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 Truck - Average Value - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By beaver_01186 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We honestly wouldnt have bought any other SUV. We drove Explorers, Expeditions, GM, Suzuki, Mopar, Nissan, etc. Very smooth ride, you hear the bumps but dont feel them. The best 4wd system out there. I love the true full-time 4wd and the ability to manually select what I want. The interior design is a little puzzling. Poor center console design, no storage, no place for cell phone, horrible cupholders. Resale and residual values are also sore spots.

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  good car for the money - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jeffro - May 16 - 2:00 am

  A solid car for me and the kids. Got a great deal on it, as the Galants dont hold their value the best. The 4 cylinder makes decent power in the midrange rpms. Rides very smooth and is a quiet car compared to my old Saturn. Good looks, handling, and doesnt feel cheap or tinny like Nissan Altima and Honda Civic. Labor costs for regular maintenance are reasonable, although Im not one to ever visit the dealership.

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  Sorry but I have to tell the truth.. - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By friendwithan02 - May 15 - 11:30 pm

  I have to tell the truth about the Montero Sport, its not that great considering the rest of the competition. Power is subpar, mileage fairly poor, build quality average, overpriced, overall just a below average vehicle produced by a below average company. The best thing about the Montero sport is its looks. Id have to concur with Edmunds on just about everything about this SUV.

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  shoulda had a V8 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By SS - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Looks - tonka toy look sort of grows on you over time interior - a step above most of the other mid-price suvs. reclining back seats great for kids. 3rd row completely disappears, but only good for very occasiuonal kid use quality - too many issues - broken seals in awd system, breaks that wont release, power- terrible, the reason you ulimately regret the purchase advice - by an MDX or step up to a Land Cruiser

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  shoulda had a V8 - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By ss - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Looks - tonka toy look sort of grows on you over time interior - a step above most of the other mid-price suvs. reclining back seats great for kids. 3rd row completely disappears, but only good for very occasiuonal kid use quality - too many issues - broken seals in awd system, breaks that wont release, power- terrible, the reason you ulimately regret the purchase advice - by an MDX or step up to a Land Cruiser

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  The car is good - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Anthony - May 6 - 4:00 pm

  I have been continously suprised by the performance of my Outlander. We recently came over the mountains in the snow and the car performed remarkabley. I am able go faster than is safe and able to get up to speed and keep up with other higher performing cars that is acceptable. My wife and I purchased this car for her benefit, she wanted a car she was comfortable with in terms of size. I initially wanted to get the endeavor, but I think the outlander was a better purchase in terms of cost and efficiency.

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  good family car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jsk - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very good. Dependable, handles well. A little cramped on long trips, but good fuel economy.

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  Ill be back! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Grhythm - May 4 - 6:26 pm

  After all of the fright in 2001 and 2002 over reported SUV roll-overs, I found that Montero received higher than average ratings from the NHTSA tests, which are available on the agency web site. I was conviced, the commercial hype was not what I should be basing an auto purchase on. I have never regretted my decision. The Montero has exceeded my expectations in dependability, durability, comfort, maintenance costs, and safety systems. Although Ive never crashed it, the brakes, lights, suspension and seat belts have given me no unusual issues. I have been completely satisfied with the truck. The engine, air conditioning, power roof and entertainment system still perform like new.

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  2nd one and we did buy again!!!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By miamommie - May 3 - 11:50 pm

  We have had 2 Mitsubishi Galants and we have loved them both. The only problem is the room in the back for older kids. Small kids dont have a problem. Its fun to drive and good on gas. We have only had this 02 for 2 days but it seems like we got a great deal for our money. My husband is a mechanic and he looked it over good before buying it. We only payed $6800 and it looks new sounds great and runs well.

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  A little bit of everything... - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By ½mv² - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  I bought the car without ever test driving it - I didnt even like the way it looked. I used to own an Avalon XLS, which was the biggest and baddest luxury car I had ever seen. I also owned a 1993 twin turbo RX7, which outran and outhandled everything but the Corvette Z06. In February 06 I got in a crash that cost me both cars. I needed a car quick, and I didnt have time to shop around so I looked for the best deal I could get on a reliable ride. Ive had the car for less than a week and I already love it. The car glides along highways and satifies the desire for a luxury-car-feeling, yet locks down tight onto the road when you get the burning desire to rip around a 90 degree turn at 30 mph.