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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  Outstanding Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mikgyver - January 16 - 7:33 am

  I spend every free moment researching and driving cars, and then recommending them to others. After 24 used cars, the first to make me jump into a new car was Mitsus Outty. Rock-solid reviews everywhere peaked my interest. The unique fold down tailgate got me to the dealership. The absurd amount of cool features for the same cost as a base CRV or RAV brought it home. Obviously, the exterior looks darn good. Despite other reviews knocking the interior, my wife and I (both designers) love the it, and respect Mitsu for not putty phaux grain on plastic. My Infinity FX35 driving boss had to borrow the Outty one day. That car is cool! You have a touch screen. I dont even have that."

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Yash - January 15 - 6:56 pm

  I am a true Mitsubishi owner. This is my second Mitsubishi SUV. I had a Montero Sport LIMITED and traded it for the Endeavor and could not be happier. The Endeavor is by far more of a smoother drive than the Montero, special when tracking pot holes. Very impressed with its acceleration and pickup. Also, you have the opportunity to adventure yourself with the Sport Mode by changing gears with its Standard alternative. Just a great buy and a pleasure to own.

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  Very happy with my car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Mylene - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my RAV4 with 200,000 miles for the Outlander. I had my doubts that I would be as happy with it or would get the reliability of the Toyota. I now love my Outlander. It rides way better than the RAV. The 6-cyl is real spiffy and I can actually pass cars now which I couldnt with the 4-cyl RAV. It handles great. I live in a mountain area and it takes the curves smooth. The gas mileage is real good. The cargo area is very roomy. I have not had to do anything other than maintenance on it. I am very happy with my Outlander.

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  Awesome handling, Fun to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ryan - January 15 - 6:16 am

  So far, I love my Endeavor. Its my first SUV and man I love the tourque it has and the power behind it.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bishop - January 14 - 9:03 pm

  The car drives & handles great. Put 3k miles on it in the 1st 3wks we had it w/ not one issue! MPG was better than advertised. 32 mpg w/ the A/C on most of the time! Thats from Calif to Colorado and back. Great hands free Bluetooth system. Cruse Control works well and the stereo is not bad for a stock system.

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  I Love My Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tomickey - January 13 - 8:10 pm

  I had my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS for about three months now and I love it! Every time I look at it I just have to smile. The drive is tight and it just cruises down the road. I couldnt ask for a better ride. I wasnt looking to buy a car right now, but when I saw the 06 Eclipse I just had to get it. Everyone one in my family wants to try and steal it. People stop me all the time to say "Nice Car!" people call it my Porshe but cheaper. The interior is nice and who cares about the back seat its just me and my car. The radio system is nice even for the basic model. The visability is fine, that is something I expected in a sports car I had a hard time finding my car in a 5-speed and blue.

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  Luxury Buy at Great Price - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By MR. ED - January 11 - 8:06 am

  The 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante LS is an excellent car. It is great to drive and handles well. Its too bad they discontinued the model. The interior is excellent and the eight speaker Infinity system sounds great. I love it.

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  Solid SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By REMITCHELL - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this SUV after 6 months of research. After test driving almost all equivelent SUVs I found this one to come out on top in all catagories with the exception of its underpowered motor. The interior is laid out nicely but I am not a big fan of wood grain interiors. That is a personal preference so if you like that sort of thing this SUV has plenty to offer. I highly endorse this vehicle to anyone.

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  This is the Best Car Ever - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By azshygirl21 - January 8 - 11:43 am

  My 1999 Mitsubishi Galant has a really smooth, yet tight ride. It gets great gas mileage and is a really classy car. The interior is really comfortable and nice. Ive enjoyed mine very much.

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  Good Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JHENN - January 6 - 1:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle used from a dealership 3 months ago, and so far it has lived up to my expectations. It has plenty of power for mixed city/highway driving. The interior is very comfortable. The center information display is a nice feature, but sometimes I get weird readings. If the AC is on it will say the outside temperature is 35F when it is really about 80F. Also, sometimes the fuel economy gauge will lock up and say I am getting 65 MPG for an entire trip. (If only it were true.) My average gas mileage is actually 23 MPG. I bought my Endeavor for $5000 less than a comparable Honda Pilot or Nissan Pathfinder, and I think it was a good deal.