Overview & Reviews

Though it's known mostly for its sporty cars and SUVs, Mitsubishi has been slapping its badge on small pickups in the U.S. market for almost three decades. In fact, one of its first U.S.-bound products was a compact pickup truck rebadged as a Dodge.

When it was finally retired after the 2009 model year, the Mitsubishi Raider was the brand's only pickup offering. Its aggressive styling allowed it to slot in well with other fearlessly styled products in the Mitsubishi line. However, underneath the Raider's bulging fenders was essentially a midsize Dodge Dakota pickup.

This lineage gave the Raider a few advantages. It had plenty of towing capacity and it had a spacious cabin. But there were plenty of drawbacks as well. The V6 was anemic, and the Mitsubishi Raider also lacked a long-bed option and the refinement of its competitors. Safety features, too, were woefully inadequate. As such, most used pickup shoppers would be better served by competing trucks such as the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma.

Most Recent Mitsubishi Raider

Introduced for 2006, the Mitsubishi Raider went through a strange reverse progression of sorts. Although the basic truck (essentially a clone of the Dodge Dakota) itself barely changed, it lost equipment through the intervening years.

Initially available with a 4.7-liter V8 and in a number of trim levels, the Raider lost the V8 option, as well as the available side curtain airbags and four-wheel antilock brakes, for 2008. This left buyers with only a 210-horsepower V6 for the final two years of production. As such, if your heart is set on a used Mitsubishi Raider, we'd advise you to focus on well-equipped models from 2006 and '07. During its entire production run, however, a six-speed manual transmission was standard with a four-speed automatic available as an option. Rear-wheel drive was also standard, while four-wheel drive was optional.

The Raider was offered in two body styles, an extended cab (with rear-opening access doors with a 6.5-foot bed) and a more spacious crew cab (called Double Cab) with a 5-foot bed. Initially, there were three trim levels: LS, DuroCross and XLS. LS extended cabs came with a front bench seat, air-conditioning, a CD player and tinted glass. LS Double Cabs added power windows and locks, keyless entry and cruise control. Midlevel DuroCross models received 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, heavy-duty cooling, full power accessories and bucket seats, while 4WD versions got all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, firmer shocks, skid plates and a limited-slip differential. The range-topping XLS was only available as a Double Can and added 17-inch chrome wheels, an Alpine sound system, satellite radio, leather upholstery and seat heaters.

For 2007, the XLS trim was dropped and replaced by the similarly equipped SE, which was the only model that was offered with the 4.7-liter V8. The Raider lineup was further pared down for 2008, dropping the V8 engine altogether and offering only the LS trim level with several options. In its final 2009 model year, a tilt steering wheel was added, but the auxiliary audio jack was deleted.

The Raider's cabin was spacious. The Double Cab had a respectable amount of room for four adults. The rear seats flipped up and revealed built-in storage trays. The extended cab didn't have as much interior space, however, and its rear seats were quite cramped. Fit and finish wasn't up to the standards of competing models, and there wasn't much to distinguish this pickup's cabin other than a bit of aluminum trim and a few white-faced gauges.

In road tests, we found the Mitsubishi Raider to be stable and steady on all manner of roads. The pickup's shift-on-the-fly 4WD system provided especially good traction on rough terrain. The two major downsides were under the hood and in the safety department: The weak V6, and the lack of safety features that were previously available. Many competitors offered safer and more capable pickups. In this case, the old buyer's adage -- "you get what you pay for" -- held true.

User Reviews:

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  Undiscovered Jewel - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Hilborne - February 25 - 5:10 am

  The Raider initially sparked my interest based on appearance only. It looked sleek and mean. Ive had mine for two and a half months now, and I continue to feel like it was tailor made for me. It is powerful, comfortable, and just the right size for all my needs. The compliments keep rolling in, even from complete strangers. I have already driven it on a 2,500 mile road trip, and was surprised at how comfortable it was after sitting for 16 hours solid. I still have yet to see another on the road though. It seems as if the word just hasnt yet gotten out. More people need to know about this undiscovered jewel.

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  Give me a RAIDER! - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Todd Bonsang - September 8 - 8:20 am

  I just recently purchased my Raider and the very next day I had a cat-back exhaust custom built for it and WOW what a difference. The timid sounding Raider opened WIDE! I also put a k&n filter on it, 33-2175. It costs about $40 for the k&n. Shortly after instaliing the goodies, the performance probably jumped easily 20-25 h.p. So forget about the bigger h.p. Dakota or even the more h.p. V6 Tacoma and Frontier. Because the bottom line is that torque=power and the Raider beats them both stock. And do a mod or two and youll smoke em. I contacted Hypertech about a power programmer also. I cant wait! Another 25-30 horses await. But the bottom line is that you see a Tacoma, Frontier and Dakota on every corner.

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  Nice pickup truck - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By raul - August 4 - 7:56 pm

  The ride is very smooth and quiet. For the price I paid I am very happy, I really like this little truck.

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  Rain Rain Go Away - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By wishididnotbuy - July 18 - 8:27 am

  Bought a 2007 Raider and when it rains...it rains inside the truck on the passenger side floorboard. According to Mitsubishi, I am the only one with this problem! Lucky Me

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  Trucks Can Be Sweet and Pretty - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By millerandassoc - February 16 - 8:13 am

  I have owned this truck for three very enjoyable weeks. It is rattle-free and squeek-free. I dont know how anyone could make a more solid truck. Its ride is quiet and stable. It has a better ride that the Jeep Liberty I traded in. I love the looks. It is a truly good looking vehicle inside and out. I am averaging 17 mpg so far, which iss pretty good for a V8 but it should be a little better. I wish the truck was a little lighter and/or a little smaller. The side step bars are just a way to get your pants leg dirty.

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  2007 Raider 4WD Double Cab (3.7) - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Rik - July 21 - 8:20 pm

  Ive now had this truck for over two years and have used it both as a truck and for transportation. Ive had no problems with it. As a matter of fact it is a well built truck with a great design inside and out. I would like a bit more performance (power and fuel economy) and recently installed the K&N filter. Im curious if adding a performance cat back system would help.

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  So Far, I Love It! - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By IMDHulk - July 9 - 11:20 am

  To anyone out there who is not sure about the Raider...I am a believer in it! I have come across a few bad reports of Raiders but for me, overall its the baddest truck on my block for sure! It has handsome styling, a smooth ride, and a nice sound system. Its everything that I was looking for and the price was decent for me also. I got it for $23,000 with a lot of extras on it. So far I am definitely in love with it, and I hope others feel the same way.

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  Get one Before theyre Gone - go w/ V8 SE - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By rodz924 - May 8 - 10:53 am

  My truck is sharp and loaded! The SE has a nice equipment package. Sorry no leather interior or heated seats. Its cool Mitsu stylin inside and out. The SE Value Package has the 6500 lb towing capacity I need for my trailer and the right blend of interior power/comfort/electronics features inside for my daily commute. If you need a big but nimble midsize to tow with and were waiting for the right price like I was, find a Raider SE.

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  10 Month Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Jim Anthony - April 17 - 11:50 pm

  This a follow-up to my one month review in January. The gas mileage problem is better. I have close to 8,000 miles on it now. The interior still needs work done on it, as the compartment that hold the jack in is poorly designed. The plastic fender coverings are also a major problem. I had the dealer work on them twice and they still come loose or leak glue. I have been waiting for new parts now for over a month and half. The dealer claims that this is a national backup for the parts. Would I still buy this vehicle? Yes.

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  Great in the V8 - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By frank - February 20 - 7:53 am

  I absolutely love the Mitsu. I have had it 7 months and already have over 12,000 on the odo. I haul my boat and trailer with ease and haul cargo around pretty nimbly. It is a great truck to work in or style in, especially if you dont want the hassle of trying to drive around and park in a full size pickup.