It's funny how the "Honda guys" or "Toyota fans" never have to spout off incessantly about 'their brand' being the best in every scenario. There are products within the model offerings of a dozen companies that I'd be thrilled to own and realize that there are a lot of valid competitors out there for most models in most markets. I'm a BMW, Porsche and Honda fan, but have owned a Toyota and currently drive an Audi. I believe that BMW and Honda's products truly speak to me as a motorist with 'enthusiast' tendancies, plus each builds a refined, well-engineered, reliable and exciting product. Mazda has infused its "Zoom Zoom" genes in (supposedly) everything they make and have done some great things with styling lately. Hyundai and Toyota, while filled with predominently boring models, are at least very refined and reliable now -- I can respect those companies for succeeding in what they've sought out to do. Even Chrysler is making waves in the styling and trickle-down Benz engineering in many of their products. Cars like the SRT-4 show that they're in touch with the wants of consumers.
With so many good product out there, it seems like companies like Mitsubishi just can't seem to compete for the LEAD of any category except discounts. Reliability doesn't seem to be a strong point according to a number of sources, the Galant is bland compared to Mazda6's or even Accords and the current (and seemingly next) model Eclipse is indeed better suited to go head-to-head with the nice-but-bland Solara or maybe V6, slush-box-equipped Accord.
The Evo is a phenomenal machine and I truly applaud Mitsu for bringing it out... but until it comes to Canada (if ever), it's a moot point. Mitsu can be swept away with nary a tear from most die hard car-nuts like the majority of us here. There just always seem to be better choices to make than to buy a Mitsubishi here in Canada.
