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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  Hard to Eclipse an Eclipse - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bradleyc - October 30 - 4:43 am

  This is an all around fun GT car. No, its not a "sports car" like a Porsche, its a GT car like a Lancia or Alpha Romeo. The car has excellent pick up and good cornering. The car can be pushed much harder than most drivers realize. As such, early body roll halts at .7 Gs and then you can really feel the car dig in. The torque band is very broad, but if you push the revs a little bit (4200 RPMs) the car definitely takes off.

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  With Help...a Great Little Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tuner77 - October 29 - 4:13 pm

  I purchased my manual 2003 O-Z Lancer new in Dec. of 2002 and have 52,000 miles on it. The only problem I have noticed is a delay in staring in the summer months...due to the higher concentration of ethanol in the gas. It has no problems when driving, just starting. I put in NGK Iridium plugs a few months back and that seemed to have corrected that. If your not having the problem, I would not recommend those plugs, they are too expensive and the gain is minimal. Mostly though the car is a great everyday driver. Comfort-wise, its a very good deal for the money. Its performance is lacking, but with the help of the automotive aftermarket and a $1,000 investment, anyone with a tool set can remedy that.

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  excellent car overall - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By fruiz83039 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  the most comfortable suv i ever drove

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  Love At First Sight - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By GraceOKC - October 29 - 2:00 am

  My friends tease that I am the only person they know who goes in for an oil change and drives away in a new car. I couldnt help it, it was love at first sight. We first met last Christmas. The Endeavor was parked under a huge Christmas tree at a strip mall and after staring at it for over 15 minutes, I had to ask the owner about its performance. She was pleased and I was drooling. In keeping with the rules of infatuation, I got home and looked up all the info I could about the object of my affection. Almost 3 months later, I take my 1 year old car in for an oil change and drive home in my new Endeavor.

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  Best New mid-size SUV on the Market - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By C Wheeler - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Looks like a stallion, rides like a dream, handles effortlessly. This is my 3rd SUV, by far the best, puts Toyota to shame on the driving performance and feel. I highly recommend this SUV to anyone who wants comfort, style, and perfomance

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  Excellent SUV and Fun to Drive - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Angel F. Hernandez - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Since the day that My wife and I have purchase the Endveavor, we have been vaery happy. On my wife end, it is a SUV that we can afford with having all the comforts for a family. On my end, a reliable vehicle, safe for my family and responce just life a sport vehicle when needed, most of it my family is comfortable with plenty of room. Finally, an SUV with plenty interior room and performance.

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  The Best Coupe <$30,000 for Snowy Areas - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By imvho - October 29 - 1:53 am

  Id love a BMW Z4, Honda S2000, or Nissan 350Z, but since I live in a snowy, hilly region (and I have to get to work no matter the weather), the Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS has been a great choice. Ive owned it for almost 5 trouble-free years now, and have loved it. It got me up a steeeeeep, winding, thickly-snowed & untreated hill last winter (passing other, struggling cars), and on nice dry days it has plenty of muscle beneath the pedal when I need it (although the torque-steer took some getting used to). This car is also perfect for short people (like me): the "butt" part allows quite a bit of vertical movement, so you can sit much higher than in other sporty cars.

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  Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Patricia Gaul - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a sports car before, so it is hard to compare. I love the way it looks, though. It is not a family car so you cant criticize the small back seat. It handles very well and has lots of pick up for a 4 cyl. The gas mileage is also impressive.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By amy morris - October 26 - 8:26 am

  I bought the Endeavor because I needed a safe and reliable car for my family. I have two small children and this car is perfect. It has a hugh amount of space in the back (enough to fit my double jogger with room to spare), and has all the amenities a family car should have. Front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, DVD player, leather interior(which is great for those spills), it is so fun to drive and I really feel safe. I love this car!

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  Tremendous 2 or 4 drive option! - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By BobJ - October 25 - 9:43 pm

  The best thing about this car is the ability to drive in either 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive option. I live in the Northeast and I use the 4 wheel drive in bad weather. The rest of the year I will use the 2 wheel drive option--- I get about 30 mpg with this option. ALL THE SUVs should have this option.