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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  Best SUV I Could Find For $20k - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By wk - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for performance, comfort and style that would take four people. The Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 2WD was the best in the $20,000 range. Ive driven it more than 2,000 during the first month of ownership and average 24 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. All that and a super warranty, too!

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  Perfect - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Dustin - November 20 - 5:36 pm

  I drove almost every truck out there. And the Mitsubishi Radier is the BEST truck available. Its price, dependabiliy, room, comfort all get an A+. Tell me where you can get a truck for $23,000 with a 5 year / 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and looks and drives like this. The Raider is the best truck on the market! If you are considering buying a truck you would be upset if you did not at least consider this one.

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  1st Mitsubishi SUV- Loving it! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By pcar8 - November 20 - 2:55 am

  I bought a 2011 Silver Outlander a couple months ago. This is my first crossover SUV. My old car was a Nissan Maxima (Ive owed 2 of them) now Im driving a Mitsubishi and absolutley love it! It is so comfortable inside and fun to drive with its fast acceleration, responsive handling and sleek design - I got more bang for my buck! Never thought a navigation system was worth it but boy was I wrong. Plus the 10gb of space on the music server really is a plus. No more dragging around CDs. I just load a CD, record it and Im good to go on any long distance journey. Oh and the sound system is AWESOME. Did I tell you I love this SUV?

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  In general - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GoSuperMatt - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Over-all this is the best compact on the market. Outstanding Gas milage (28- 32 is what Im getting) Interior/Exterior quality is far better then any other car in its class, Drove off the lot with 39miles, and Im at 11,000. the ride is smooth & quiet. Horsepower even in the mountains was better then expected, (after reading negative feedback on some reviews)Great financing available the 0-0-0 sales event A friend of mine just got a 2003 Corolla, and paid almost $3,500 more then I did, and the interiors are layed out the same, except the Lancer has more room in the rear, and a higher quality apearence.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Bill W - November 18 - 4:24 am

  Ive owned well over 20 vehicles, including several Datsun/Nissan "Z" cars, a classic 1987 BMW 325, Fords, Chevys, and VWs. None has ever proven as reliable as my 2007 Outlander XLS purchased new. 10 years later it looks and runs as new and has never let me down. If I had a complaint road noise at 70MPH is quite a bit noisier than, say, a Lexus. Then again its far less expensive to buy, insure, and maintain. Id buy it again!

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  Beautiful Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Deborah - November 15 - 11:56 am

  We bought the car new in 03. Overall this car is so beautiful and rivals BMW and Lexus in my opinion. Its designed beautifully both inside and out and is unique from other luxury sedans. We have had some quality issues however. The brake light in the rear windshield constantly falls and weve taken it to the dealer 5 times. They still havent fixed it. We have to keep it propped up. Plastics are very cheap looking. The black rubber molding in the passenger side door has had to be replaced in the front seat and the back seat is now having issues too. Also issues with paint chipping and wind noise. Glove box doesnt latch properly and hangs open a bit even when closed.

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  Well Worth the Purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Jules - November 14 - 7:20 pm

  We had previously had the Mitsubishi Montero Limited as a rental (twice). When the long-legged teenage boys didnt complain about leg room and say "are we there yet" while driving in it, I knew it was the next vehicle for me. In 2003, I purchased the 20th Anniversary Edition and have not regretted it. I get better gas mileage than the sticker that was on it said I would. My co-workers love to have me drive for lunches as they have so much room. Due to my lower back problems, many of the SUVs were too bouncy for me. Ive never had a problem with the Montero - even on 1,800 mile trips.

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  THE BEST OF THE BEST - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By massin1218 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The best car ever made in its category. No need to buy honda nor toyota, this is the car many of us were waiting for. I have put 60K miles on my Galant and had never had a problem.

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  Almost Perfection - 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Lon611 - November 12 - 5:43 am

  An amazing car, all around. I actually bought this because i loved my 93 diamante so much. interior quality + performance is top notch. only problem is that it can be slightly non-responsive from a stop (not a big deal). Exterior is sleek;the first time i saw it i was reminded of a BMW. B+/A- in my book. wish they still made these.

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  Great car for the money - Awesome! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jc24 - November 4 - 4:17 pm

  Outlander Sport rocks! Have been in the market for 3 months and tested CRV, RAV4, Tucson, Euinocx, Rogue, CX7, Sportage... you name it. Outlander is the BEST in terms what I got for my money. The SE AWD comes with standard options that no brand could compete. Drove 7000 miles in 3 months, all east coast. On highway at 65-70mph averaged 27.4mpg (vs 29), in the city-NJ/manhattan about 22.6 (vs 24) mpg. The engine is enough for this car, unless you want to race. My wife loves the car, hill support, compact, easy to park, touch and go, enough space for the kid and stuff. This car is for people young in spirit. Yes, I was hesitant at first but now is at/over par to Toyota or Honda.Why pay more?