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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  Great for the price - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By snazzeemazzee - September 23 - 8:06 pm

  Ive enjoyed owning this SUV. Ive gotten compliments on the style and raves from friends who have borrowed it. It is great for driving on the beach, even in loose sand it handles quite well. I wish the gas mileage was better though.

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  Best smaller sedan in the world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Firebat - September 23 - 8:06 pm

  Best smaller sedan in the world!!!!

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  Best sedan in the world!!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Firebat - September 22 - 1:50 pm

  Best Sedan in the world!!!

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  Great SUV! - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By sinew23 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I look and look for a SUV with good power, looks good and in my price range. I looked a the pathfinder, 4runner and grand cherokee. None of them came close the Montero Sport. First the truck looks great! Next, its a "real" SUV (opposed to the car- like SUV you find these days). Also, its a great value. Ive never had a problem with it. Ive driven it 60,000 miles in three years and the only work that has been done on it is the 30k and 60k services. Finally, for a mid-size SUV it has a lot of power.

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  Better Than MY landcruiser - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bulldogger - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Lease is ending on my 1998 Landcruiser and opted to buy a MONTERO lIMITED. Price of $35,150 before tax with the preferred package and interest rates of 1.9% for 72 months made this the easy financial choice. 200 miles and its a better riding, quieter, and averaging better mileage than my Landcruiser. landcruiser had 28,000 miles on it, two electrical problems and many others problems. This Mitsubishi seems to have a better build quality, more comfortable, and way more storage with the disappearing third seat. Time will tell what type of quality is really there but for now I would rate it much higher than a Toyota.

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  Best Car in vthe world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Firebat - September 19 - 4:40 pm

  Best Car in the world!!!!!!!

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  Best Car for your money - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mark Trston - September 19 - 10:00 am

  It is the best mid-sized sedan available for that price. Mitsubishi will be back just like Nissan pulled off in the beginning of this millenium.

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  Correction on my last review - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Al - September 19 - 5:53 am

  I made a spreadsheet for fuel economy and it turned out better than I thought. On the highway I am getting an ave 25mpg and 18 to 20 in the city. I thought I was getting less than that, pleasant surprise. We still love everything about the Endeavor. Really hope that when I am ready for another vehicle next year, Mitsubishi will have come out with another SUV. I would gladly own 2 of these vehicles.

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  Most Undervalued Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Spyboy - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my Galant LS. The interior is phoenoemal, everyone loves the comfort, look, and conveniences. The V6 has great low end torque, with an amazingly smooth ride. This car handles as well as the $50K+ European cars at a fraction of the price. The sound system is equally amazing - what a great car for both trips and daily commutes. If you are looking for a steal on a midsized luxury car this is it! The low resale is due only to the fact that Mitsubishi runs such low financing on their new cars that people prefer to buy the new at the low rates rather than pick up a one or two year old. The LS is hard to find but impossible to beat.

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  Really a good car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By excellent2 - September 16 - 11:38 pm

  Ive had my 2000 mitsubishi mirage for 6 yrs and and it has 267873 miles all ive ever done to it is change the oil and tranny fluid, put new tires and brakes this car is by far the best car ive ever had it is still runing strong it is better than my honda if this car ever goes under im buying another one.