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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  What a blast - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By val - December 16 - 2:50 pm

  We checked out all the SUVs on the market. We were tired of seeing the same ones on the road, so we checked out the Mitsubushi Montero. At first we didnt like the full size, but fell in love with it after we drove it. My husband is long waisted. The Montero has tons of headroom and legroom in the front and back. The back door opens and closes like a car door - well never hassle with a hatch opening again. Our friends & family are sold on it as well. The back seats fold down for lots of storage. The 3rd row seat is handy for kids. Its gas mileage is decent. It is not cavernous like the Chevrolet Trailblazer though. It has good visibility. It is better looking than the "dog" Durango, but not as expensive as the Toyota Land Cruiser. One bad thing about this truck is that we have spent thousands of dollars on regular maintenance. Well consider that next time.

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  The Lancer Rocks! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kid Lancer 7 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a fan of the mitsubishi Lancer / evolution series for a long while. I felt i just had to own one. VERY roomy for its size. Lots of space in the trunk. Very comfortable to drive and loads of fun. I Thought it could be just a tad bit faster than what it is. BUt with some basic Modifications, this thing will tear up the road! Great car if u dont like Honda Civics (like myself!). Id recommend this to anyone 18-29 yrs old, Anyone that wants to customize an import car, or any one that wants an excellent car, with out spending a a fortune!

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  THE THRILL OF DRIVING - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By IVAN PRUETT - December 15 - 10:00 am

  CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT ON A ROAD TRIP. LOOKING FORWARD TO SHOWING IT OFF. I THINK IT IS BEST VEHICLE MITS HAS PUT OUT SINCE ITS GOT INTO THE AMERICAN MARKET

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  Mitsubishi 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dumplnbut - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Before buying a 2003 GS, I had a 2000 RS model. Although I traded up in features, both cars drive exceptionally well, especially on ice. I love the Eclipse and would recommend it to anyone. The only downfall of the car is that it is not made for backseat passengers, small kids fit comfortable, but not adults. Overall, I would rate the car an A+.

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  Love my 08 Lancer!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Aaron - December 15 - 9:23 am

  I have had my lancer for 2 years now and I work at a GM dealership believe it or not. I love my lancer. I was surprised to see all the problems that people were having with paint chipping and noise in the cabin as I have not experienced any of these. I have the GTS with AWD and it handles absolutely beautiful on the snow here in upstate New York. Im going to keep this car till it hits 200-300k. In the meantime I am buying a 2010 Camaro for a toy.

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  Very Nice - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By burnett - December 15 - 5:43 am

  So far so good. This car is fun, has great pickup, and handles very nicely. Of all the SUVs I tested, I think this one comes out on top. Some had more space but not enough to over take the pluses of the Outlander. After 1000 miles I feel positive that I made the right choice. The warranty upgrade also made this an easy pick. Performance + handling + warranty = sold. After 3 tanks Im getting around 22 mile to the gallon. This is a split between highway and city.

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  Great Car & Lots of features - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Keith - December 15 - 3:46 am

  I purchased this car in hopes of having a nice ride with optional MP3 & Sat Radio options for trips. Well i found out i can even watch movies on this Rockford Fosgate System w/ sub & i get 32 mpg on the HWY @ 80 mph. I traded an old civic in for this & it has definitely grabbed me. I would say test drive & see how responsive they are vs. a Scion TC or Corolla you get much more & better fuel economy for less coin ;)

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  the best car for the price - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ray - December 14 - 9:16 am

  The 2005 Mitsubishi Galant is great. It has excellent looks, is macho, fast, economical, a great stereo, quiet interior, and last but not least great price and is maintenance free with a great warranty.

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  So far, great car! - 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By lejean - December 13 - 8:29 pm

  I bought my 2013 pearl white Outlander Sport in November, 2013. I have over 32,000 miles on it so far, not a bit of trouble. I usually read professional reviews before I buy anything but this time I didnt. My Ford Taurus was costing a fortune in repairs. I wanted good mileage and all the bells and whistles. I looked at Honda and various other cars, despite the higher prices, could not find the extras I wanted. The Outlander Sport fits the bill and more. After reading professional reviews, I was embarrassed for buying a so-called "loser". However, talking with other owners and my own experience, Im so glad I didnt read before I bought. Mitsubishi needs to put out the word. Real bargain!

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  Bad front end - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By j ortiz - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car but it is horrible on potholes and dips on the road when it hits one it makes banging noise like metal on metal took it to the dealer they said nothing was wrong with it i have own many cars and never heard a sound like that one day i was on the expressway and the car in front of me jam on his brakes so i did to and it made the bang noise wish i could fix it would be the perfect cuv