Mitsubishi was born in 1917, by Mitsubishi ship building. Today, it is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, with Nissan having a controlling shareholding in the company. Familiar models under the Mitsubishi marque are yesteryear great Mitsubishi Lancer, the small, light car; the L200 truck, the Colt and the luxury Pajero. The Lancer held its own among similar small cars of the eighties and 90s such as the Renault 12, the Peugeot 404, the Alfasud, the Datsun Pulsar, and Datsun 120Y.

The Pajero was desirable by most, being on everyone’s lips, including children, at the turn of the millennium. It was a pioneer among SUV trendsetters, alongside the Land Cruisers, Mercedes ML, and BMW X5.

The L200 truck in its various styles was a government and State Enterprise truck in the early 2000’s. The later generation Lancer also became a popular company car for middle management during the same time, with the more executive Gallant an option among senior executives.

The Colt Rodeo Double cab held its own as a sturdy and executive double cab, brought in from South Africa.

Quest Motors did their best as the Authorised dealer and local assembler, for Lancer, the L200 pick up, and the executive Gallant.

Today, the 7-seater Pajero is still present in the used and new car market, together with the later generation Pajero Sport. Together with the L200 Triton, they are marketed by ZIMOCO, who are now the Mitsubishi franchise holders.

In the grey market, the Mitsubishi L200, in its various names, is coming mainly from Europe.

Old or new, the Mitsubishi brand has been one of those familiar brands in Zimbabwe, though not to the extent of the Toyotas, Mazdas, and Nissans.

For those who have owned it; certainly a very likeable and reliable brand!