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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  Highly Satisfied - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mzbabydoll - April 20 - 11:06 pm

  Owned the 2014 Outlander SE for 9 months. My main focus when purchasing was gas mileage and seating capacity. Not only did the it meet those requirements, but I got so much more. Initially, I was bothered because I rarely see an Outlander on the road, thinking it must be a bad car, nobody wants it; Have I made a mistake??? No regrets! I now say that it is a well-kept secret, because this car is a real gem!!! I love all the unexpected bells/whistles and sleek body style. I like cars that dont age quickly, like my old Jeep Liberty (had it 10 years and it still looks as good as anything else on the road). The body style has longevity and will look stylish for years to come. Super gas mileage!

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  a real head turner - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Randall - April 20 - 9:00 am

  I had an 01 Eclipse (version 3) and had no intention of getting another one. Its not that it was a bad car, but just wanted a bit more. Well... the 06 Eclipse (version 4) has that bit more! Huge power increase! Unbelievable stereo! Fantastic new design modled after the Eclipse version two. This version is slightly bigger than the past car so there is a bit more head room and leg room. Other than two recalls (for the same brake problem), I am a very happy new Eclipse driver.

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  MITZU - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By nudunno4112 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car i have traveled all over the US with this car and it has held up great, the only problem i have had is the rotors and brakes i had them changed a few times dont know what happened in that department, another is the interior it bruises and stains very easily other than that i am happy with this car great deal and exterior looks is why i purchased this car, my wife swears by this galant

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  Fun Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Gerardo Ceballos - April 17 - 2:06 pm

  Great car in my opinion, very fun to drive, mine is manual and the gears and the shifts are very sporty, the clutch is soft. It has a quick response when you switch to a lower gear, it has reasonably good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. I have had no trouble with the engine nor transmission. The interior is comfortable for the driver and one passenger if you are not big or tall. No room for the back seats, maybe for a child. The ride is very comfortable, the suspension is not that hard. It has good grip around corners. It is a bit noisy on the highway. In general a great car, I would buy again.

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  Zoom zoom? Please! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tprice - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Torque. Even the Acura RSX R-type is under-torqued, but in this price range the Eclipse has THE most torque (215f-p in the GT). Now, if youre a novice, youre saying "whats the big deal about torque, what about horsepower?" Well, its the torque that peels you off the pavement, grips those nice 17 inchers in to the tarmac, and pushes you back into the seat with some Gs to make taking off from a stoplight a fun experience. And leaving the sportronic tranny in 1st for the takeoff, upshifting in the high 5000s and hearing that exhaust race up...

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  Love my Black-GT - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bdoura - April 16 - 4:53 pm

  I owned a 2000 Montero Sport prior to purchasing the 2010 Outlander GT, in February, 2010. Mitsubishi makes excellent product at competitive pricing. My Black GT looks great, performs very well, and not bad on MPG (About 20-21 average). My only suggestions to Mitsubishi are regarding the tires and doors. The Good-Year Eagle LS2 radials are not the best choice for rain or snow. I bought a new set of wheels and tires for winder driving (NOKIAN - Hakkapeliitta R SUV) they are the best tires at a great price. The doors on my GT feel light and must be slammed to close. They dealer said there was nothing that could be adjusted. Overall, I love my Black-GT

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  Good midsize SUV - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Nicholas - April 15 - 9:13 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a solid SUV for $10,000 less than the Mercedes and a better truck besides. It burns regular gas. Tows a boat easily with the 3.5L engine in the Limited. Gas mileage decent at 17-21, a little less in winter. One problem with leaking fluid from the front transaxle due to a bad seal, but no other problems at all. None. I have tied huge things to the top luggage rack and drove home no problems. If you want a car, buy the Lexus for 35% more money, but for more of a truck look and feel, this is hard to beat. This is even more comfortable than the Toyota 4Runner I thought about purchasing.

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  Docs Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Doc - April 15 - 12:50 pm

  I traded a Lexus for this vehicle and it is one of the smoothest riding SUV that I have ever owned. Gas mileage is outstanding and it has so much leg room and head clearance that it is the perfect SUV that a person can and will ever drive.

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  It feels good. - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dorothy - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car-truck that I have liked to drive since I had my 57 Chev Belair. It does have style.It feels safe to drive. Its a little hard on the gas. Its nice to know that I can hop in it & take off anywhare, & not worry about it breaking down.Its fun.It also holds a lot of fishing equipment, grandkids, dogs, and other cargo.

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  Mitsubish Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Tarken - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, great quality.