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 value for money - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By 0ffroader - May 24 - 3:16 am

  Ive been looking for a CUV for around two years to replace my 15 year old sedan. I was leaning towards an Escape Hybrid, but while researching fuel efficient CUVs, I ran into a USNEWS article that described this as the best CUV for the money. Im glad I test drove one. All profesional reviews blast the "performance" of this, but unless youre into sports cars and like driving really fast and making quick getaways from traffic lights, it doesnt matter. I dont plan speeding tickets into my budget either and usually drive around the limit with my small kid in the back. This car is perfect for a small family. The rear isnt too roomy, but is adequate.

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  BEST JAPANESE SUV - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gtrallyracer - May 24 - 2:27 am

  I purchased a GT without sunroof and navigation on August 2011. I purchased this great SUV for its reliability reputation, awesome S-AWC system, great ergonomics and powerful V6 engine. I have owned American, Japanese, and German brands, but this time Mitsubishi is offering excellent warranty and standard features to its vehicles. I have driven already 4000 miles and fuel economy is great for this size of SUV averaging 23mpg. Driving is very predictable and sporty. The xenon headlights are incredible! I feel I have the headlights of a rally car!

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  Great SUV - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Yasha - May 23 - 10:53 pm

  Just love the car! Everything.

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  Good and Bad - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By RickAS - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Plush, loaded with features, good looking, but gutless, prone to premature tire wear, bad gas mileage.

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  It;s okay - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Its cool. - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a cute car. The interior REALLY REALLY needs some work though. Its very basic.

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  I love this car!! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By scott90278 - May 20 - 7:03 am

  I just got my 2010 Lancer Sportback and I am loving this car! The car handles like a tight performance car. You will feel the road because it has 18" wheels, but it is not uncomfortable at all. When I am at lights people give me thumbs up on the looks. You cant get a better car for the price. The dealer I got the car from gave me the car at invoice and it was the best purchase my wife and I have made in a long time. My neighbor loved my car so much he might go out and get one as well. This car is a good balance of value, cargo space and good mileage. Go test drive one today and you will not be sorry.

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  take a second look - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By saedid - May 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd montero but will probably be my last. The vehicle is unpowered and has lot of engine noise, the doors wont stay open, tires make for poor handling, and you feel and hear every little bump in the road. The whole dash vibrates significantly and rattles. The car seems to have very little insulation to keep out highway noise from noisy tires. Taken car to dealer about rattles, etc. but they say it normal. If this is normal Ill put my money elsewhere, maybe. I probably cant though because Ive had the car nine months and it is worth about $14,000.00 less than what I paid originally. My wifes 02 gmc envoy blows the montero away.

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  I love this Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Amanda - May 18 - 5:06 pm

  I got my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse in January of this year and I love the way it handles on the road. I also love the pick up on the highways.

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  Love My Mirage! - 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Donajo - May 17 - 7:56 pm

  After 6 years owning this amazing vehicle, I have to say that beyond routine tune-ups and oil changes, the car has been maintenance and worry free. I drive up to 450 milles a month for my job and needed a safe, reliable car thats good on gas mileage. I have found it all with this car! It handles like a dream. But beware: this car is very fast! If you are a speed demon like me you will love it but I have also gotten a few speeding tickets along the way. My car is now paid for but I have no plans to trade it in. Even if I buy another car someday, I will keep this one to use for work.

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  Perfect Family car - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Alex - May 17 - 4:20 pm

  I have 3 kiddos, and I can fit 2 car seats and 1 booster in the back seat, and the kiddos love it. This along with a great ride, huge interior space, cool looks (for a suv) and so far, a blast to drive. This car also performs well off road, tested right after purchase, I went about 20 miles in medium to rough offroad with very good results. The only quirk was that the ABS goes crazy when you only have 2 3 wheels on the ground. Nothing bad at all, just use the brakes as you would but the sound can be unnerving at first. First long road trip was wonderful, the stereo sounds good, and if you want an mp3 player, just pick up an fm transmitter / mp3 player. Cost me $45.