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:

• 

  Strong truck - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By smith - September 17 - 1:06 pm

  Purchases this truck less then a month ago. 1st fill up got 19 mpg, mostly highway with ac on. Acceleration is what I expected with a 6cyl, and the ride is very smooth, almost car like. Owned a Colorado previously, and this truck surpasses the Chevy in every category. Manual seat is still comfortable, and had no problem finding a good driving position. Get many looks and compliments, plus the $5500 rebate off of the invoice didnt hurt. Definitely do not regret this purchase..

• 

  Looks and options - 2009 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Richard - September 7 - 2:20 am

  Saw the truck in the show room, had all the options and looks that I wanted in a pickup. Drives nice overall, best on freeway with little road noise.

• 

  Just dont cut the mustard - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By David - July 15 - 2:50 pm

  Had the truck for 3 weeks, 16 mpg no matter how you drive around town..18 on the highway.Truck seems to be solid built but extremely underpowered with the 3.7 v6. Small inside cab as an old day small import is but the outside will fool you as it appears to be a full size truck. Might as well buy a full sized Silverado or F150 concerning the gas mileage and engine size for weight ratio. Had it to do over, would not buy one with the v6 would opt for the v8- then price wise- a Silverado or Ford with a v8 would be cheaper and more comfortable inside. Feels like a 4cyl powered truck. Nice design power train leaves room for beter power to weight ration and definitely pick up-a VW bug will do it in!

• 

  After 3 Years - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By WorldBeFree321 - May 4 - 10:03 am

  I have had my Raider truck now for exactly 3 years, I have grown attached to it by now. Last year the lights on the dash went out and the dealer had to replace the entire gadget board. Then about 3 months ago the steering locked, the chip on the key was not longer being recognized by the computer and the steering column had to be removed. It was not the chip on the key it was the computer ion the steering. The worst part is that the Mitsubishi dealer in Fresno, went out of business and closed and the nearest dealer is now about 30 minutes away. I still love my truck, but I probably would get a different truck because of all the trouble that I had with this one.

• 

  Mitsubishi Raider - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By truck boy - April 18 - 4:56 pm

  I called many dealers and got a killer deal on my Mitsubishi Raider in Rosevile, CA. I had to get it. As far as looks go it is the meanest looking truck out there, but the motor feels a little weak for the V6. It only has 210 HP but I need the better gas mileage. It rides like a car but feels like a truck

• 

  Needs Improvement - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Stephen - September 28 - 1:09 am

  Mine leaks on passenger side when it rains,or my A/C condensate leaks on to passenger side rug.Had to remove drain plug under carpet to drain water out of passenger side

• 

  Not What I Expected - 2008 Mitsubishi Raider
  By DWilder - September 5 - 12:36 am

  Have had the truck just over a month and fuel mileage is not what I expected. Have been told it will get more after some break in, but dont really believe that. Thought Id get at least 24 on the highway but struggles to get 20. Take off power from dead stand still really slow. Transmission a little clunky. Traded in a 98 Ford F150 and got a pretty good deal but not much improvement on gas mileage. Truck does have nice body and does ride better on rougher roads. Interior features are OK. Like the white background speedometer panel. Has pretty nice interior room. Wished I had looked around some more since fuel prices are so high now and looked at something with better fuel mileage.

• 

  Raider Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By tmac - July 31 - 5:23 pm

  Great truck for the money, excellent ride, and a lot of head, and leg room. Great warranty, nice six speed! Nice body features. Gas mileage a bit costly, but now days what isnt?

• 

  My Mitsubishi Raider Duro Cross - 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
  By RICH - July 28 - 12:00 am

  Ive never drivin a pickup that rides so smoothly. The Raider is like a Cadillac. Plus all the power is right there for you when you need it. The only problem I find is that I cant pass a gas pump. I know its a truck but, it could do a lot better than 13 mpg. I was so surprised when I drove it for the first time. It is extremely comfortable and easy to drive. There is no wrestling with this puppy. Everything is very easy to work, just a fingertip away . I found the Raider by accident but I couldnt be happier. I got mine fully loaded, 4x4 8 cyl., and the only thing that you might want to think about is the engine - do you want power or gas mileage. I love the power! Good job Mitsubishi!

• 

  I love my Raider - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By amethyst - April 13 - 10:06 am

  I love my Raider a lot! I dont agree with how some reviews mention cheap plastic. This truck is very solid in its build. I love the sound system, the handling, and it definitely has a lot of power. I am in love with my Raider as well! All that I wish is that gas prices would go down!