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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  Fun and economic! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By OZZY Blake - June 14 - 10:00 am

  We just barely picked up our OZ and we love it. It is fun to drive, looks great, and gets great mileage! The clutch is very nice and extremely easy (a plus for someone with bad knees). It has lots of room inside, both front and rear and the rear is loaded with safety features built in for child seats! This is by far the best deal in its class. Its quick, very smooth and quiet, sporty handling, and an economical family car! If you want a sporty car, you got it. If you want rally design, you got it. And if you want an economical car, you got it! All for a great price.

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  Kickin - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Ralliart - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Galant VR-4. Its a blast to see the looks on the drivers that you can keep up with driving their IS 300, 3.2CL type S, Camaro Z28, etc while shifting with a automatic transmission. Plus Ive got 4WD.

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  My new 07 Outlander - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By rcpax - June 12 - 9:23 pm

  This SUV has everything I can ask for, and much more. The engine gives a good response, the handling is superb, and the tech toys are abundant. this truck is way more than I would imagine for the price. The overall package for the price cannot be beaten by any competitor. The Outlander has all the qualities I could want for an SUV.

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  The OZ is pretty OK - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sr71 - June 11 - 1:13 pm

  Fun car to drive at a good price. But this car just lacks the power to back up its looks. And the tires that it comes with are about a sticky as wet ice. The front end needs a strut bar as it does have some flex, and higher rate springs and dampers are needed. And the air box needs to be replaced, the poor thing is starving for air. Great 3rd or 4th car. Tops for kids a lot of show but very, very little go.

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  BEST RIDE MITSUBISH ENDEAVOR - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By L. Harrell - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I USE IT FOR MY COMPANY SO FAR I HAVENT HAD THE FIRST PROBLEM. I LIKE THE WAY IT DRIVES, RIDES ITS A NICE VEHICLE. ALSO WHEN I AM OFF ROAD CHECKING JOBS, SOMETIME I AM IN SUGAR SAND HERE IN FLORIDA. IT REALLY PULLS THAT IS ONE REASON I GOT AWD. FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER DROVE A MITSUBISH MY COMPANY HAS FORDS, CHEV. WHEN TIME COMES TO TRADE THIS ONE IN IT WILL BE A ENDEAVOR AGAIN.

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  Mits - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Willyorca - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice vehicle, dont get me wrong, but dont go from a full size V8 SUV to this . I miss the power of my old vehicle although I love the styling- and radio-in this one. Very upset by the crummy gas mileage-the big V8 Chevy did better.

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  A hidden gem - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Sid L - June 10 - 7:03 pm

  First off - I have never reviewed a car on edmunds before but I want buyers to do justice to this car before coming to any conclusions based on the edmunds expert review. This is not a luxury car but gives a near luxury feel based on features provided. Safety test results are at the top most tier - IIHS top pick + also A sub 30K car that gives you forward collision warning , lane departure warning amongst other features is a no brainier. Most Japanese and German cars have this only on highest end models that are easily 40-45k plus. Mitsubishi has a best in class warranty. A practical 7 seater with excellent mileage & sufficient acceleration.

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  New 04 Galant - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By TaxTrader04 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I got the chance to test drive what will now become my next car. I was blown away in the advance that Mitsu made from the 03(which my mother has) to this Galant. I drove the ES 4cyl with the diamond package. As with the previous Galant, the car will do 85 without much effort or you noticing. The interior is roomy and extremly well built. Looks from the inside to be twice to three times as expensive as it is. The Diamond Package is an amazing deal.

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  The best Sport Compact 4 door yet - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliart7 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is frankly the best bang-for-your-buck in the sport compact market. For $15,600 (standard equiptment), there is simply no other car in its class(Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Honda Civic Si, Ford Focus SVT) that had the quality, performance, value, fun to drive factor, overall. Plus, it runs on regular gas, a savings of about 20 cents a gallon at every fillup.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TraciParris - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I went to the Mitsubishi dealer to look at the Outlander, but I saw the Endeavor in the showroom. After one peak inside, I had no interest in the Outlander. I took the Endeavor for a drive and fell in love with it. It is definitely a luxury vehicle. I am spoiled now.