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