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10 Mitsubishi Cars From the 90s That Deserved Way More Attention

Cameron Eittreim October 25, 2025

The 1990s were a transformative era in the automotive industry, marked by rapid technological advancements and the emergence of performance-oriented vehicles. Mitsubishi, a prominent Japanese automaker, introduced several innovative models during this decade that, despite their groundbreaking features, did not receive the recognition they deserved. This period saw the rise of vehicles that combined cutting-edge technology with impressive performance, setting new standards in their respective segments. In this article, we will explore ten Mitsubishi cars from the 1990s that, in hindsight, were ahead of their time and worthy of greater acclaim.

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1. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, introduced in the early 1990s, was a technological marvel that often flew under the radar compared to its Japanese contemporaries. (motortrend.com) This high-performance sports car boasted a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. (frankpearson.com) Its advanced all-wheel-drive system, active aerodynamics, and four-wheel steering provided exceptional handling and stability, setting new standards in automotive engineering. (motorsportmagazine.com) Despite these innovations, the 3000GT VR-4 did not achieve the same level of recognition as some of its peers, making it a true hidden gem of the 1990s. (hotrod.com)

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2. Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

1992 mitsubishi galant 4 dr vr 4 turbo awd sedan pic 4685047508282338875 — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, introduced in 1987, was a rally-inspired sedan that showcased Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess. (mitsubishi-motors.com) It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. (encycarpedia.com) Its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, four-wheel steering, and four-wheel independent suspension provided exceptional handling and stability. (galantvr4.org) These innovations paralleled those of the Subaru Legacy, which also competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC). (mitsubishi-motors.com) Despite its WRC pedigree, the Galant VR-4 remains a lesser-known gem in Mitsubishi’s lineup. (en.wikipedia.org)

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3. Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

1990 Eagle Talon Tsi Awd Turbo 5speed Mitsubishi Eclipse Gsx Dsm 4g63 4 — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, introduced in the early 1990s, was a performance-oriented compact car that featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. (carspector.com) Its all-wheel-drive system provided exceptional traction and handling, setting it apart from front-wheel-drive competitors like the Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica. (autorrad.com) Despite its performance capabilities, the Eclipse GSX often flew under the radar, overshadowed by its rivals. (en.wikipedia.org)

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4. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I-IV

403dd28e91b82f2dcf1c687b976b576c907ee474 — A classic Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I, painted in iconic white, powers through a muddy rally stage. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series, spanning from the first to the fourth generation (1992-1999), was engineered primarily for rally competition, achieving significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC). (en.wikipedia.org) These models were equipped with turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engines and advanced all-wheel-drive systems, setting them apart from contemporaries like the Subaru Impreza WRX. (autotraderimports.com) Despite their performance credentials, these early Evolutions were not available in the U.S. market, limiting their exposure compared to the Subaru Impreza WRX, which gained popularity in the U.S. during the early 2000s. (motortrend.com)

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5. Mitsubishi Diamante

2002 mitsubishi diamante 4 dr ls sedan pic 2969881237598945658 — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi Diamante, produced from 1992 to 2005, was a luxury-oriented sedan that offered advanced features and a smooth V6 engine. (motortrend.com) It competed in the near-luxury segment alongside models like the Lexus ES and Acura Legend. (edmunds.com) Despite its competitive offerings, the Diamante often flew under the radar, overshadowed by its more established rivals. (edmunds.com)

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6. Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg

1200px 1992 1993 mitsubishi mirage cyborg r hatchback 04

The Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg, produced in the mid-1990s, was a high-performance variant of the Mirage hatchback, renowned for its lightweight design and high-revving 1.6-liter DOHC MIVEC engine. (j-garage.com) This engine produced 175 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm, enabling the Cyborg to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. (encycarpedia.com) Its front-wheel-drive configuration and sport-tuned suspension offered agile handling, making it a formidable competitor to contemporaries like the Honda Civic SiR. (specs.cars-directory.net) Despite its performance credentials, the Mirage Cyborg remains a lesser-known gem in the hot hatch segment. (j-garage.com)

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7. Mitsubishi FTO

The Mitsubishi FTO, produced from 1994 to 2000, was a stylish two-door coupe that showcased Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess. (jdmimportautocenter.com) It was equipped with the MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system, a variable valve timing technology that optimized engine performance across a wide range of speeds. (en.wikipedia.org) The top-spec GPX variant featured a 2.0-liter V6 engine producing 200 PS (197 bhp) at 7,500 rpm. (jdmimportautocenter.com) Despite its Japan-market exclusivity, the FTO cultivated a global enthusiast appreciation for its performance and design. (jdmimportautocenter.com)

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8. Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

Mitsubishi pajero evolution 9 — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, produced from 1997 to 1999, was a high-performance SUV developed specifically for the Dakar Rally. (en.wikipedia.org) It featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with MIVEC technology, delivering 270 horsepower and 43 kg·m of torque. (mitsubishi-motors.com) The Pajero Evolution secured 12 overall victories in the Dakar Rally between 1985 and 2007, making it the most successful vehicle in the event’s history. (en.wikipedia.org) In contrast, the Toyota Land Cruiser, while renowned for its durability and off-road capabilities, did not achieve the same level of success in the Dakar Rally during the 1990s. (timeout-racing.com)

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9. Mitsubishi RVR Hyper Sports Gear

1m6a7559 edit — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi RVR Hyper Sports Gear, introduced in 1997, was a distinctive minivan that combined practicality with performance. (en.wikipedia.org) It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 308.9 Nm of torque, enabling impressive acceleration and handling. (cars-directory.net) Equipped with an all-wheel-drive system and a five-speed manual transmission, the RVR Hyper Sports Gear offered a unique blend of utility and speed. (inboundmotorsports.com) This made it a rare competitor to performance-oriented vehicles like the Nissan Stagea GT, which also combined practicality with performance. (de.wikipedia.org)

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10. Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ-4

S kljpskpfgq.rpnr5drkr — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ-4, introduced in 1989, was a pioneering kei car that combined compact size with impressive performance. (autospeed.com) It was powered by a turbocharged 657cc inline-three engine, producing 64 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 96.1 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. (ontecojp.com) This engine enabled the ZZ-4 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 12.2 seconds, with a top speed of 153 km/h. (automobile-catalog.com) Its all-wheel-drive system and lightweight design made it a unique and agile vehicle, setting a performance benchmark in Japan’s city car segment. (autospeed.com)

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Why These Forgotten Gems Matter

The 1990s Mitsubishi models highlighted in this article were instrumental in advancing automotive technology and culture. Vehicles like the Lancer Evolution series introduced innovations such as the MIVEC engine system, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency. The Diamante sedan showcased luxury features that set new standards in its class. The 3000GT VR-4’s active aerodynamics and all-wheel-drive system influenced future sports car designs. The Galant VR-4’s rally success and the Pajero Evolution’s Dakar victories underscored Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess. These models not only pushed technological boundaries but also fostered a dedicated enthusiast community. Preserving and appreciating these vehicles ensures that their contributions to automotive history are recognized and celebrated. (en.wikipedia.org)

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