It could be my imagination, but the raider looks to be a Dakota Twin...

Now, why would someone buy a Mitsu over a Dodge.

Kinda like the Isuzu Assender and the Chevy Trailblazer....

 

It would probably be for the name of Mitsubishi. Since they've been around for so long and most of their vehicles have been pretty reliable.

I agree though, it is a twin of the Dakota.

 

Its another Dodge-Mitsu joint venture. The new Raider is a rebodied Dakota. Thats why they look alike.

 

Hmmm..

I don't know about quality.

I have owned 2 Mitsu's. One was very good (galant) and other was a real POS (Montero Sport).

Last I heard, Mitsu USA was on the borderline of going belly up...

 

The "Mitsubishi" Raider is to the Dakota, like the "Dodge" Stealth was to the Mitsubishi 3000GT. The Raider has the exact same powertrain as the Dakota (3.7 liter base, 4.7 optional; 42RLE for the 3.7, 545RFE for the 4.7-I don't know the names for the manuals-)minus the H.O. version of the 4.7 and a manual for the low-output version of the 4.7 V8. I think the main appeal for the Raider is having the more arrowdynamic styling over the retro-styling of the Dakota, for those who prefer smooth-style over boxier-style.

 

They are the same electricaly as well.

 

Mitsubishi is like a joint partner with Dodge, aka leach sucking off profit and Dodge's ideas. It's not a horrible looking truck, but the Dakota is better. Anyone know if the Mitsubishi offers a 4.7 V8?

Nevermind, that answered it.

-Matt-

 

It's not a leach sucking profit of of dodge's sales, it's actually putting money into DCX's pockets. There are a lot of people who won't buy an american vehicle, so they look at the foreign brands. Now dodge gets a slice of that sale, instead of losing out completely. They're probably lower priced as well, which means people who want a dodge, but can't quite afford it, can pick up the truck, again, putting money into DCX's pockets.

When GM decided to take a WRX wagon and call it a Saab, they were expanding upward. Snobs who wouldn't touch a Subaru were suddenly buying them because they had the Snaab name on them, and paying more for it.

 

DCX actually owns 50% of Mitsubishi....

There are several Brand idiots in the world, especially in the US. People who wouldnt touch a Chrysler product but would buy a Benz....or people who wouldnt buy a Jetta but would buy a Porsche...

Too many people in the world are concerned with Image rather then results....I'll take a proven vehicle over a hyped one anyday....

 

I still like the way the dak looks over the Mitsu.

That being said however, I do like the way the interior door panels look in the Mitsu. If all that is different is the "skin" there should be no trouble switching out the door panels, heh?