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 SUV! - 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Bert - April 21 - 12:33 pm

  Bought Pearl White Endeavor June 2010. Could not pass up the deal that was offered to me. Traded a 2004 Endeavor which had 91,000 miles on it without one problem at all! Delivered with all charges for $19,500! Sticker price was 32k! Car has incredible ride, very nice rim and tire combination. Truly feels like you are driving a 35k - 40k car. Smooth transmission and love the looks of the exterior. Radio also is unreal. Only negative I can think of is the gas mileage. This SUV will drink some gas! Hope this one is as reliable as the 2004. Test drove Hyundai Tuscon, Nissan rogue, but endeavor was hands down winner. This is the best purchase I could have possibly made! Go Mitsubishi!

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  Exceptional Car - Exceptional Value!!!!! - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Nate7771 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Considered the Camary and Accord..the Camary was as exciting to drive as a toaster and the Accord is becoming too common. This car beats the competition in performance, comfort, style and has a decidedly aggressive attitude the competition lacks! Its extremely responsive engine is backed up by an intuitive transmission that makes the driving experience both rewarding and involving! Ive heard some complaints about interior materials or "Robbie The Robot" dashboard - I disagree! The materials are of high quality and the dash / ergonomics couldnt be better! Then theres the Infinity 8 speaker stereo system....in a word, WOW!!! I love this car and very glad to have purchased Mitsubishi!

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  I love it! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By kid2deb - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive . very comfortable. 0-60 in two minutes,Great pick-up. Felt comfortable the moment I got into yhe drivers seat.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MikeinIA - April 19 - 2:00 am

  No complaints with ride/comfort/reliability. I bought the vehicle based on its reliability and styling. It doesnt have features that I would expect on a luxury car. This car doesnt have automatic headlights. Come on, even Chevy Cavaliers have this option!!! It doesnt have an auto dimming rear view mirror. I left my door cracked open and the inside lights stayed on all night and drained the battery. Most new vehicles have an auto shut-off feature if the doors are left open. Great acceleration from a stop, but dont expect much when stepping on the gas once the car is between 20-30 MPH (the transmission wont kick down).

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  Wonderfull car, especially for the price - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tjlarso3 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Galant GTZ based on a review that Car and Driver had that year. I started looking at the base class and quickly moved up to the GTZ. It was a great value for what you get, leather, premium sound, back lit panel, etc. Since Ive bought the car, its been terrific. I have close to 53,000 miles on it and have not had a major issue. Its been very reliable, a blast to drive, and it just plain looks great. In fact, I was so impressed, when I needed an SUV two years later, I bought a Mitsubishi Montero. Great car, I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Piece of junk!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By honeybee27332 - April 18 - 6:56 am

  I purchased my 2004 galant used in 2007. It was a fantastic car until 2010. We have changed both converters 3 times & o2 sensors once. Also hsve had to have a new starter & a new altenater put on. Not to mention the AC doesnt work anymore either. Going to fix it & get rid of it. Will NEVER own a Mitsubishi again!!!!

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  My Montero - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By james browning - April 18 - 1:26 am

  I love my Montero very much. It is really fun to drive. It has great cargo space. It has very comfortable seating. It has a very good stereo.

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  10 Month Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Jim Anthony - April 17 - 11:50 pm

  This a follow-up to my one month review in January. The gas mileage problem is better. I have close to 8,000 miles on it now. The interior still needs work done on it, as the compartment that hold the jack in is poorly designed. The plastic fender coverings are also a major problem. I had the dealer work on them twice and they still come loose or leak glue. I have been waiting for new parts now for over a month and half. The dealer claims that this is a national backup for the parts. Would I still buy this vehicle? Yes.

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  75k death - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By joelor - April 17 - 3:43 pm

  At 75k entire rear suspension needs to be replaced. Car was cared for very well. Was told by dealer that I should have had a 4 wheel alignment every yr! Good bye mitsu

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  I love my car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NeverSummer420 - April 16 - 6:46 am

  My car has really been good to me. It only has 60,000 on it but it still drives like she was brand new. Granted you always have to do preventive maintenance to keep em running well, but it is very reliable and a very sexy car.