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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  CR Magazine Rating is Questionable! - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By du sais - March 22 - 4:53 am

  Ive been a subscriber of this magazine and I have been pretty much dependent on their evaluation when purchasing stuff, until I purchased my Montero Sport. The reason for this purhase - I got a very good deal, cheap considering that its a limited 4x4 . Being aware that this vehicle is considered poor in their rating, I was surprised when I happened to drive it. It looks like the CR ratings are backwards. We have five adults in our household and in our garage theres an 02 Honda CR-V, 01 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (which I drove most of the time before the MT Sport), &and a 04 Toyota Sienna XLS AWD. I find the MT Sport much better in acceleration and cornering than my 4Runner. Also, its ride is far better than car based CR-Vs. I have had no recalls or trouble with my Mitsubishi yet.

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  The Best Truck Ever! - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By krilugo - March 21 - 1:43 am

  I bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLS on 01/2002 with 9 miles on it (what it took to drive it from the dealership to the gas station and back because they gave it to me full of gas!) I live in Tampa and have family and friends all over south florida that I visit all the time... this car has 60,000 milles on it now including off road miles (mud and beach baby) and I have never had to take it to the mechanic! I have never tried to hit the switch and have it not start, it has never left me in the stranded...not even for gas.

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  My New Outlander - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Linus - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I would have given this car a perfect "10" but for two things: 1. I wish it came in a V6 option. 2. I wish it had XM satellite radio as an option. Otherwise, this car is perfect in every way (OK, maybe Im exaggerating, but I really love this car).

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  Will keep for 10 years - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By CS - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable ride, good cd/cassette stereo, sunroof. Its just a good looking car and not one that everyone has.

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  Will keep for 10 years - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By cs - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable ride, good cd/cassette stereo, sunroof. Its just a good looking car and not one that everyone has.

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  sporty little ride - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By mmetz242@gmail.com - March 18 - 4:17 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle from Goldstein Auto Albany and its a great little ride, excellent on gas and great size to, room enough for a small family and also room for the groceries in the back cargo area and easy to get to. I have heard these vehicles are great in the snow , so im looking forward to not getting stuck in the snow this winter.

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  Great Alternative to Keeping up with the Jones - 2006 Mitsubishi Galant
  By jkbolson - March 16 - 1:53 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Galant ES is a really a great vehicle. The 4-cylinder engine has more power than some of the other cars we have ever owned. I am really glad not to see too many in our area. I truly love being unique.

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  I Love It - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Happy owner - March 15 - 8:13 am

  I wanted a small crossover SUV. My requirements were: engine on the stronger side, full safety equipment, including side airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Research this online, this is of utmost importance and will be mandatory starting in 2012. The RAV4 engine is a bit stronger but cost more and you get fewer features. I didnt like anything about the CR-V, not to mention the looks and the small engine. The Mazda CX-7 costs more and looks too much like a minivan. If it was only looks Id take the Xterra, but it has the finesse of a truck (its not a crossover). Jeep and the other American small SUVs that I looked at didnt have ESC. The Outlander has more than any other vehicle I looked at.

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  Just got it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rolwesj - March 11 - 10:26 am

  I have been researching this car for about a month now and just purchased it yesterday. I expected a car that would be fun to drive (and it is), but I was pleasantly suprised at all of the safety advancements made such as a 6 airbag system, advanced frame design intended to absorb most of the shock in an impact, etc.. Ergonomically, sitting in the drivers seat is like sitting in a cockpit of a fighter jet (very comfortable and the car seems built around you). The ice blue backlighting for the instruments looks VERY cool especially at night! I would recommend staying away from the base model, as most of the really cool things are only on the GT with the acc. packages.

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  Best car Purchase I have ever made!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By breamom - March 10 - 10:51 pm

  I bought my 2004 Outlander brand new. I dont usually buy new cars and I was a devout VW person. I bought the Outlander because I was starting a new business, needed a car and I didnt want to be distracted by used car pailings. so I bought the cheapest new car I could find. I spent all of $15,000. I have NEVER had anything go wrong with this car. I have only spent money on brakes, oil changes and tires. The cost of ownership has been spectacular. I will never buy a German car again, too pricey to repair and even for regular maintenance.