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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  2000 Eclipse GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jose Rosado - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any of the problems other people seem to be having with this car. I own one of the earlier 2000 models with 205 horses instead of 200 and a different manifold and exhaust (all factory) but strangely enough the engine seems to actually have more power now than when I bought it. This car does everything very well. Handling is good (not stellar), comfort is very good for this or any other type of car as long as you only carry two people, and the engine is the smoothest V6 Ive ever driven in my life. I havent had any mechanical problems except for a power window switch that was repaired under warranty.

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  Kevins Review - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mcstout - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, but too much road noise. The number of recalls is concerning forma reliabilty standpoint.

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  Not so cheap, but cheerful - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GCW - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A great drive,always reliable (so far!). Good interior, feel, and stable handling and handles well over irregular surfaces. Had no trouble with internal electrics. I do a 75 mile daily commute and this car makes it feels really worth it - accompanied, of course, by a good quality sound system.

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  Monty - 2000 Mitsubishi Montero
  By dougstump - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Montero Ive owned. No major incidents to write of. Just usual maintenance.

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  Still evaluating - 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By Railroadman - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Weve only had this car about a week,so this evaluation is still on-going. My wife and I love the confort and handling of this beautiful automobile. We bought the LS with all the options. Stay tuned for further update as we experience hopefully a Luxury car ride and performance at a reasonable cost.

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  An excellent deal! - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By khpark - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I am reaching 40k miles on my 2000 Mitsubishi Galant ES-V6 with premium package. Ive never had any problems and I love driving my Galant! Great power, Excellent handling, and I love the way it looks. Sure, Accord or Camry may be good too, but they are BORING and more expensive!!! Why spend more money on those when you can get everything out of Galant! I have never regretted buying my Galant and its been 2 and half years since I bought it!

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  wimpy car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tommy - December 25 - 2:00 am

  the previous model has more fun and power than this Eclipse. Totally boring

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero
  By DP - December 24 - 5:13 pm

  We bought our 2001 Mitsubishi Montero to be a versitile vehicle to haul stuff, in all weather and on all surfaces. So far it has not let us down we have been through snow and ice and have towed a trailer all with ease.

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  Best car for the price - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By realtechie - December 24 - 10:56 am

  I have never had a car that has gone a whole year without a single problem, like my Mitsubishi Galant. I also have never put 30,000 miles on a car in a single year. This car has taken a beating and not once has it complained. I bought this car used reading 9,000 miles for only $15,000. It now has 40,000 miles on it. I also have one word of advice to all the people that write reviews on here, dont write a negative comment if you are the one who doesnt maintain your car properly!

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  best mitsubishi ever - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By new jersey - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I researched and test drove many of the compitition ...Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Mazda Tribute, Suzuki XL7, Nissan XTerra & Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe ...this was definitly the most appealing and attractive one to me. I definitly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an affordable Compact Suv(although theres notting comact about it).