| If you were to examine the new Mitsubishi | | | | priced as low as some of the smaller trucks |
| Raider, your eyes would behold the | | | | on the market including the popular Toyota |
| unmistakable triad logo centered in the | | | | Tacoma. Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted to have |
| middle of its beefy looking grille. However, | | | | an entry level model to meet expected demand. |
| as you let your eyes run the full length of | | | | Yes, bare bones versions of the Tacoma can |
| the truck's body and take a look at its | | | | be had for much less, but that is what you |
| styling cues, you would see something | | | | get, bare bones. There is no four cylinder |
| different, yet very familiar. Indeed, apart | | | | Raider sold, you either get a 210 h-p V6 or a |
| from some fascia, body, and cabin changes, | | | | beefy 230 h-p V8 to power your Raider. The V8 |
| the Raider is without a doubt a Dodge Dakota. | | | | is especially appealing to those who tow as |
| Yes, the tables have been reversed and | | | | its pulling capacity is a respectable 6500 |
| Mitsubishi's pick up truck is now a Dodge | | | | lbs. Tranny choices include either 4 or 5 |
| instead of the other way around. Beyond the | | | | speed automatics or a 6 speed manny tranny. |
| obvious similarities there are some | | | | |
| differences between the models that gives the | | | | The Raider comes available as either a 4x2 or |
| Raider a uniqueness all of its own. | | | | a 4x4 and with two or four door cab |
| | | | configurations. Seating capacity can be as |
| Back during the 1970s and 1980s when Chrysler | | | | high as six passengers although you wouldn't |
| needed small cars and trucks to fill out its | | | | be as comfortable riding in a Raider/Dakota |
| limited line up, the company tapped its | | | | with six people as you would be in a full |
| business relationship with Mitsubishi to | | | | sized Ram. |
| supply what it needed. Included in the mix | | | | |
| was a small pick up truck, most recently the | | | | What many Raider fans will like is the extra |
| D50. When Chrysler developed the midsized | | | | care Mitsubishi gave to the interior. Unlike |
| Dakota during the late 1980s, the need for | | | | the Dakota, the Raider comes with trim |
| the small Mitsubishi truck decreased and by | | | | features more akin to a sedan than to a pick |
| the early 1990s the D50 was no more. | | | | up truck. Sirius satellite radio, Alpine |
| | | | speakers, front bucket seats with heated |
| Mitsubishi for its part has long been a | | | | leather surfaces, and power everything are |
| builder of small trucks, but as the automaker | | | | some of the features that make the Raider |
| began to sell vehicles in the North American | | | | much more than a truck. |
| market, its line up has grown appreciably. | | | | |
| Demand for a small Mitsubishi pick up truck | | | | Ten years after the last "Mighty Max" pick up |
| dropped so the "Mighty Max" was discontinued | | | | trucks were sold by Mitsubishi, a new truck |
| from its line up. Eventually, the automaker | | | | has entered the fold thanks to an important |
| decided to partner with DaimlerChrysler to | | | | relationship with DaimlerChrysler. Perhaps |
| sell rebadged Dakotas as Raiders. | | | | the success of this relationship will spawn |
| | | | additional model sharing. Could we see a |
| The relationship is smart as the Raider fills | | | | rebadged Dodge Ram soon sold as a Mitsubishi? |
| a void for Mitsubishi while allowing | | | | In these days of extensive model sharing, |
| DaimlerChrysler to keep its truck building | | | | anything is possible. |
| capacity high. As odd as the relationship may | | | | |
| seem, Isuzu and General Motors are doing the | | | | Copyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is The Auto |
| same thing as both Isuzu vehicles sold in the | | | | Writer who covers industry trends, new |
| U.S. are rebadged GMC trucks. | | | | models, classic cars and much more. Are you |
| | | | interested in saving money on auto parts? If |
| So, what sets the Raider apart from the pact, | | | | so, please shop the Wholesale Auto Parts |
| particularly its Dodge cousin? Price for one. | | | | store for the best selection of Mitsubishi |
| Starting out at around $19,000, the truck is | | | | parts and accessories. |