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 SUV for the long term - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Sunil Thomas - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I had a 98 Montero, now it has over 180000 miles on it and still going strong, never any major trouble just routine maintenance. I put a lot of miles on my vehicle every year, averaging 30000 miles. I am so impressed with the durability and reliability of my Mitsubishi, I bought another Montero (2003 4WD XLS) last month. I highly recommedend the Montero to anyone.

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  Fun and dependable - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By gmeeper - January 15 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it was only because it looked good and I didnt care about anything else. Ive had the car for 4+ years now and am still amazed at how well built and dependable this car has been. Ive never had any problems with the car and for a sportscar is surprisingly spacious. I once even crammed 7 people into the car. I make many trips to Lowes and Home Depot and am still amazed at how much can fit into this car. Even after all this years, my car can still beat most off the line and gets great gas milage. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who needs a versitle car that looks damn good!

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  Excellent car, 97% Made in Japan - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tekken - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has great handling and interior/exterior design, Gas mileage is good. 36000k miles on the car and still have had no problems even once! This car handles well in snow as well. It is also very roomy inside. I take care of it as much as I can, regular oil change, wheel alignment, engine additives, fuel system cleaners, if you take care of the car it will take care of you. I will recommend this car for anyone who doesnt want to pay much and yet have a reliable and good looking car. Althought this car could use more horepower but then again I can see why the Evo is the next step up.

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  Sporty Economy Ralliart - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GTRBLUES4 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the car and it has been a blast. I wait to reach that 2,500 mile mark so I can really start having fun with it. If Im going 70 on the freeway, and its time to pass someone, a touch of the gas and it lets me know its moving. Thats some hefty torque.

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  Endeavor 04 - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Lin516 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I thiink the Endeavor is a really easy SUV to drive. Its pretty quick and responsive. The back end is a little high for putting things in the trunk.I wish it offered a few more interior upgrades, maybe power seats on the passenger side and I miss the keyless entry key pad on the driver door.Aside from that, Im really enjoying it and love the way it drives.

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  Love my Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By luvmyendeavor - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my endavor! Ive had some problems with my dealership and the quality of service. My stereo went out after about two months and I had to get a new one. I wish the antenna was retractable. But otherwise, the ride is smooth, the interior is wonderful and I get so many looks from other drivers. My Endeavor is great on the highway, I can feel how powerful it is. And everyone thats been in it wants to buy one now. I almost got a 4-runner, Im so glad I didnt!

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  soooo reliable - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By gl956 - January 13 - 9:40 pm

  bought my montero sport with 150,000 five years ago and i was a little bit skeptical but its was pretty cheap compared to all the other MS that were out there.. let me tell you that this truck is amazing.. it now has over 350,000 miles and feels like it can get another 350,000 more! im usually on the road alot traveling about 100 a day. and my mitsu is soo comfortable. my montero has leather interior with wood trimming all around. its a beautiful black (that looks like a sparkle green when hit with the sun) with beige moldings. im absolutely in love with it. i would recommend it to anybody.. oh and ive only had to replace the alternator because of an oil leak it had. (all monteros have it)

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  Great Suprise - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Rick - January 11 - 12:00 pm

  Bought used with 36K and now have 80K. Had no knowledge about it when we bought it, but enjoyed the test drive immensely. Have had absolutely no issues. Regular maintenance, including brakes at 75K and synthetic oil and she runs great. We have found that valves seem to click unless we use higher grade fuel. Lots of room, great OEM stereo, strong V6 have made our Endeavor an awesome SUV. Now looking for one for our daughter to take to college. This has been a very reliable vehicle

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  Very Happy - 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Doclong - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought this for my wife to drive on the highway, very dependable and fun to drive. It gets a lot of looks from people. Love the sun roof and memory leather seat. This car was the dealerships wifes demo with 4,000 miles on it, along with the year end rebate and Mitsubishi customer loyalty plus the 100K powertrain warranty this car was a still at 20K.

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  Looked Far and Wide! - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By KKar21 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  It was time to turn in my much loved 95 Explorer and I wasnt going to settle for anything but style and comfort. I cant believe I found it all in this price range. Ive only had this vehicle for 2 weeks and I already love it! I bought it used with 16,000 miles on it. It still rides and smells like new. The gas mileage is wonderful, especially with todays gas prices going through the roof! Its smooth and so easy and fun to drive.