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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  Cute SUV - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By shopnbarefoot - February 3 - 11:33 pm

  The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is great for a young, smaller family. Its very cute, functional and drives nicely. Its only limitation is the lack of backseat room for people 5 feet or taller. The cargo space exceeded everything I ever needed with 3 growing boys. Did I say it is so cute?!

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  1996 Galant S - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Matty - February 2 - 10:00 am

  It has been very fun driving it and i cant wait to begin fixing it up.

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  1996 Galant S - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By matty - February 2 - 10:00 am

  It has been very fun driving it and i cant wait to begin fixing it up.

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  Love my sport - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jayson - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Have a 2000 Sport Limited and love the car. I had after market heated leather seats put in and they are great. Have not had a single performance issue. I tow a 3000 pound boat with a 1300 pound trailer with no problem. Only issue is that it is black and hard to keep clean, but that is black cars for you!!

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  Love my sport - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By jayson - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Have a 2000 Sport Limited and love the car. I had after market heated leather seats put in and they are great. Have not had a single performance issue. I tow a 3000 pound boat with a 1300 pound trailer with no problem. Only issue is that it is black and hard to keep clean, but that is black cars for you!!

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  I love my lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Keron - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a great car. I drives great. And has very good pickup.. I would recnmmend this car to any one that wants a reasonablly priced new car.

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  Mitsu - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By robin m - February 2 - 7:36 am

  Although the critics seem to dislike this car I not say enough about it. Handles the road really well and is extremely comfortable to drive. It may not go from zero to 60 in three seconds but overall it has pretty good pick up and is fun to drive. Cant wait for it to snow so I can test out the AWD

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  So Far So Good, Could Be Better #MyOutlander - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By bigbossman05 - February 2 - 7:17 am

  I got the outlander earlier this year, I could say I love it, but I do have a few concerns, I sometimes smell burnt rubber after driving long ways, the CVT could have a better response, seems a bit on the sluggish side, but everything else I love about my outlander, the Bluetooth system, maintenance I practically do it myself, Im going to be taking it on my first road trip soOn, I wonder how its going to treat me on the highway.

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  Make Some Heads Turn... - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By TXHillCoutryFamily - January 30 - 5:50 am

  This is a fun ride. Its not to big, not to small, and really eye catching. Nope its not a RAV4, not a Lexus, guess again...it has a clean design inside and out, with great handling and zip. My wife and I fight to drive it. The Outlander has great overall features for the price.

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  Great car - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dipesh roka - January 29 - 12:36 pm

  I have xls 07 outlander and am very satisfied with this truck. I used to have used car. Every time I had to go long drive I would worry about that car. Now I have this car and have no fear to long drives. I been many places using this outlander, its great car in my opinion this SUV is much more better than Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV.