2009 Mitsubishi Raider: Some sort of Rebadged Joy!

When you were to examine the new Mitsubishi Raider, your eyes would behold the unmistakable triad logo centered within the middle of its beefy seeking grille. Nevertheless, as you let your eyes run the full length of the truck's body and take a look at its styling cues, you'd see a thing numerous, but really familiar. Indeed, apart from some fascia, physique, and cabin adjustments, the Raider is devoid of a doubt a Dodge Dakota. Yes, the tables happen to be reversed and Mitsubishi's pick up truck is now a Dodge instead of the other way around. Beyond the obvious similarities you can get some differences in between the models that gives the Raider a uniqueness all of its own.

Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler needed small cars and trucks to fill out its limited line up, the firm tapped its enterprise relationship with Mitsubishi to provide what it necessary. Included within the mix was a compact pick up truck, most recently the D50. When Chrysler developed the midsized Dakota through the late 1980s, the need to have for the compact Mitsubishi truck decreased and by the early 1990s the D50 was no much more.

Mitsubishi for its element has long been a builder of compact trucks, but as the automaker began to sell vehicles in the North American industry, its line up has grown appreciably. Demand for a small Mitsubishi choose 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 though permitting DaimlerChrysler to help keep its truck making capacity high. As odd as the relationship may appear, Isuzu and General Motors are performing the exact same thing as both Isuzu autos sold within the U.S. are rebadged GMC trucks.

So, what sets the Raider apart from the pact, particularly its Dodge cousin? Value for 1. Beginning out at around $19,000, the truck is priced as low as a few of the smaller sized trucks in the marketplace such as the popular Toyota Tacoma. Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted to have an entry level model to meet expected demand. Yes, bare bones versions with the Tacoma will be had for a lot much less, but that's what you get, bare bones. There is no 4 cylinder Raider sold, you either get a 210 h-p V6 or even a beefy 230 h-p V8 to energy your Raider. The V8 is in particular appealing to those that tow as its pulling capacity is really a respectable 6500 lbs. Tranny options consist of either four or five speed automatics or possibly a six speed manny tranny.

The Raider comes accessible as either a 4x2 or even a 4x4 and with two or 4 door cab configurations. Seating capacity will be as high as six passengers though you wouldn't be as comfortable riding within a Raider/Dakota with six people as you would be in a complete sized Ram.

What quite a few Raider fans will like would be the additional care Mitsubishi gave towards the interior. Unlike the Dakota, the Raider comes with trim capabilities 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 everything are a few of the attributes that make the Raider far more than a truck.

Ten years after the last "Mighty Max" pick up trucks were sold by Mitsubishi, a new truck has entered the fold due to a crucial relationship with DaimlerChrysler. Maybe the success of this relationship will spawn extra model sharing. Could we see a rebadged Dodge Ram soon sold as a Mitsubishi? In nowadays of extensive model sharing, anything is achievable.

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