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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  Best of Show - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Sucitivel - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Lets be honest - 200+ horsepower, comfort that rivals BMW and Lexus, plenty of room and looks and handles with the best of them. This is the mature, issueless choice for a vehicle.

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  car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jennacookielover - April 24 - 2:00 am

  i love it. it has a smooth ride and it is a really comfortable car.

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  One of the best in performance - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrs - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Eclipse GTS for over a month and have to say I love getting in it everyday. This car is really fantastic. It is extremely agile and handles like its on rails. The power curve is amazing and its loaded with alot of low end torque. Brilliant!

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  A Reliable alternative - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Adam Barcant - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has quality. You can feel it in the way it drives and feels. I would reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a good-looking small SUV similar to the Honda CRV but much better than the RAV-4. You must shop around first. Here are some choices to look at: Jeep Liberty Suzuki Grand Vitara Mitsubishi Outlander Honda CRV Ford Escape Toyota RAV4 Mazda Tribute Mitsubishis are really good cars. So are Hondas. I would stick with either of them, but styling is a little different.

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  Mitsubishi has once again impressed me. - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Thomas Di Fillipio - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I am a very simple man and only need basics when coming to a car. I seek most importantly Reliablity, Ride and Comfort, Safety, Power and Handling Dynamics. Of all the midsizers I tested when I was shopping for a car, I felt confident with the Galant. It is a very competent automobile, feels very European. In fact, of all the midsizers I tested, I got the Galant for myself and the Passat for my wife. Both cars are still great and I would reccomend it to anyone who is looking for what I am looking for.

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  Excellent Car to Last a Long Time - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mitsubishi eclipse - April 23 - 8:33 am

  I have had zero problems with my 01 Eclipse, with exception of parts wearing out. It handles well and has great acceleration even after 100,000 miles. I am very pleased with the car. It was great as a first car and i will definitely keep it until it dies.

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  Exilerating - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jason Rodriguez - April 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the fastest 4 cylinders, that i have ever driven. Very responsive and very stylish. More room than honda civic. I f friends are in the back, i still have the seat all the way back. Big trunk, good torque, good mileage! Couldnt be happier!

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  Great value for money - ignore the expert reviews - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Minnesota Driver - April 22 - 9:36 am

  I own this car and bought it after very extensive research and months of test driving cars. I drove both the 2.4 and 3.0 version, settled on the GT with touring package. I have previously owned Saabs, Audis and still own a Honda. There is just no comparison of value for money - I fit three kids in the 2nd row, and yes the third row is smaller than my Honda Pilot, but manageable for the few days per year I really need it. Safety features are outstanding and work in real life driving. Ok, it doesnt drive at the same level as some of the new BMW/Acura/Mercedes models I tested - but realistically I am getting 90% of what I would utilize from those cars for 50% of the price. For my daily commute and moving kids around to and from school and weekend road trips this is an amazing car. I recommend people to actually research AND test drive this car - many people will find it surpasses most of the competition in value, performance, comfort!

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  Highly Satisfied - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mzbabydoll - April 20 - 11:06 pm

  Owned the 2014 Outlander SE for 9 months. My main focus when purchasing was gas mileage and seating capacity. Not only did the it meet those requirements, but I got so much more. Initially, I was bothered because I rarely see an Outlander on the road, thinking it must be a bad car, nobody wants it; Have I made a mistake??? No regrets! I now say that it is a well-kept secret, because this car is a real gem!!! I love all the unexpected bells/whistles and sleek body style. I like cars that dont age quickly, like my old Jeep Liberty (had it 10 years and it still looks as good as anything else on the road). The body style has longevity and will look stylish for years to come. Super gas mileage!

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  a real head turner - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Randall - April 20 - 9:00 am

  I had an 01 Eclipse (version 3) and had no intention of getting another one. Its not that it was a bad car, but just wanted a bit more. Well... the 06 Eclipse (version 4) has that bit more! Huge power increase! Unbelievable stereo! Fantastic new design modled after the Eclipse version two. This version is slightly bigger than the past car so there is a bit more head room and leg room. Other than two recalls (for the same brake problem), I am a very happy new Eclipse driver.