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:
Showing 931 through 940 of 4,714.00-
Great Car - 1999 Mitsubishi Galant
By G4 - March 27 - 5:43 amIve owned my Galant for 2 years now, no problems except a hose that broke and the ever troublesome glove box latch. My glove box would fly open going over bumps or pot holes in the road! It only cost us $25 for the part to replace it though. Brakes are great except they squeak all the time. Fun car to drive in the summer, not good in the snow/ice at all. Very reliable, but mine is a V6 and the gas gauge drops pretty quick and the manual says to give it premium fuel, ouch! We were thinking about trading it in but just couldnt give it up because its such a reliable car that has a great body design and looks good even 10 years later.
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It is a fun truck to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Chris Holder - March 26 - 2:00 amThe biggest drawback is I drive everyday on The Baltimore Beltway I need more power to get up to speed. Once up to speed and hopefully not getting run over, this truck is quick and very responsive. The braking is very good and the handling in wet or slick driving conditions is great. The consumer reports say that the cargo area is the smallest in the class. I can put four fat guys and all their golf bags in the truck. So much for little to no space
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Great SUV! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
By gabby - March 25 - 6:53 pmI have had my Endeavor for 4 years now and have 115,000 miles on it. It has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It still rides very nice and I have not had any major mechanical issues. One problem with struts right after I purchased it, but that is all. I cant recommend a vehicle more for reliability and good looks!
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Too bad for the paint job - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By bpd295 - March 24 - 11:43 pmAfter owning the vehicle for six months, the paint in the rear quarter panels is chipping by the rear doors. I took this to the dealer and they nearly laughed at me. The service manager encouraged me to file a fraudulent insurance claim to so that they could get compensated and repaint the vehicle for me. Body shop people stated that this is a design flaw and a lot of Lancers are having this problem. I was actually told to just budget for body work every year. Such a shame because I love the car otherwise.
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Top of its class - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Kevin - March 21 - 7:50 pmThis is the first new car I have ever owned. I have to say Im very happy. The engine is a great balance between performance and efficiency, the 5 speed is smooth, good brakes, and is LOADED with features. I have an ES with the sun and sound and sport package. I wanted a GTS, but got a good deal, it has everything but the 18" rims and the 2.4L. The interior is minimal, yet attractive and roomy. I love the stereo and steering wheel controls. No other car in its class can compare. I drove an 09 Corolla, for the same price it had 15" hubcaps! And the transmission sucked as it was slooooow. This car is beautiful and has a great warranty. I cant recommend this car enough.
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Good value for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
By mljkrjpwj - March 19 - 2:00 amBought this vehicle used with 25000 miles. Have had no major problems. The ride is rougher than other mid- size SUVs. Had to replace tires at 35000 miles. When vehicle is cold the transmission feels as if it has difficulty shifting from 1st into 2nd and 2nd into 3rd.
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Unhappy consumer - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Unhappy comsumer - March 12 - 10:00 amNot long after I purchased the vehicle, I noticed that 5th gear, my window, my brakes, and my a/c were giving me problems. I took my car back to the dealer where they repaired fifth gear, my window, and attempted to eliminate the awful smell from the a/c. After receiving my car back, 2nd gear began to grind and I noticed my cigarette lighter was defective. So I returned the car to again have them work with the transmission, to clean the a/c, and replace the cigarette lighter. The dealer repaired the a/c, the lighter, but said they could not confirm the problem with 2nd gear. Ive now been back 2 more times and am currently seeking an attorney.
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Reliable as the sun coming up in the morning - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Gary Bovee - March 12 - 9:58 amIN 9 years no repairs except brakes. Fast and reliable
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321,000 and still going - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
By nmcgahee - March 8 - 12:17 amMy little Mitzi (After 200,000, they need a name) just turned 321,000 miles with only a radiator replacement at 200,000. I love this car. I just wish Mitsubishi still made them because I know she cant last forever. Biggest problem now will be finding parts when they are needed.
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Reliable for the Price - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
By 2000 Montero sport - March 7 - 12:00 amWe have put over 95,000 on our vehicle since we purchased it. To date, we have not had to replace or repair any major components and it has been extremely reliable. I have found that general maintenance at times tends to be expensive. To replace and access problems requires many labor hours. Its resale values are appear to be low, which is great for buyers but bad for sellers.
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