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2002 Mitsubishi Diamante - LS (A4)
Submitted on 12/14/2001 2:37:09 PM -
2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport - LTD 4x4
Submitted on 12/5/2001 8:37:06 PM- Summary
Pros: I like the heated seats and the sun roof
Cons: The shape of the side views and the lights do not turn themselves off after I open the door - I think automatic lights should be standard now
Advice: Don't buy it retail, the dealership will come down like $1500 off MSRP at least - get the 3.5L engine if you need the torque
I am really enjoying my new Mitsu Montero Sport Limited. It's a sharp looking import SUV with out the price tag, although it's a bit pricey, the value of the equipment and every option, the Mitsubishi name and of course the syling make it worth the price. I've always owned japanese vehicles and this is my first mitsu, I have nothing to complain about other than some silly engineering quirks. My opinions though.. The engine is powerful enough to tow 5000lbs and the on-the-fly 4-wheel drive is great and I can't wait for it to snow. I'll be back with an updated review later.
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2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport - XLS 4x4
Submitted on 11/26/2001 8:50:35 AM- Summary
Pros: 'Bulldog Tough' front end and the generous ground clearence.
Cons: The wiper controls
Advice: Research Prices!!! CarMax offers brand new Mitsu's and their prices are typically $2000 - $2500 less than sticker. Prices are posted online so take them with you and have the dealer match the price.
The thing that got me first was the back seat leg room. With the front seat all the way back my knees weren't hitting the back of the front seat. I'm 6'2'. The ride is very smooth and predictable however, the alignment was out a little bit. With the touring package the interior accents are a nice touch and the sunroof adds an overall open feel to the passenger compartment. The only quirky thing about the vehicle is the wiper controls. Everything is jammed into the right side 'uni stick' on the steering column and take a while to master. I suppose this comes from driving GM cars for so many years. Overall this vehicle is a pleasure to drive and offers a great ride quality. I would recommend that anyone in the market for an SUV give this one considerable thought.
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2002 Mitsubishi Lancer - OZ Rally
Submitted on 11/23/2001 1:13:41 PM- Summary
Pros: Sharp handling
Cons: Stereo
Advice: Take advantage of the 0 0 0 financing and get the spoiler!
This car has great getup and go! Stops on a dime and is very comfortable. Very roomy.
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2002 Mitsubishi Galant - LS
Submitted on 11/17/2001 6:03:11 PM- Summary
Pros: The fact that the car won't let me lock my keys in the car.
Cons: nothing as yet
Advice: Try it, you'll like it!
I have fallen in love with this car. Real comfort, real get up and go for easy merging on the highway and with it's high safety rating, real peace of mind.
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Pros: Power, ride and handling.
Cons: Cup holders.
Advice: Don't write the Diamante off without driving it.
Over all, I am very pleased with the Diamante. The engine has plenty of power to make driving this 'family car' exciting. I find the ride and handling to be exceptional, even on icy roads, and the heated seats (part of the winter driving package) make those early morning commutes bearable. The interior of the car is well designed. Visibility is good with no real blind spots, and the sound system is more than adequate. Four “good sized” (I am over 6 foot and weigh 260 lbs.) adults fit comfortably inside. The leather seats, moon roof and programmable remote system (for garage doors and gates) are also very nice additions that come standard with the LS. While I have not owned my Diamante long enough to comment on reliability, a colleague of mine has had one for 5 years and it is still going strong (having survived two teenage drivers) with over 138,000 miles. He liked his so well, he bought one for his wife. My only complaints are minor. The cup holders stink. Anything larger than a small cup of coffee does not fit securely anywhere. Also, the remote controls for the stereo are not very convenient to use. I find it easier to use the knobs on the radio. Finally, while the Diamante is very sleek looking, I personally like the curb appeal of the Audi and Lexus better(however, not enough to justify the extra cost). I looked at the Lexus ES 300, Audi A6, Toyota Camry and the Mercedes M class. While you cannot go wrong with any of these cars, in my opinion, you get the most bang for your buck with the Diamante. In reaching this conclusion, I did take into consideration the fact that the resale on the Diamante will, in all likelihood, not be as good as it would be for the other models. However, I tend to own my cars for many years and to drive them into the ground. As a result, resale value was not as important to me. Also, the zero percent financing offered by Mitsubishi was hard to beat. If your ego can handle having to repeatedly respond to “Diamante, who makes that?,” a question rarely asked if you buy any of the other cars I considered, the Diamante is well worth a look.