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Mitsubishi History
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Technically, the first Mitsubishi car was sold in the United States was in 1971. Thanks to a partnership with Chrysler, the Mitsubishi Colt was shipped to and sold in America, though the car was rebadged as a Dodge. It would be another 11 years before Mitsubishi Motor Sales America was formed (since changed to Mitsubishi Motors North America), and a collection of dealers filled their lots with cars carrying the manufacturer's name.
That initial introduction focused on the Mitsubishi Tredia, the Mitsubishi Cordia, and the Mitsubishi Starion (also sold as the Chrysler and Dodge Conquest). These were followed by the Mitsubishi Eclipse, a hatchback that drew admiration not only for its style but also its available turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. The trusty Mitsubishi Colt served as the predecessor to the Mitsubishi Mirage, which was available in sedan and coupe forms. That entry-level slot was eventually taken over by the Mitsubishi Lancer, a small sedan that has served as the backbone of the world renowned Mitsubishi Evo. Filling the voids for larger sedans have been the Mitsubishi Galant and the more luxurious Mitsubishi Diamante. Like the Evo, the Galant has worked to satisfy enthusiasts over the years, namely via the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and the more recent Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart. However, no version of that sedan could hold a candle to the company's most exotic car to date, the Mitsubishi 3000GT. Sold throughout the 1990s, the 3000GT was available in trims to attract all types of drivers, from the plain-Jane base variant to the twin-turbocharged VR-4.
As thrilling as that particular Mitsubishi car was, it wasn't very practical. Shoppers looking for a bit of utility have had a number of options from which to choose over the years, including the Mitsubishi Montero (also known as the Mitsubishi Pajero), the not-so-small Mitsubishi Outlander, and the mid-size Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV. Pickup trucks have been occasional members of the family (remember the Mighty Max?), with the Dodge Dakota-based Mitsubishi Raider representing the most recent attempt.
Looking forward, expect Mitsubishi to realign itself around small cars and efficient powertrains. Ill-fated projects like the Raider will be passed over for more promising ideas, like those tied to the company's electric car initiatives. Those investments are highlighted by the Mitsubishi i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) concept vehicle, which travels up to 80 miles-per-hour and about 100 miles before requiring a full recharge.
That initial introduction focused on the Mitsubishi Tredia, the Mitsubishi Cordia, and the Mitsubishi Starion (also sold as the Chrysler and Dodge Conquest). These were followed by the Mitsubishi Eclipse, a hatchback that drew admiration not only for its style but also its available turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. The trusty Mitsubishi Colt served as the predecessor to the Mitsubishi Mirage, which was available in sedan and coupe forms. That entry-level slot was eventually taken over by the Mitsubishi Lancer, a small sedan that has served as the backbone of the world renowned Mitsubishi Evo. Filling the voids for larger sedans have been the Mitsubishi Galant and the more luxurious Mitsubishi Diamante. Like the Evo, the Galant has worked to satisfy enthusiasts over the years, namely via the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and the more recent Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart. However, no version of that sedan could hold a candle to the company's most exotic car to date, the Mitsubishi 3000GT. Sold throughout the 1990s, the 3000GT was available in trims to attract all types of drivers, from the plain-Jane base variant to the twin-turbocharged VR-4.
As thrilling as that particular Mitsubishi car was, it wasn't very practical. Shoppers looking for a bit of utility have had a number of options from which to choose over the years, including the Mitsubishi Montero (also known as the Mitsubishi Pajero), the not-so-small Mitsubishi Outlander, and the mid-size Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV. Pickup trucks have been occasional members of the family (remember the Mighty Max?), with the Dodge Dakota-based Mitsubishi Raider representing the most recent attempt.
Looking forward, expect Mitsubishi to realign itself around small cars and efficient powertrains. Ill-fated projects like the Raider will be passed over for more promising ideas, like those tied to the company's electric car initiatives. Those investments are highlighted by the Mitsubishi i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) concept vehicle, which travels up to 80 miles-per-hour and about 100 miles before requiring a full recharge.
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