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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  Look for another make - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Ap384 - June 18 - 6:33 pm

  The Mitsubishi Outlander drives badly, its visibility is limited, and its fuel economy for 4 cyl engine is minimal. Its interior design is cheap. In general - this truck is poorly built and has an underpowered engine, with fuel consumption equal to the V6 engine. I you want a small SUV, look for another make.

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  Mimi the Mivec! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mimi_the_mivec - June 18 - 7:01 am

  I bought my 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT used from a dealership in which the one owner of the car worked there. I bought it in 2011 with 80,400 miles on it. Its now almost 2015 with a tad bit over 108,000 miles and Ive havent had any issue with it. Ive forgot to do oil changes thousands of miles overdue. Its started in nine degree weather fine. Ive done over 100mph plenty of times and it was fine. Ive been cars price range of $3K all the way to $280k and mine was the best! Yay Mitusbishi!

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  not the best in class by far - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By maxxmitchell - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My company gives me intermediate cars for 3-6 months. Ive had them all. The Galant has highs and lows. The fit&finish, reliability&mechanics, and the interior materials are all good. The 4 cylinder runs perfect, but is underpowered. The steering has a slow ratio and requires more turns to maneuver. The suspension is soft and bouncy making road sway and a bouncy washed out ride. The radio in not as loud and clear as others if you play loud music. There is no trunk or passengers side key hole.

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  Another Disappointment on the 4th Generation Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 4gen eclipse - June 14 - 10:26 pm

  The performance is alright, not as good as advertised of course. This car is not comfortable and gets terrible gas mileage with its 3.8L engine. if attention-getting is considered fun, then I suppose driving this uncomfortable 4th generation Eclipse is somewhat ~fun~. This car has tire-chirp, understeer, small rear window (no wiper), blind-spots. The build-quality is just like every other Mitsubishi, poor. I have so much regret for wasting time on waiting for this disappointment. I shouldve gone with either an Infiniti G35 Coupe, or an Acura RSX-S.

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  WOW What a great SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By ljjscohen - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Endeavor is a great ride. So smooth it doent feel like youre driving a SUV. Plus lots of features and comfort too.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JULIUS GASTON - June 13 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST SPORTS CAR UNDER 30K

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  Worth every penny - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jhwk - June 12 - 11:13 pm

  Lancer bought brand new from a dealer. Ive had it for 4 years and the car is worth every penny I paid for it. Very economical, high clearance (yes, you can park close to the curb and not break the bumper!), decent trunk for the size, quality build vehicle. What I dont like is noise at high speeds and not the best MPs in its class(probably because of high clearance) - I was averaging 28/31 (EPA 28/34), tight pedal compartment, long working diapason of the clutch.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Disappointed - June 9 - 3:43 pm

  I had always been an avid proponent of Nissan but thought this looked like a good deal. And it was for the first 2 years or so. Then it was one mechanical problem after another. First was the cam sensor. Replaced it twice. Then the catalytic converter broke and had to replace it. Then it wouldnt go into reverse and replaced the rear torque converter and other things. Then the front pump seal went. Thats when I called it quits. The worst part about it was I loved everything else about the truck. Even with the full warranty coverage I was tried of taking it in for repairs that took a minimum of 3 days and being left carless. So traded it in for a used Toyota 4runner.

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  Unreliable Transmission - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Santha Perian - June 9 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car brand new on 2001 valentines day. Drove 80K and sold it in 2007. Positive: fun to drive, stylish, V6 is really powerful. Negative: after 10K miles the heat wont work immediately (take 30 mins. This is bad during winter, especially living in NY), transmission problem after 75K (Costs $1200-$3500 depending upon the type of mechanic and new/old part used), there are minor electrical problems, mainly the headlight wont work every 6 months. The power steering takes larger curve. I could never make a smooth U turn in the last 7 years - it was always broken U turn.

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  Nice - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Paul - June 9 - 3:26 am

  I bought a Mitsubishi Raider for my son who is in college. It has a beautiful design. I also considered the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado. The Raider was the best for the price with more features. The rebate made it even more affordable and the warranty was a plus. My son is very tall (67") and the 4 door appeared to have more room than the others. It rides as well as my Toyota Tundra and gets better gas mileage. I am very pleased with this vehicle.