Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Mitsubishi Raider 4WD DC V8 Pickup truck. I recently took the Isuzu I 280 very basic pick up with a jump seat in the rear. It is admittedly built for light duty work and can only carry 3 people legally.
At the other end of the spectrum are trucks like this Raider. This more mimics an SUV but with a tough utility bed for dirty work not suited to the SUV class of workhorse.
Handling & Performance:
Ok guys give me a break. The 3.7-liter V6 develops 210 hp and gets 10% better fuel economy than the 4.7 liter V8 in this puppy and only develops 20 hp more. The question is whether the extra muscle is worth the money to buy along with 10% less fuel economy.
The model I tested didn’t have the bed extender option and I think I’d opt to have one for those longer loads. I’ve used them before and like the feature because with the tailgate up it provides a place to keep smaller loads from shifting.
Styling:
Rugged and macho in look and feel. Not that women wouldn’t want to own one but trucks tend to be a guy thing.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
There is a very wide range of configurations I can’t go into here but you can have it close to your need and price range that goes from $19,000 to $34,000. Somewhere in that range you’ll find the perfect match for your need. Your want may be another matter completely.
Conveniences:
When I drove the Hummer H3 recently and reported to you of its prowess I failed to mention it would be hard to keep clean if you don’t have mud flaps. Well, this is something Mitsubishi has thought about on this Raider. The fender flares and mudguards save a lot of cleaning time and wear and tear on the body parts most affected by splattering mud and debris on the paint job.
Consumer Recommendation:
If comfort and convenience is more important than the extra dough to purchase and operate, this is my choice or at least in the top 5 trucks I’d own. You may know from prior reviews that I drive a Dodge Ram 3500 Dualee and that has to be in the top 5 as well. To round out the list, I like the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and I’d have to think about which GM product would match up with the above. I must admit I haven’t tested many Ford trucks because they are more difficult to schedule but I did enjoy driving the Harley Edition pickup from Ford in 2001 and more recently the F350. I guess the only reason I lean to the big Chrysler trucks is the Cummins Diesel power plants I’m more comfortable with. That influence comes from experience with my Peterbilt Cummins powered Truck and transfer.
Recognized Competition:
Mitsubishi Raider $14-27,000, Chevrolet Colorado $15-25,000, Toyota Tacoma $14-26,000, Ford Ranger $14-27,000, GMC Canyon $15-24,000, Nissan Frontier $16-27,000, Dodge Dakota $20-30,000, Mazda Truck $15-26,000.
Good News:
Great styling, rugged image and feel, heavy duty, wide range of price and configurations, and well equipped for the money.
Bad News:
Only fair fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
4.7 liter V8 engine, 5-speed electronically controlled auto trans with overdrive, dual airbags, front vented disc brakes with 4-wheel anti locking system, part time 4-wheel drive, power rack and pinion steering, air conditioning, AM/FM with CD player, folding center armrest storage, 60/40 split rear seat, power windows and locks, cruise control, keyless entry, height adjustable steering column, HD shocks, skid plate package for front suspension and fuel tank, fender flares and mudguards, all terrain Goodrich tires, 6X9 power heated fold away mirrors, fog lights, front tow hooks, cargo bed liner, HD service components including 750 amp battery, trans and power steering coolers, leather trimmed steering wheel, Class IV trailer hitch with 7 pin wiring harness and 4 pin adaptor, limited slip rear differential, 6-way power driver seat, hands free Bluetooth phone interface and auto dim mirror.
Gas Stats:
15 City and 20 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $30,845.
