By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National May 10, 2005Vehicle Overview
Mitsubishi was a truck company years ago, but pickups haven't been part of the automaker's lineup recently. That's about to change with the debut of the 2006 Raider, a pickup truck based on the Dodge Dakota. DaimlerChrysler, which produces the Dakota, has long been affiliated with Mitsubishi.
Introduced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Raider comes in extended-cab and Double Cab body styles and can have either rear- or four-wheel drive. Both a V-6 and V-8 are offered.
The model lineup includes the LS Extended Cab with V-6 power; DuroCross V6 Extended Cab; DuroCross V8 Extended Cab; LS Double Cab with V-6 power; DuroCross V6 Double Cab; DuroCross V8 Double Cab; and XLS Double Cab with V-8 power. Sales begin in fall 2005.
Exterior
Mitsubishi promotes the Raider's "aggressive exterior," which was designed in California. A thin upper grille and thick lower bumper up front help produce a look that's reminiscent of the company's other models. Wheel arches are flared.
Hauling capacity is 40 cubic feet, and the Raider has a fully boxed, hydroformed and roll-formed steel frame. Extended-cab trucks have rear access doors, while Double Cab pickups get four conventional doors. Each body style is 219.9 inches long and uses a 131.3-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 7.9 inches. Cargo beds measure 6.5 feet long on extended-cab models and 5.25 feet on Double Cab trucks.
All models have rack-and-pinion steering, a heavy-duty suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Steel wheels measure 16 inches on the LS Extended Cab. The XLS Double Cab has 17-inch chrome wheels, and all other models have 16-inch aluminum wheels. A full-size spare tire is installed on all pickups.
DuroCross equipment includes fender trim, mudguards, side steps and a bedliner. Four-wheel-drive trucks add high-pressure gas shock absorbers with increased ride height, a skid plate package and a limited-slip differential.
Interior
Standard equipment on the LS Extended Cab includes a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air conditioning, a tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, a CD player with four speakers, power outlets, and front and rear cupholders. An LS Extended Cab Convenience Package adds power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; a second-row seat; cruise control; a tilt steering column; and floormats.
The XLS Double Cab comes with an auto-dimming inside mirror and a Sports Package that includes front bucket seats, a center console, a sliding rear window, power heated mirrors and heated leather seats.
Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth interface, and a premium sound system with a six-CD changer and MP3 capability are optional.
Under the Hood
A 3.7-liter V-6 develops 210 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque; it works with a Getrag six-speed-manual gearbox or a four-speed-automatic transmission. The 4.7-liter V-8 produces 230 hp and 290 pounds-feet of torque and drives a five-speed-automatic transmission.
Safety
A Safety Package for select models includes side curtain-type airbags and four-wheel antilock brakes.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Jim Flammang | Cars.com National | May 10, 2005 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Anita And Paul Lienert | The Detroit Newspapers | June 21, 2006 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | March 8, 2006 |
| Mark Glover | The Sacramento Bee | February 17, 2006 |
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | November 6, 2005 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | October 27, 2005 |
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | October 20, 2005 |
| Mike Magda | PickupTrucks.com | October 17, 2005 |
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