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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  this diamond is a girls best friend - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By LEElee - August 23 - 10:00 am

  vehicle fun to drive, classy. no lets not leave this diamond behind.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By johnnyb - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride, strong v6, great styling, and solidly built. After much research, selecting this SUV has proven to be the right choice. Highly recommended.

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  Awsome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By heyu415 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my eclipse and as the owner of three generations of eclipse this one is the best one of all. I didnt think I would own another eclipse since Ive owned 2 other previous eclipses. (92 & 97) both of which I had over 150,000 miles without any problems. Of all the sports car Ive test drove this new eclipse had the best of everything. Power, handling, comfort and reliability. I have 62,000 miles on it now and have had no problems at all. I only chnage my oil once every 10,000 miles not the usual 3-5,000 miles. Thats why I love it..Low maintanence! My one advice...Just test drive it and youll know what im talking about.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By timm - August 22 - 11:33 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a really fun car. It drives really smoothly, has great power and is surprisingly very comfortable.

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  Remix edition - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By lisa - August 21 - 8:20 am

  This is my 2nd Eclipse and is the Remix Edition. Eclipses handle very well, are quick, reliable and fun to drive. Drove the first one 150K+ miles/9 years. It never left me stranded. The 2005 seems even better built and the warranty is excellent. The remix edition came with a great option package for the money. Anyone buying an Eclipse wont be disappointed. For a female driver it is a perfect comfort fit size wise. The interior seems to be better put together than the previous body style was. Buyers should understand that with any Eclipse, they will have to handle the scheduled maintenance/parts replacement tasks very responsibly or the car definitely lets you know its time.

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  Its a pleasure to drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tweety - August 20 - 6:46 am

  Bought this Endeavor used two years ago and love it. Now has 77,000 miles and still looks new.

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  Mitsubushi DE Coupe 2000 - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By depawindu - August 19 - 4:43 am

  I bought this great little car new and it runs faithfully with almost no maintenance. Its paint began to oxidize on the top and flat surfaces after 8 years. The electric windows both broke after 4 and 5 years. The turn signal failed at 8 years also.The DVD player broke after 3 years. Otherwise, it has been wonderful. Ive had one accident; it is incredibly strong and takes a hit and keeps going.

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  Trade up - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By mitowner - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I did extensive research on the car based SUVs available and almost passed the Endeavor by. We traded in our 01 Mazda Tribute. The idea was to trade up to something roomier, better riding and different. There is no comparison, the Mitsubishi wins hands down. The fit and finish are impecable. The ride is much like our Passat. The sound system is out of this world. We looked at the Pilot and Highlander as well and couldnt be more pleased with our choice. It is still early in the game, but I expect that this vehicle will live up to the high standards that I have seen so far.

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  I love my Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jezababy - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted an Eclipse. I fell in love with the body style from 1997, and I like the new body style just as much. I treated myself to a brand new GTS as soon as I graduated college this year, and I love it!

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  Vroom with a VRX - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Frank S. - August 16 - 3:50 am

  This car has been a dream. Lots of power when you need it and a nice sporty feel and sound. Speaking of sound the audio/radio is a great system. There has been no mechanical issues other than oil, brakes and tires. The tires on mine have only about 2,000 miles on them and they are top quality. I had automatic start installed which is nice in bad weather. We no longer need another vehicle so Im parting with it.