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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  Paid 2 much, my fault - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By K.M. - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st new car and I love to drive it. I realize now that I paid too much for not getting all the options. Expensive lesson learned. I dont think Id buy a brand new car again.

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  Best Kept Secret, The 2000 - 2003 Galant - 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Financial Advisor - December 26 - 10:50 am

  Its too bad this car is overlooked by Accord & Camry owners. This is my 2nd Galant and these cars are amazingly reliable. I have owned this my 2003 V6 LS Galant for 4 years now and never had a problem. I did change a leaking coolant hose by myself, that set me back $30 at the dealer. This car runs like a champ and comfortable, I have all the creature features that came with it. My V6 LS also looks great with 17" wheels. If there is one thing I that hurts this car, is that they dont hold their values, so its great for those who buy it used. Make sure to change the transmission oil every 24K miles and get the timing belt changed every 60K. You can get 180K miles out of these cars easily.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By rakesh - December 23 - 10:50 am

  This is my 2nd 2000 Galant. I bought the first one in 2000 with 27,000 miles on it and drove it until had 108,000. Besides brake jobs, a new alternator, and tires, it was a great car. I bought my second one last years, with 93,000 miles on it. It now has about 115,000 miles. I just replaced the brakes. I would definitely consider buying one again. You could pick up a nice Galant for cheap and really rack some miles with no heavy maintence.

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  We Love It But There Are Problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By argentum - December 22 - 12:20 pm

  This car reminds me in some ways of the pony cars of yesteryear. Its heavy, wide and long and low to the ground. But of course its way better. The 6 cyl is more responsive than most of the old 8s. The car handles far more sweetly and the inside is quiet. Even though the ride is tight, its not too hard. And all around mpg is always over 20. There are problems though. During fairly hard cornering on right turns there is a noise from the left side that sounds like a blown cv joint. Slowing down at highway speeds produces some serious vibration especially in the steering wheel.Interior fit and finish is awful.

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  2004 Outlander - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Rockford - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the Outlander, but the mileage leaves alot to be desired. We get 20 city and 23 highway. Is this what others are getting?

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  Best Kept Secret - 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By bozo - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I had not intended to purchase a Diamante until offered one from the dealer. I think, in the luxury sedan class, it is the best kept secret for having all the bells and whistles of much more expensive models like the 5 series BMW or the Lexus 300 series. It also has a great ride, handling, and "kick".

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  Trade for this SUV now! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Rolando Espejo - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The interest rate is what drew us into purchasing this. 3.9% APR Simple Interest loan for 72 months! But it is an awesome SUV with off- roading heritage not other makes can claim. It is made in Japan so assembly is tops. Very solid. No annoying creaks from vibrating parts. Very handsome looking.

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  KGs Galant - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By King George - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am happy with my Galant. The V6 is a sweet engine. Smooth with decent power. Too bad you cant get it with a manual. Its a good handler. I have realized that I should have bought the LS version since it would have been cheaper than going the aftermarket route for alloys and a decent stereo. This is my first Japanese car and I am impressed with its build quality and reliability. I have owned Volkswagens and American cars previously. Other than recalls, I have not had to take my Galant in for anything. It did have warped rotors and I have replaced them with Powerslot rotors and the brakes work fantastic.

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  Could be a great car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Sicilian - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The Diamante is a good car and could be a great car. A lot of noises from the rear suspension, old fashioned door design (no door frame) makes wind noise, low seating position, and most of all TERRIBLE RESALE VALUE!! This was a $28,000 plus car, barely worth half of the MSRP. Compare resale value to that of a Toyota Avalon or Nissan Maxima. Dont buy this car unless you want to keep it until the whels fall off. Mitubishi needs to either fix this car and eliminate on its poor image or PULL THE PLUG ! ! Barrcuda

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  no problems - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By liking it - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I got the car in 2000 and have not had any real problems except having to replace the battery, but that was expected after four years. If you keep up with maintenance, as you should, getting a mirage is a good idea, but the resale value is very low. Tighten your nuts and bolts every so often, can get a little creaky