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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  Extremely under rated luxury sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By JSANDERS - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Although, not rated so good by this site, I simply love this car.By the way, this car does have a back seat passthrough and fold back mirrors. The stereo system sounds great and contrary to the editors review, the system is well illuminated and easy to use. Yes, it does not ride or handle like a sports car, but does ride and handle lik a true luxury car. If you want a good soft,smooth, and extremely quiet ride you must test drive the Diamante.

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  Happy with my 2nd Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ronnys - September 1 - 10:00 am

  No problems to speak of yet with 19,000 miles on my 01

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  Very reliable cheap car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By rvrsd - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 00 mirage used with 21k. I did not have any major/costly issues until August 00. I did 3 tune ups on the car, and oil change every 3-4 months. The car never broke down on me, but as a preventive maintenance, I had the water pump and timing belt changed at 65K.

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  Sure do Like my 2000 GT Eclipse! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By imgtgim - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 2000 GT Eclipse new in May 2000, and this is the first / only one Ive ever bought new. Still own it now in late 2010, and still love it! Ive never had any repair work, except typical maintenance to replace brakes, belts, tires, etc. Still runs great! When my wife tells me to "wind-it-up baby!" the engine purrs and the (original) muffler still has a deep-throat throttle sound. It really is nice to drive anywhere, in-town or on the road, and I really like the pseudo shift from automatic to "manual" for winter driving (i.e., when bumper-to-bumper" on snow & ice. Id think about trading-in for new but whats the point? If it aint broke, don;t fix it!

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  I LOVE this car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Silver3ZGEclipseGT - August 29 - 7:03 am

  Smoothest V6 Ive come across, has a great exhaust note, nice engine purr, great performance and handling, stylish and superbly designed, an all around EXCELLENT Car!

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  A great inexpensive car - 2010 Mitsubishi Galant
  By T - August 28 - 10:03 am

  I do not agree with Edmunds review of this car. The car is just as up to date as the newest Camrys or Accords and just as stylish. It is very smooth and quiet and has adequate power for all driving situations.

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  An Overlooked Bargain! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Samuel B. - August 26 - 3:06 am

  I was looking for a new ride after my Honda had an unfortunate meeting with a deer the night before New Years Eve. I found a fully loaded leftover 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS sitting on the dealers lot and after negotiating with the dealer ended up buying it for $4,000 under invoice. Overall, I am very happy with the way the car drives and handles, but at highway speeds the wind noise can be almost deafening. I have to turn the volume control on the factory stereo up to about 30 so I can hear it over the wind noise. Other reviewers have complained about gas mileage but the real culprit here a fuel tank that is too small. The mileage isnt really that bad.

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  merry christmas - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By blkdog - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I reasearched suvs for ayear or so. I always came back to the montero. In terms of price and size, and style, and the stares you get this is the best suv on the planet. who cares about going fast. The v-6 is adequate for me to get from point a to b.all the large suv are expensive compared to what i got on the limited. you dont need any props with the monty. it is already packaged. would buy another one. signed enough research! just do it

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  I love my eclipse - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By morena - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my mitsubishi eclipse. It is by far the best car I have ever driven. It handles great, and the best part, everywhere you go you get compliments on it! I will defintely buy another one.

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  Beautiful and Powerful choice - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By juanrs - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is one hot car. Ive always wanted an eclipse since the new style came to market in 2000 but this was my year. The 2004 was completely redesigned and it shows. The GTS has superior power and comes fully loaded.