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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  The Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JTaylor - April 14 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is a comfortable car to drive. It is peppy and can out manuver alot of cars that I have driven in the past. I have had no problems starting it in the cold weather. The only problem I have had is in the snow. The car tends to slid alittle too much.

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  Excellent value - 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By whtever - April 12 - 7:06 am

  I have had this SUV since new and have loved it. I have towed other cars and trucks with it on trips over 1200 miles on car trailers and never had a problem. The gearing is perfect to make use of horsepower. Gas milage has always been good also. The only problem we have had is wind noise on the drivers side. These SUvs are under valued compared to other mid size SUVs.

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  Love My Ride - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Swediemom - April 11 - 12:53 pm

  My Montero is great. I like that it rides more like a car than a truck. I like the V6 engine because it doesnt use as much gas. I sold a "Luxury SUV" so I could enjoy the Mitzi more. No mechanical problems. The "Luxury SUV drove rougher like a truck and often felt that it would flip, but the Mitzi doesnt. Good in snow in 4WD, but anti- lock brake could be improved for stopping on ice.

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  TRADING HER IN - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 3 YEAR OWNER - April 8 - 2:00 am

  NO PROBLEMS, JUST NORMAL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. ENJOYING HER STILL BUT HAVE TO TRADE IN FOR NEWER VEHICLE. CUP HOLDERS WELL PLACED BUT CHEAP(MINES BROKE). VERY COMFORTABLE BUT 2ND SEATS ARE UNIQUELY DESIGNED THAT A BABY SEAT FITS WEIRD.

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  Endeavor solid as a rock! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rocketman in Texas - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Weve had it about 4 weeks now, and like it more than when we bought it. Rides great, more than adequate power, plenty of head, leg, hip, and shoulder room. Nicely equipped for an entry level model. This being a car-based SUV rather than a truck-based model, it rides better than most truck-based SUVs. Corners more like a small sedan, despite being significantly taller than most. Styling, especially exterior styling, is great. These vehicles tend to stand out a litle from the crowd, and at least for the time being, you dont see yourself coming every time you get on the street, as you would in an Explorer.

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  Overpriced but lots of Fun - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dr_cadmium - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Over all I love this car. The original price of $25,500 is way to high for what you get. Depriciation is redicules. The Stock RSA tires squeal like crazy and are burned up after 22,000 miles. Brakes squelled from day one until I replaced them with power slots and Stillen semi-metalic brakes. Headlights burn out every few months, sun roof sticks and truck is heavy and sticks.

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  Quirky and Charming - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By sdaigle - April 2 - 3:04 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 months and 8,000 miles now. I stepped down to this car from a 2012 Nissan Versa SV sedan. Thats my basis for comparison. Once I adjusted to only having 74hp, I now find the power perfectly adequate most times. It does struggle on hills and interstate passing, but is surprisingly sedate once settled into a cruising speed. The ride is very comfortable, however, its very soft and handles sloppily. This car is not set up for fast, winding country roads, which is 90% of my driving. The interior is attractive and quite comfortable. Good ergonomics. Comfy seat and driving position.

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  Squeaky Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Duane - March 26 - 10:10 pm

  I must inform potential buyers that this vehicle has major squeaks and rattles. Mine is getting so bad that Im considering selling. I cant even enjoy the stereo since the whole interior is rattling and making all kinds of crazy back ground noises when I turn up the volume. Also have multiple rattles when going over the slightest cracks in road. Very disappointed with my 07 Outlander.

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  2000 Mirage Rating - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Mr. Clemmer - March 24 - 10:40 am

  Purchased my Mirage because of round trip to and from work distance of 60 miles. Thats 300 miles a week. Gas milage is excellent. Have over 110,000 miles without any mechanical problems. Have even took car on vacations with my five member family. Two adults three kids.

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  I love my Eclipse - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dking - March 23 - 11:33 pm

  Ive owned a 2002 Eclipse RS for nearly 9 years. For the first 8 this car was perfect. Only scheduled maintenance, not a thing went wrong. In the last 10 months things have started to go. Oil pan rot. Never heard of it and could be due to living in New England. That was expensive. Air conditioner compressor, again expensive. Front struts, VERY expensive! Slave cylinder for the clutch, low cost to repair but was a major inconvenience. Rear gate lifters went the first winter in Maine. car was 5 years old at that time. I just use a stick to hold up the gate. The car has 88,000 on it and just had its first brake job. Not bad. Its up for sale. Just bought a new Altima but will miss my Eclipse.