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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  One of the best... - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Babs - May 28 - 8:06 am

  I bought my SUV with 38,xxx mi. in march of 04 and honestly have never regretted the purchase. She is pd off as of today and has had all her maintenance kept up and has 115,xxx miles on her. I highly recommend the xls to anyone!

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  The absolute best investment! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike L - May 27 - 7:26 pm

  When I first test drove the Lancer Ralliart I fell in love! I was in the market to buy a compact car and this one is the best of its class. I cant help but smile every time I get behind the wheel. Allthough I think red is the best color to get because of the interior the black one that I got is equally as good. I love how it picks up on the freeway and how it eats up the Civic SI on the road and at top end. The best investment I ever made. For its price the Ralliart with all options is the absolute best buy. And if you havent drove one you need to because it is fun!

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  Im in love - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Cathy - May 24 - 11:53 am

  I just test drove this beauty today after three days of researching what to buy. This SUV was never mentioned when surfing and the salesman suggested it. I wanted something for around $15,000 and he said he would do his best to make the deal. He insisted I drive it. I did...and WOW! I think Im in love! I will have one of these in my garage ASAP. No other SUV compares for the price, size, value, power and look.

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  Love it <3 - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Natalie - May 23 - 8:50 pm

  I love my car. Ive had my 04 Galant for 5 years now and have had NO problems! I love it and would highly recommend it! PLUS hardly anybody has the Galant so Ive had a LOT of people asking me about the car.

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  The 2005 Endeavor - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By facciman - May 23 - 3:20 pm

  The Endeavor is all that it is suppose to be, and more. Mileage could be a little better, however. I believe that it is one of the best values around. Low end torque is amazingly similar to my BMW 528i.

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  Great car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By igorlg - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is above expectation! Fast acceleration and pleasant drive.

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  LancerLS - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bill22x - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Lancer in October and I love it. So far I havent had any problems and the gas mileage has been great. Especially with my driving style (had license less than a year).

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  great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By briandog - May 12 - 10:00 am

  fun, fast, owns up on the celica and prelude. Audio system ROCKS, specially with 2 12"s thumpin the low pass in the trunk. Beautiful car too, chick magnet.

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  My Experience - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander - 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By miss as - May 11 - 5:26 pm

  I love my Outlander. Its a 5 speed and its easy to handle. I will stay in the Mitsubishi family as long as Im buying cars or trucks.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By vildal - May 10 - 12:03 pm

  When purchased it was extremely zippy and quick. At 100,000 miles it got sluggish until the ALTERNATOR belt was replaced. The 2 spark plug wires that go into the engine made more spark too. This performance of the Lancer depends highly on spark. Great car - clutch goes out at 100,000 only. No other repairs.