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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  Looking towards an SUV... - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By dankiedank - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is nice and fun but it looks like a Buick skylark in the front to me and it makes it look dated in design I feel! I like the options available on this car, but the front end just doesnt have the look of the newer sedans, however it does now on the 2004 model. I am leaning towards a SUV for perfomance, space, and options. The SUV seems to be the new phase in luxury! This cars is just a just car to me, I guess I am not as impressed with it as I thought I would be at first. And there isnt that many on the road! You never see them. What is up with that?

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  A Terrific Car to Own - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Very satisfied - June 29 - 11:26 pm

  Having previously owned a Galant for the past 15 years and had great performance and low maintenance from it, the car inside and outside held up extremely well so we decided to purchase the new 2005 model. It is fun to drive, comfortable, very attractive both inside and outside (very sporty looking design). We highly recommend this car and feel it is the best buy today and Mitsubishi offers the excellent warranty program around.

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  Just bought a 2010 Sportback, still new on the dealers lot! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By chefk - June 29 - 10:02 pm

  So I saw the local Mitsubishi dealer had a few 2010 Mitsus still on the lot. The 2011s are on their way out so I decided to see if I could get a bargain. I found my Black on Black Lancer GTS Sportback sitting there. Why it was still there I have no idea. Beautiful car. Performs great, handles great, and I am getting great gas mileage. The dash display give plenty of MPG info to keep you driving smart and still maintains its sporty nature. Some reviews complain about the plastics in the interior. One thing the fail to mention is that the dull finish plastics do not reflect the sun. Glare is practically non-existant in this car. I think the interior is comfortable.

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  Still Happy! - 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Tommysgirl3 - June 29 - 9:33 am

  Except for the quirky little jerk sometimes while the transmission shifts to 2nd gear, this is one of the best cars I have ever owned. No maintenance issues, great gas mileage and an overall reliable vehicle. I purchased it in 2000 with 37,000; Im now at 98,000 miles with years to go.

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  Dependability - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jayme - June 27 - 5:46 pm

  This was the 1st 2006 sold in the Middle TN area and my 2nd Eclipse. I now have 57,000 miles and is still going strong. The original brakes squealed and had to replace with ceramic brakes. It is extremely quick and fun to drive. The sound system is top notch but the display could be a little more sophisticated. The original tires have lasted 57,000 miles and just now need to be replaced. If only the resale value was better.

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  excellent - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ing_mfeliz - June 27 - 2:43 pm

  Is an excellent vehicle, the only problem with this is the consumption of gasoline, but in general is an excellent vehicle for both the family to go to work too, for use as road , is great fun to drive and very comfortable , is a rock

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tiffany G. - June 22 - 5:33 pm

  I was looking to upgrade from a sedan but didnt want the bad fuel economy of an SUV. This car fit the bill. This has handled great in the show and I live on country back roads so this was important. I was hoping for a little better gas mileage than it gets in the winter but as the weather warms up, it seems to be improving and I have gotten up to 27 mpg on the highway in 2wd. My 6 year old son loves it and thinks its the best car ever!

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  misubishi montero - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By carl luck - June 21 - 2:00 am

  the montero does everthing i want an suv to do. it,s easy to drive for my wife and is useful to her also. i like it for not only looks, but for convience for using for work, such as getting items in and out of the suv is not to big or to small it is just right.

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  What an Awesome Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By simon - June 20 - 10:56 am

  What a great car! It is excellent quality, fun to drive, great auto and it is so small and quiet. It is very quick too and you do not know that you are doing 75-80 mph at times! There is plenty of room for four and luggage and it carries them superbly. The sound system is excellent for a factory sound unit and really can be turned up. A joy to own.

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  Content with my Montero Sport LS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By hlb - June 20 - 8:00 am

  Bought my Montero Sport LS a year ago and I have been very please with it. I have about 10500 miles on the V6 auto, 4dr. 2WD, LS. I only changed the oil every 3000 miles. NO problem what so ever has accurred. I was attracted to the vehicle based on the style, room inside and the test drive. I normally keep my vehicle for about 10 to 14 years. I have a 1990 Chev. Silveroda, V6 with 151200 miles on it and it still runs great.