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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  Excellent sports wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ralliart fan - March 23 - 11:36 am

  The Ralliart wagon offers an impressive compromise between excellent well controlled handling and a comfortable ride. The engine is surprisingly powerful and the tranny downshifts quickly and smoothly. Build quality is exceptionally tight and the structure is very solid. I found no defects on my car at all. The cargo area has lots of storage nooks and offers quite a bit of space. The knee level liftover height makes loading extremely easy. The front seats hold you in place well but could be more comfortable. The rear seat reclining feature is nice as is the ability to fold flat without removing the headrests. Very roomy interior. The warranty cant be beat!

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  What a machine! - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By tpnewland - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply awesome. Excellent acceleration, super handling, terrific ride, awesome styling. Was this thing made in Europe?

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  na - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By gstopa - March 12 - 2:00 am

  good all around suv. what I was looking for.

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  2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor - Bakersfield - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By englishtoy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I had a Montero Sport and this car has more room, power and class. The interior has all the amenities you could ask for with power seat, seat heaters, and 6 CD changer and the motor has power to spare. I have an octogenarian living with me and the access and rear seating are superb.

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  Still going strong! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By davo225 - March 9 - 8:16 pm

  Purchased with 16K miles, now at 135K and still going strong. Mostly routine maintenance. The radiator developed a small crack at 125K and was replaced and I had to have new rear struts a couple of years ago, but thats about it. Fun to drive, very smooth transmission, quite peppy - even with the 4 cylinder transmission. Still looks great. Cons are minor: I have occasionally rode in the back seat on trips, and the back is not that comfortable for an adult. The cup holders are awkwardly located. This is on the small end of midsized cars (new Galants larger). Gas mileage 22-28 - OK but not fantastic. Overall, this has been a great vehicle.

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  The mule - 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Bully - March 8 - 12:33 pm

  This is my 3rd Mitsubishi Montero . I really love the vehicle. The only problem I have with all of my Monteros is gas mileage. I have been across the U.S.A twice, encountering, all kinds of good/bad roads/weather.and my Monteros never fail me. I am happy for the extra engine power my 2005 especially when pulling 5&6 percent road grades in Nevada / Colorado (faster than a 18 wheeler, slower than Grey Hound bus). I am sorry to hear of the monteros demise in 06 or 07. There was so much Mitsubishi could have done to inprove its Monteros. You have a very good vehicle.

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  Bought this new in 1998 - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Texaseclipse - March 7 - 2:00 am

  GS-T..I bought this car new in 98 and have 62K miles on it. I have only changed the tires and battery. Replaced the filter with K&N and thats it. Very fast and great car to own. Drive to work every day at 90 to 100+MPH (early morning highway) for 6 years and engine does not complain. Top speed I have had it at 145. I have recently went to mobile one oil just to keep things trouble free. If you can get one that has not been beat on grab it!

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  One of the best SUVs you can buy! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By internetguy - March 6 - 6:56 am

  My girlfriend recently traded in her 2009 Lancer GT for a 2011 Outlander 4cyl AWD. Her Lancer was such a great car and Mitsubishi service is always fantastic. We recently moved into an area where we need a 4x4 so after looking at offerings from Hyundai, Nissan, Jeep, etc. we easily decided on the Outlander! We chose the 4cyl because we did the not need the power or fuel consumption of the V6. So far we are averaging reviewed specs of 23mpg city and 28mpg highway which is great for a vehicle this size! Please be aware that the 4cyl is for fuel savings and V6 is for power and towing. Choose wisely as some people seem disappointed by the lack of 4cyl power (168hp). Know what you are buying!

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  Car of my dreams... - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Marybeth - March 5 - 1:56 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is an absolute dream to drive. It is fast and responsive. It handles like a race car. You bearly realize the change from 80 to 100 mph. Curvy country roads become a challenge - how fast can YOU do them at? It drives well on slick or icy roads, too. The traction control keeps it in line. The most fun part is that it is the first car Ive ever owned that actually stops traffic. People stop to look at it.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By jd431we - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The ride is some what like driving a car but you can tell you are in a SUV. The Veiw from the drivers see, is great you can see every thing. Except for the back tire cutting of some of you veiw.