2006 Mitsubishi Raider: A good Rebadged Joy!

Should you had been to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered in the middle of its beefy looking grille. Nevertheless, as you let your eyes run the full length from the truck's body and have a look at its styling cues, you would see some thing unique, but rather familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, the Raider is devoid of a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables have been reversed and Mitsubishi's choose up truck is now a Dodge as opposed to the other way about. Beyond the apparent similarities you can get some variations amongst the models that provides the Raider a uniqueness all of its own.

Back throughout the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler needed tiny vehicles and trucks to fill out its restricted line up, the firm tapped its organization relationship with Mitsubishi to supply what it necessary. Included in the mix was a tiny choose up truck, most lately the D50. When Chrysler created the midsized Dakota during the late 1980s, the will need for the little Mitsubishi truck decreased and by the early 1990s the D50 was no extra.

Mitsubishi for its element has extended been a builder of compact trucks, but as the automaker began to sell automobiles in the North American industry, its line up has grown appreciably. Demand to get a smaller Mitsubishi pick up truck dropped so the "Mighty Max" was discontinued from its line up. Ultimately, the automaker decided to partner with DaimlerChrysler to sell rebadged Dakotas as Raiders.

The relationship is wise as the Raider fills a void for Mitsubishi although permitting DaimlerChrysler to help keep its truck constructing capacity high. As odd because the relationship may well appear, Isuzu and Common Motors are doing precisely the same thing as both Isuzu automobiles sold in the U.S. are rebadged GMC trucks.

So, what sets the Raider apart from the pact, especially its Dodge cousin? Value for a single. Beginning out at around $19,000, the truck is priced as low as a few of the smaller sized trucks on the market which includes the preferred Toyota Tacoma. Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted to have an entry level model to meet expected demand. Yes, bare bones versions in the Tacoma may be had for a lot much less, but that is definitely what you get, bare bones. There is certainly no four cylinder Raider sold, you either get a 210 h-p V6 or even a beefy 230 h-p V8 to power your Raider. The V8 is in particular appealing to those who tow as its pulling capacity can be a respectable 6500 lbs. Tranny selections include either 4 or 5 speed automatics or perhaps a six speed manny tranny.

The Raider comes out there as either a 4x2 or a 4x4 and with two or 4 door cab configurations. Seating capacity will be as high as six passengers while you wouldn't be as comfy riding in a Raider/Dakota with six men and women as you would be within a full sized Ram.

What numerous Raider fans will like could be the additional care Mitsubishi gave for the interior. In contrast to the Dakota, the Raider comes with trim functions alot more akin to a sedan than to a pick up truck. Sirius satellite radio, Alpine speakers, front bucket seats with heated leather surfaces, and power almost everything are some of the capabilities that make the Raider much more than a truck.

Ten years following the last "Mighty Max" pick up trucks were sold by Mitsubishi, a brand new truck has entered the fold because of a crucial relationship with DaimlerChrysler. Possibly the success of this relationship will spawn further model sharing. Could we see a rebadged Dodge Ram soon sold as a Mitsubishi? In nowadays of substantial model sharing, something is probable.

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