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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  150K+ and still going - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By WH - February 12 - 9:23 am

  I bought my Montero Sport back in October of 2001 with 50 miles on it. As a member of the military, I have taken this SUV as far west as the Pacific Ocean and as far east as the city of Atlanta, GA. Any maintenance Ive had done on the vehicle was all based on wear and tear. Nothing failed until I was well over 100K miles. I love the vehicle and kind of hate that Mitsubishi did away it.

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  Amazing vehicle - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sedanfanman - February 11 - 7:11 pm

  I bought my 2009 Mitsu Lancer ES back in July 2009 and 70K+ miles later, I still love it! I looked at similar vehicles while shopping but fell in love with the handling, performance, and value of this car. Ive taken very good care of it and havent had a single engine problem. My one complaint is the paint. Due to a design flaw there is an unusual amount of paint wear on the side skirts near the rear wheels. Countless chips all over the hood (which, yes, happens. But there is a lot more than normal). One time, while washing the car, I was scrubbing off a dead bug and a decent size paint chip came off with it! That should not happen! Regardless, Id still recommend this car to everyone!

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  My Ruby - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Mandy - February 9 - 10:30 am

  These SUVs are for the people that want a SUV but feel comfort in driving a car. This vehicle is really nice and it is roomy. I had 3 children in the back seat and they still had plenty of room even with all of them in carseats. Definitely recommend to someone that is looking for an SUV.

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  Just Love this SUV - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By bohlyn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost three years and could not be happier, it is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Having a son that is over 64 it is wonder having a vehicle he can ride in and be comfortable in the rear set. The leg room can only be described as spacious. It has become the favorite car for my tennis team, we can all travel together in comfort without having to take 2 cars. Like I said before, just love this SUV.

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  Features To Price Ratio = Unbeatable! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JEFF_IL - February 8 - 3:36 am

  I intended to wait until next year, and get the EVO, but after asking the wifey, ... well, you get the picture. :-) First off, the suspension/handling package (on the GTS) is unbelievable. Ive driven quite a few cars, and I must say, this is the most impressive part of this car! Word is, its fairly close to the suspension that will be found in the EVO-X. This car has more available features than any car in its class (I got them all). The Multi-Communication / Navigation / Sound package is something youd expect out of a $100k luxury sedan. Looks! Got it in Electric Blue Pearl, and with the GTS package, it turns a lot of heads. WORTH EVERY CENT!

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  GREAT SUV - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BIGATL - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY OUTLANDER, I CANT BELIVE IT HOW NICE IT REALLY IS!

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  Good Car Build Quality - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brillaint - February 3 - 11:56 am

  I bought a Lancer ES (Auto) for a good deal with MitsubishiÂ’s standard 100K Powertrain & 60K bumper to bumper warranty. Before buying this one I checked Corolla and Sentra then I decided to buy Lancer. Because for lesser money it got more equipment like key less entry, power windows etc. Fit and finish also really good and it comes with worry free warranty. I had 5 years of Civic and I have an Accord also. Still most of the luxury Japanese cars got the final build in Japan like Infiniti, Lexus or Acura. Other than luxury cars I believe Lancer is the only compact car build in Japan and that show its finish and build quality.

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  One Nice SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By MidloHokie - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I never really considered a Mitsubishi product until I saw their TV advertisement. I had looked closely at the Highlander and Pilot, but really liked the "curb appeal" of the Endeavor. It is great to drive with great acceleration and smooth shifts. The SportTrak is a nice feature for the manual drive wannabees. Great stereo system....look forward to tailgating in it.

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  Cheapest Luxury Looking SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By 1972corvette - February 1 - 7:50 pm

  You get a lot for the buck with the Montero Limited. I am a cheapskate. When shopping for SUVs, I wanted a Suburban but didnt want to pay $40,000. I purchased my Montero with 11,000 miles on it for only $26,000. My wife drove it daily and she never complained about anything with this vehicle. Let me tell you this is very hard to do with my wife. We had a 2000 Grand Cherokee prior to the Montero and it was horrible in comparison. All of the reviews are dead on. If youre looking for speed, dont buy a Montero. If your looking for a reliable SUV that looks a lot more luxurious than the sticker than this is for you. I am thinking about selling it right now, but what other vehicle am I going to get with all of this for $13,000?

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  Love love love this car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Swaygirl27 - January 31 - 7:10 pm

  Buy this car, you will not be disappointed! I owned mine for 5 years and sadly I was in an accident last night and it is totaled. I am so upset - I absolutely love this car. The turning radius is incredible, its so fun to drive, the sound system is great, the seats are comfy, the exterior is sleek, I could go on forever. Most importantly though - Ive had absolutely NO major problems with this car ever in 5 years. The radiator cracked about a year ago but I patched it and it was fine. It had 133,000 miles on it and still ran like a newbie. In my accident - the airbags deployed and saved my face. The damage is impressive - I expected so much worse. This car is built GREAT. RIP my dear.