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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  Days Geaux By - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Frank1963 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great little car to drive, no hassles, no problems thus far.

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  good deal for the $ - 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Steven G. Johnson - January 10 - 6:50 am

  peppy 4 cylinder, dealer added leather to the ES which we liked. Fun to drive and a good deal for the money. We traded a 2003 eclipse 5 speed and this car is quicker

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  Not bad! - 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By not bad! - January 9 - 3:46 pm

  I just purchased a 2008 outlander in staten island i like it. Pickup from a stop isnt great but once going you forget how fast youre going. When I pass on a highway, I have to almost put the pedal to the floor but its ok.

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  The Best Car I Ever Had - 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Drag Mos - January 9 - 2:27 pm

  It is a amazing what this car offer you for a less money. Pure luxury. Brown color with beige leather inside. Power everything. Many, many features that you can just dream about. My favorite : 7.0" Smartphone LDAS with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, FAST-kay, Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, Amazing 710 w Rockford Costs Audio System, Power Glass Sunroof, Power Remote Liftgate, Windshield Wiper De-icer...... Excellent driving performance, the best AWD system, the best safety features. I really enjoy driving this car. The best varanty in car industry gives you peace of mind....

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  THE BEST THERE IS - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By BRUCE - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWED MY LANCER 11 MONTHS. I HAD BEEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW VEHICLE FOR A FEW MONTHS. I HAD BEEN EVERYWHERE CHRYSLER, JEEP, VW, EVEN FORD. BUT WHEN I SAW THAT CAR SITTING ON THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SITE. I TEST DROVE IT AND THAT IS ALL IT TOOK I HAD TO HAVE THAT CAR. EVER SINCE IT HAS BEEN THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER HAD. I HAVE HAD A CHEVY, DODGE, JEEP, AND A VW AND THERE IS NO COMPARISON THIS CAR IS SO GREAT. IT HAS EVERYTHING I WANTED AND THE PRICE I WAS SO SHOCKED THAT IT WAS SO CHEAP. I AM SO HAPPY WITH MY CAR THAT SOMETIMES I JUST LIKE TO GET IN IT AND DRIVE FOR THE FUN OF IT.

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  THE BEST THERE IS - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bruce - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWED MY LANCER 11 MONTHS. I HAD BEEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW VEHICLE FOR A FEW MONTHS. I HAD BEEN EVERYWHERE CHRYSLER, JEEP, VW, EVEN FORD. BUT WHEN I SAW THAT CAR SITTING ON THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SITE. I TEST DROVE IT AND THAT IS ALL IT TOOK I HAD TO HAVE THAT CAR. EVER SINCE IT HAS BEEN THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER HAD. I HAVE HAD A CHEVY, DODGE, JEEP, AND A VW AND THERE IS NO COMPARISON THIS CAR IS SO GREAT. IT HAS EVERYTHING I WANTED AND THE PRICE I WAS SO SHOCKED THAT IT WAS SO CHEAP. I AM SO HAPPY WITH MY CAR THAT SOMETIMES I JUST LIKE TO GET IN IT AND DRIVE FOR THE FUN OF IT.

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  Buy It! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By clk_dlk - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt my first choice of car but after test driving the Celica, VW GTI V6, and the Mitsu, the Mitsu won hands down. Long drives are no problem and gas milage seems high for a car like this, but no complaints on that! Seems a little sluggish in the lower speeds but watch out or youll be hitting 85 and not know it. Biggest problem is getting any after market items. Mitsubishi has that area cornered for now.

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  First Time Like it. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fawad Q - January 8 - 1:50 am

  Well i went to buy a Tibron but end up with 07 Eclipse, Nice Car, First time own a 2dr. Sport like car. Its not really a Sports car but its act like it. Sound System, design, Wheels, All around is good car. I did some long trips and very comfortable. It has more room then TC, Tibron for back seats, and really its an Head turner. I bought in 4 cyl. wish bought it in 6 cyl. and 6 speed Manual. Next Time. So if you like style Modifications Oh yes! Forget about Honda, Toyota, Get this one with 10 years of warranty... wowo... see you around.

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  Good contender - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By yubilo - January 7 - 10:13 am

  This is my first Mitsu. IÂ’ve been driving it for about 2 months now in summer weather on both city and highway. IÂ’m combining about 25 MPG on 91 octane gas, which I think is great due to the elements. The car feels sturdy and 2.4 MIVEC engine picks up well on sportronic mode. It has a roomy interior and comfortable front and back seats. The controls are well laid out for easy access on the go. It comes with high performance all season tires which comes handy on the east coast changing seasons. This car is great buy! Everything sums up to a comfortable, reliable, spacious, sporty fun vehicle to drive. I would recommended this vehicle to a small to mid size family looking for a 4 door sedan.

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  280+K It just works and works - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By EP - January 7 - 8:59 am

  Find reliable independant service shop for seals and timing belt service. Dealer in BR is worse than terrible!