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 Car - Terrible Dealerships - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Jackman - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Just coming down to the end of a 5 year lease on this car and am considering buying it at the right price. I still enjoy the look, the ride and the overall good reliability thus far. The dealership in Mentor, Ohio, where we got the car from are 100% con artists and getting it repaired at another local Mitsub. dealer was just as bad. At least it is now out of warranty and I take it to my own trusted mechanic. It is too bad that the owners of Mitsbu. do not get it together and treat its customers like they do at Lexus & BMW.

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  wow! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By franklin - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely impressed with what this all-new SUV had to offer! From the Infinity sound system to the comfortable seats not to mention the muscle under the hood! This is truly a winner once the public gives it a chance!!!

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  good suv - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By good looking suv - June 22 - 1:03 am

  I imported this car from USA to Honduras three years ago when we become a family of four. We travel a lot in Central America, have put 32,000 miles with minor repairs, repair leaks in transmission, gas pump only. It has 96,000 miles. In this moments it has a strange problem, when I park it for about ten minutes with the motor on and a/c too, it doesnt move, like without power. I have to turn it off wait and then it will move. Pardon my English but is my second language.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Luna - June 21 - 2:33 pm

  I just love the look of this car! I test drove all of the competition of approximately the same year, 2006 and nothing looked or handled as well as this vehicle. I am still impressed with how solid it is, yet how sporty it is to drive. I also am astounded at the great gas mileage. My boyfriend has a Jetta and the Outlander gets a bit better gas mileage! I need the space to haul things for my gallery as well as a car to do errands and take clients out. This car can do it all. I am extremely pleased.

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  awsome - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Norma23 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The best buy ever. Its so comfortable, easy to drive and best of all ride like a sedan. Its really economical. ¡Go a buy yours now!¡hurry!

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  One Great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By JNov - June 18 - 10:00 am

  We have had the Endeavor a few weeks and we absolutely love it. We went out on a limb, stopping to look at the vehicle on our way to a GMC dealer to look at Envoys. We did not have to look any further after seeing the Endeavor. We love the exterior style and the roomy interior. We get alot of looks and questions about the vehicle because there are not that many on the road yet...which is kind of cool. The ride is incredibly smooth. I thought it may be bumpy or rough...I was wrong! I will never regret purchasing the Endeavor. A great SUV that doesnt break the bank.

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  4 years and no issues - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By beachin2 - June 16 - 5:24 pm

  Owned the Outlander now for 4 years and we love it ! We bought the LS and added leather. We run nothing but Mobil 1 in it and follow all maintenance schedules. Average 23mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway running 70mph and loaded. Aside from a bit loud road noise we like everything else on the car. If Mitsubishi had added a bit more insulation this would be a perfect vehicle. We use this as our 2nd vehicle so it only has 35k miles so far.

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  RELIABLE SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By kobken - June 15 - 8:43 pm

  It is really a reliable car; saves you gas, great cargo space and I would say reliable when you get into an accident. Someone hit me really hard in the front of my Montero and it took the hit well; I believe it has great hard exterior. Reliable engine; Ive always been back and forth with GMs, Fords, and other American cars -- Ive read bad reviews and was very scared. This SUV has a very reliable engine even though I bought it as used car.

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  Henrys Gallant GTS Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Galant
  By henry - June 13 - 3:50 pm

  I puchased a Gallant GTS back in April and the most impressive feature about it is its power. The Gallant does exactly what you want it to do. It has no problem speeding up onto the freeway when you need it to. The engine has a very nice roar when acceleraating.

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  You can not find a better full size SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By charlesferman - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many other SUV during the three month period. But the montero was leader of the group with standard 4wheel drive system that come with every montero and you can beat the independent four wheel that grip the road and the montero ride very good off road and on the highway