Mitsubishi 3000GT 1994-99

     This is Mitsubishi's version of a muscle car, and it is similar in appearance to a Camaro or Firebird.  It is a very quick machine, with 0-100 kph (Com Mov 139) acceleration in 5.6 seconds; yet, it is a also a stable and maneuverable car, able to take very tight, high speed turns and more unorthodox maneuvers easily.  The 3000GT is so stable and has a ride so quiet and smooth that it can become difficult to tell how fast you're going without looking at the speedometer.  The 3000GT has steering that is a little sloppy, however, perhaps too over-assisted, and is very fuel-hungry.  The 3000GT is very low-slung, which makes it difficult to get in and out of.  The back seat is mainly for show or cargo stowing; no one larger than an older child will feel comfortable back there. 

Mitsubishi Diamante 1992-96

     This sports sedan was targeted at a buyer who wants a lot of gadgets and gizmos.  It features a powerful 6-cylinder engine and power or electronic almost everything, including ignition, fuel injection, carburetion, windows, locks, steering, brakes, etc. -- almost every gee-whiz thing you can think of, such as a temperature sensor that automatically turns on the air conditioning or heating, a ventilation system for parking on hot summer days, operator-controlled traction, cruise control, and other such things.  This leads to the two biggest complaints about the Diamante, the price and the sheer number of buttons and knobs on the dash and steering wheel to master.  Fuel economy is not the best, and handling, ride, and acceleration are described as adequate, but not spectacular.  The interior is spacious, even in back, as is the trunk.  This vehicle, of course, was available only in an automatic transmission version.

Mitsubishi Diamante 1997-05

     This version of the Diamante brings a somewhat more rounded, more aerodynamic shape to the vehicle, and a slightly more powerful engine that is also a smidgeon less fuel-efficient than the previous iteration’s 202-horsepower engine.  It also has a slightly larger, yet lighter frame.  It otherwise retains the gee-whiz accouterments of the earlier Diamante, with a few more that were developed in between the two models. 

Mitsubishi Eclipse 1990-94

     Related to the Eagle Talon of the same period, the Eclipse is a car that performs admirably with manual transmission, but does not have enough low-speed torque to do well with an automatic transmission.  The base 4-cylinder engine is a good choice only for the most budget-minded, but there are two more powerful engines that yield better performance.  The GS Turbo (using the 195-horsepower turbocharged engine) is a front-wheel drive version that suffers from a great deal of torque steer, especially at high speeds or in high-power maneuvers; the GSX version has all-wheel drive that spreads the power of that engine evenly between the wheels, eliminating the torque steer.  The GSX also is the best handling of the Eclipses, though all versions have excellent handling, and the GSX version also has antilock brakes.  Interior dimensions are tight, and the rear seat is best suited for the family pet. 

Mitsubishi Eclipse 1995-99

     Earlier versions of the Eclipse were essentially clones of the Eagle Talon, but this newer version is redesigned enough to be considered a new vehicle.  All engines supplied are relatively quiet, even when pressed, but only the turbocharged engine delivers truly great performance, the other two engines (140 and 141 horsepower) being rather weak for a sports coupe.  With the automatic transmission, performance is even weaker for accelerating and passing, but with the turbocharged engine, this is not a great problem.  Unfortunately, the turbocharged engine does suffer from "turbo lag," where the gas pedal is pressed, and the power delivered up to a half a second later.  All Eclipses are nimble, with good road grip and feel, and accurate steering.  However, the ride can get a bit rough, especially on bumpy or wavy roads, and wind and tire noise can get a bit loud; in addition, convertibles suffer from shakiness and body flex.  The front seats are roomy except in headroom, but the back seats are best suited for pre-teens.  Trunk space is good, but there is a high lip to lift cargo over.  Some later models have a high spoiler that can restrict rear vision.

Mitsubishi Galant 1994-98

     This is a normal sort of 4-door sedan, comparable to other cars in its class by other manufacturers, but perhaps with an edge in quality of construction.  It sold very well in the Far East, North America, and Latin America, and in fact, the main factory for construction of the Galant was located in the United States rather than Japan.  Though the Galant is powered by one of three 4-cylinder engines, these engines are high powered for 4-cylinder engines and give the Galant good performance and good gas mileage.  The automatic transmission is matched well to these engines and shifting is smooth.  The ride is likewise smooth, and handling is stable at all but the highest speeds.  The front seats are firm and comfortable, and legroom and headroom in front ample.  However, room and seats in the rear are not nearly as good, with legroom and headroom restricted and the seat a bit narrow.  The dashboard is easily readable, and controls ergonomically placed, even the stereo controls, which is not normal for a Mitsubishi vehicle.

Mitsubishi Mighty Max 1992-96

     This is Mitsubishi's pickup truck.  The design has not changed much since the mid-1980s, and it has been surpassed both in power and amenities by newer designs.  It is a compact pickup, and load carrying ability and towing ability are not great.  However, the Mighty Max handles well and has a good ride quality.  The Mighty Max is generally a poor choice as a work truck, but for doing things like hauling furniture around town, it is a good choice at a good price.  Towing capacity is 1.59 tons.

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Mitsubishi Mirage 1993-96

     This is a cheap but reliable subcompact.  As might be expected from a vehicle of its class, the engines are low power, but the Mirage is also light, which somewhat mitigates the effect of the low-power engines.  When equipped with automatic transmission, performance suffers even more.  The interior favors the front seats, with rear-seat space scant and better suited to children and younger adolescents.  The option package is average, and the ride comfortable on most surfaces.  The Mirage is a nimble vehicle with good cornering and capable of some more unorthodox maneuvers.  However, if the Mirage driven is not equipped with power steering, driving the car can get a bit difficult for weaker drivers.  The trunk is large for a car of its size, and the opening is at bumper level and easy to load. 

Mitsubishi Mirage 1997-00

     This is a Mirage redesigned primarily in the options and comfort areas.  The 1997 Mirage is somewhat heavier than the earlier Mirages, but uses the same power engines, so performance suffers a bit.  The newer Mirage is an unusually easy car to drive, with very efficient power steering and brakes with excellent road feel.  The seats are much more comfortable, with headroom and legroom both improved (though adults still might not feel comfortable in the back seat, especially in the coupe).  Ride, handling, and braking are all improved over the earlier models.  Tire noise can be a problem.  The automatic transmission shifts more smoothly and is more responsive, but is still not the best match for the engines provided.  As an option, folding rear seats may be installed to increase room for large cargoes. 

Mitsubishi Montero 1992-00

     Mitsubishi's entry into the SUV market, the Montero is a good performer except with the lowest-powered engine.  The Montero is very carlike in its option package and ride, and handling is fairly stable, but with noticeable body lean in turns. The automatic transmission does not handle steep hills well, busily shifting back and forth during the entire climb.  Fuel economy is on the low side, especially with the higher-power engines.  The dashboard is well laid out and easy to read, but is a bit crowded with gimmicks, such as the Multi-Meter.  Controls are ergonomically placed.  The interior is roomy, but the high suspension makes the vehicle difficult to climb into for children, the elderly, and the handicapped or injured.  The rear seat rows can be folded against the sidewalls for larger cargoes.  Towing capacity is 1.73 tons with the 151-horsepower engine, 1.87 tons with the 177-horsepower engine, and 2.27 tons with either the 200 or 215-horsepower engines.

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport 1997-00

     This is a smaller, lighter, and more highly powered version of the Montero that arrived in US dealerships early in 1996.  Unfortunately, driving the Montero Sport requires a heavy foot, and gas mileage suffers.  The Montero Sport has a stiff but lively suspension, and handling is excellent.   It is more stable than a standard Montero, but body lean is still noticeable.  Headroom is somewhat limited for the tall, and the engines installed can get a bit noisy.  Towing is 1.79 tons with the I-4, 2 tons with the 188 hp V-6, and 2.19 tons with the 228-horsepower engine.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Arriving in US dealerships a little less than a year before the November Nuclear Strikes, the Montero Sport’s combination of performance and options led to good sales despite the short time period it was sold. It was also manufactured in Japan for about 2 years after November 1997, and often used by higher-level command and staff elements in the Japanese military.

Mitsubishi Precis 1987-93

     One of Mitsubishi's first cars on the US market, the Precis is arguably also its worst car. It resembles a Hyundai Excel of that time period, but in stripped-down form, with only the minimum of accessories.  It never had antilock brakes or airbags, and had door-mounted seatbelts and a knee bolster instead of a lap belt.  Only the 68-horsepower I-4 is available on the Precis, with only a 3-door hatchback body. The Precis is especially dangerous in an accident where the front door springs open; the occupant can be easily thrown out of the car.  The Precis may be light, but its engine is still underpowered for propelling it, and acceleration and passing power are lousy.  Unlike most subcompact cars, handling is also sloppy, and steering imprecise.  The seats are of poor quality and construction, and are uncomfortable for long trips.  The rear seat is doubly uncomfortable, being narrow and without much legroom.  If you want a cheap car, it is for you, but you get what you pay for.