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2008 Mitsubishi Raider Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

One of the better rebadging jobs
Motor Trend

Dynamic, carved physique
Kelley Blue Book

A hint of panache
Edmunds

Among the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider’s few real positives are its handsome mug and pleasant interior, both more attractive than the Dodge Dakota upon which it is based.

“One of the better rebadging jobs we've seen in a while,” begins Motor Trend. Their writers are pleased that the truck’s California-based stylists “made a hard break from the Dakota's blocky, creased, squared-off exterior looks.” Cars.com says “a thin upper grille and thick lower bumper up front help produce a look that's reminiscent of the company's other models,” most notably the Endeavor. Kelley Blue Book claims “its dynamic, carved physique is defined by muscular curves, flared wheel arches and step-side style fenders and high-tech head lamps and tail lamps.” MyRide.com explains that only the “roof panel, windshield, rear side glass and rear doors” are shared with the mechanically identical Dodge Dakota. Regular- and Double Cab versions are offered.

Inside, the story is much the same, where those California stylists nipped, tucked, and shaved away Dakota elements that don’t suit Mitsubishi’s unique design ethos. “The interior has less mass and distraction than its cousin,” explains Motor Trend of the design team who “shaved lots plastic out of the Dakota dash and simplified the air-conditioning controls and vents.” Edmunds feels the “faux metallic trim and white-faced gauges give the dash a hint of panache,” and Kelley Blue Book appreciates the “simple, three-gauge cluster” that “has highly readable dials with white backgrounds,” though they don't care for the “unappealing headliner cloth.” In what could be seen as damning with faint praise, Car and Driver cites the interior as the Raider’s most significant distinction from the Dakota and calls it “an interior designed to make the buyer feel he's driving something more fashionable than a refrigerator.”

Conclusion

If you value style above all else in a mid-size pickup, then the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider warrants a look.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:One of the better rebadging jobsMotor TrendDynamic, carved physiqueKelley Blue BookA hint of panacheEdmunds Among the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider’s few real positives are its handsome mug and pleasant interior, both more attractive than the Dodge Dakota upon which it is based. “One of the better rebadging jobs we've seen in a while,” begins Motor Trend. Their writers are pleased that the truck’s California-based stylists “made a hard break from the Dakota's blocky, creased, squared-off exterior looks.” Cars.com says “a thin upper grille and thick lower bumper up front help produce a look that's reminiscent of the company's other models,” most notably the Endeavor. Kelley Blue Book claims “its dynamic, carved physique is defined by muscular curves, flared wheel arches and step-side style fenders and high-tech head lamps and tail lamps.” MyRide.com explains that only the “roof panel, windshield, rear side glass and rear doors” are shared with the mechanically identical Dodge Dakota. Regular- and Double Cab versions are offered. Inside, the story is much the same, where those California stylists nipped, tucked, and shaved away Dakota elements that don’t suit Mitsubishi’s unique design ethos. “The interior has less mass and distraction than its cousin,” explains Motor Trend of the design team who “shaved lots plastic out of the Dakota dash and simplified the air-conditioning controls and vents.” Edmunds feels the “faux metallic trim and white-faced gauges give the dash a hint of panache,” and Kelley Blue Book appreciates the “simple, three-gauge cluster” that “has highly readable dials with white backgrounds,” though they don't care for the “unappealing headliner cloth.” In what could be seen as damning with faint praise, Car and Driver cites the interior as the Raider’s most significant distinction from the Dakota and calls it “an interior designed to make the buyer feel he's driving something more fashionable than a refrigerator.” ConclusionIf you value style above all else in a mid-size pickup, then the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider warrants a look. 2008 MITSUBISHI RAIDER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Motor Trend: “One of the better rebadging jobs” Kelley Blue Book: “Dynamic, carved physique” Edmunds: “A hint of panache” Among the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider’s few real positives are its handsome mug and pleasant interior, both more ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The mid-size pickup truck market is not a hotbed of competition these days. Interestingly, many who would otherwise want a mid-size truck upgrade to full-size because the cost and mileage differentials are often meager. If you decide to stick with a smaller truck, the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider faces off against smaller entries like the Chevrolet Colorado (and its twin, the GMC Canyon) and the Ford Ranger. These competitors offer greater choice when it comes to trim and options, but the Raider counters with its greater size and an impressive warranty. The Tacoma, Frontier, and Ridgeline are in a completely different class than the Raider. Each offers more choice, more power, and more refinement. However, they end up costing more too.

Next Steps:

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for a 2008 Mitsubishi Raider near you

See the Mitsubishi Raider in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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