. The interior is large and comfortable and the style looks high tech. The materials appear to be high end and the dash is very modern and efficient. I didnt want all the bells and whistles, but this car gave me so many. The radio/CD are first class. All controls are well designed and easy to reach. Wife drives a Lincoln LS and she loves the Galant.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Satisfied customer - November 1 - 7:36 am

  This is an awesome mid sized SUV with a great warranty. This is a top notch SUV. I would recommend this SUV to anyone looking for value, reliablilty, smooth ride, great warranty and outstanding comfort.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By DJSTENGER1024 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE JANUARY 2003 AND DRIVE IT TO WORK EVERYDAY. IT GETS AROUND 32MPG. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED BIG CARS WITH POWER, AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SMALLER CAR, BUT SO FAR IM NOT DISAPPOINTED. MECHANICALLY, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE. I CURRENTLY HAVE 51,000 MILES ON THE ODOMMETER. I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES AND HAVE SCHEDULED MY FIRST TUNE-UP NEXT WEEK.

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  Happy baseball mom - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By shunshine - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I lug a lot of baseball equipment around for my boys and we always have enough room. The kids love the center folddown cup holder in the back and all the outlets for plugging in electronic gear - like laptop computers. I love the way the car looks and it doesnt drive like a truck. I had absolutely no problem in the snow this past winter - it really handles beautifully.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Zulma Munoz - October 31 - 7:56 am

  This car saved my life. I loved it and Im looking to purchase another just like it. I would recommend it 100 times over.

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  In time for 09! - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By mRmill05 - October 30 - 10:46 pm

  My wife and I are repeat offenders! Just traded in our 04 for this new 09. Its a great buy, new body style, sporty shifter. The engine is more quiet.

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  Sporty & Fun - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dinger82 - October 30 - 6:27 pm

  My wife & I bought this car in new 2008. The 2.4L has plenty of power, and we see great MPG Avg 30 or more most of the time.