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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  AWESOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Shawn - August 16 - 12:36 am

  I love this car...I mean SUV...I feel like I am driving a car everytime I get in and take off. It really drives smooth. I love the Warranty offered with the car as well. I couldnt ask for better than what I got. OUTSTANDING!

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  Rides Comfortably - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Charles - August 14 - 9:20 pm

  I wanted an SUV to do some occasional hauling of things that wouldnt fit in the back seat of a car. But I also wanted a smooth ride like a car. I found it in this Montero Sport. I bought it used with 33000 miles and it now has 74000. The only thing that Ive had to replace were the front wheel bearings and original tires. Ive been very pleased with the reliabilty, smooth ride and 18-19 MPG with the 3.5 liter engine.

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  Love it! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Julie - August 12 - 11:46 am

  I thought my Jetta was fun to drive. I never imagined an SUV could handle better, be more responsive, and generally be more fun to drive. Definitely didnt have to downgrade to get a Mom-Mobile.

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  Great Car no Go - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Randy G - August 12 - 6:36 am

  I really love my car - Lancer OZ, but the engine is what it lacks. Ive added a Injen Cold Air Intake, MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust, B & M Short Shifter, Denso Iridium Plugs, Carbon Fiber Dash Kit, and a huge stereo system. I only wish it had 200 hp. Gotta recommend it though, grew up a Ford guy and switched to Japanese vehicles for better quality, less recalls, etc. No problems 3 years and 45,000 miles later.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Keylay - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! it is awesome! 10s all around! This is truely the car of my dreams!

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  A great companion - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Basshed - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed the comfort of the car for the long haul, the appreciative comments and glances from passer-by and friends. The performance is perfect for me, its reassuring - not freaky while still fun. The car also is a tank, I T-boned a vehicle at 40 and walked away. Car was rebuildable. The final note is that the interior needs tightened a bit for world class refinement and a bit more firmness in the front suspension to keep the wheels planted in wet weather... otherwise a great companion.

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  consumer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KrissyT - August 12 - 2:00 am

  It is the best car I have had for the price

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  Mit. - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By brandylynn0715 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my new SUV. Everytime I look at it Im reminded of an auto commercial. It just looks sharp. Its a smooth ride with comfortable seating and a great sterio/cd system. The radio panel is just cool looking and the heating and a/c work great. I am very happy with my new Endeavor.

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  2004 Galant ES - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Dave Cook - August 11 - 3:36 am

  The wife and I love this car. It is roomy and fast for a four cylinder, with excellent fuel mileage. I recommend purchasing the alloy wheels, as the plastic hubcaps are somewhat flimsy.

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  I Love My Outlander! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Silly Me - August 8 - 3:30 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It rides as smooth as any luxury car, but is more fun to drive! It may not be as powerful as a sports car, but it has enough power to safely merge on any freeway. The interior is comfortable and beautiful. I hope to drive it for many years.