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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  Coupe Review - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Cody Paul - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Great Car

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  Better car than value shows - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Lumpy Mullet - December 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned a 2000 for almost 2 years and find it to be an excellent car. Only negative is resale value.

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  Cant Go Wrong! - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By WorldBeFree321 - December 7 - 11:36 am

  When I found out that Mits was bringing back the truck I was ecstatic. I have had mine for 9 months and I love everything about it. The Handling is awesome especially on curves. When I drive it if feels like a truck but it has the comfort of a car. The stereo system is among the best for standard equipment, mine came with free satellite radio for a year. The manufactures warranty is also among the best in the market. My kids and I love the room inside the double cab. We have taken it to the coast several times and have has lost of fun. The only thing I would trade is the MPG but hey, itÂ’s a truck. If you are thinking about getting a truck take a look at the Raider.

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  Its a good car - 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By carlover_zf - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I cant figure out why people dont like it. Its reliable and crisp to drive. Its good looking. I just LOVE it.

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  Form over substance - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By barrow - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I do quite a bit of renting (for business) and therefore get a chance to try out quite a few cars. I was quite excited when I saw this car available. It is quite attractive. The shiftable automatic was quite fun at first. But after the novelty wore off, I pretty much just stuck to the automatic mode. The 4 cylinder model was not very quick. The quality of the car also left something to be desired... as both latches for the trunk cover broke after only a couple week. The ergonomic also was not a high point. Conclusion: if you want a sexy car for not a lot of money, this is it. If you want a reliable everyday car, look to something else.

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  Lancer OZ rocks! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Fly-OZ - December 7 - 2:00 am

  My OZ moves pretty fast. I can take corners in excess of 40 mph and the car is very stable. For the amount of money and the deal I got from Mitsubishi, I have no complaints about this car. So, if youre looking for an inexpensive and fun car to drive or race, definitely pick the Lancer-OZ. If you want to learn more about the Lancers, visit the Lancer forums.

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  LANCER - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By WOGKING4U - December 7 - 2:00 am

  GREAT

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  Nice Ride, Satisfied!! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By jac48 - December 6 - 7:34 am

  Bought the car a little over a month ago and now have 1200 miles on it. I really like the new design, the fact that it comes standard with 3 rows of seats. The interior isnt flashy but it doesnt seem like cheap plastic either. I like the touch screen radio, backup cam, 18 inch wheels, heated seats, integrated blue tooth, fog lights ect. and all the other options for the price over competing SUVs. I was really considering the Subaru Forester, but the price and the 3rd row of seats sealed the deal. The factory Warranty is by far better. Ive owned an 02 Lancer, an 03 Eclipse and never had any trouble with either. Getting about 25MPG, which is a little lower than I was hoping.

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  Superb Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Mngoodtimes - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration for a 4- banger. Wish the MPG were a bit better, have been averaging 22 miles with combo driving. Its been freezing here in MN so Im hoping the MPG will tick up a bit in the spring/summer. Drivers seat is very comfortable and has great leg room (Im 61, 220 lbs). Rear leg room space is great but the seats are a bit low. My 10 yr old has starting using her booster seat again in order to see out the window better. Purchased new, the 2009 Galant ES was $22K. I purchased mine a couple weeks ago with 49k miles for $9991...not too shabby!!!

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  first 300 miles - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Stan - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the car is nice. It is relatively quiet (except for acceleration) and comfortable. Gas mileage is lower than it is advertised. On average it has been 18 mpg in the city and 21-22 mpg on highway. Mitsubishi dealership experience was so-so.