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| 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante Review, John Smith, From Atlanta, GA U
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Mitsubishi Diamante ES
| | Model of the car: | Mitsubishi Diamante ES | | | General comments: | In late 1998, Mitsubishi was offering a $4,500 factory-rebate on the $27,400 list price for the based "ES". A few dealers advertised year-end blow-out prices of just $21,000. The factory CD-player added $400 which is a high price for such a simple unit. Personally, I immediately spent $150 upgrading the wheel-covers and tiny motorcycle-type horn while also adding a leather steering-wheel cover and aftermarket fog lights.Quality is inferior to rival products from Toyota and Honda but the price is far cheaper than Lexus or Acura. Still, this is better than most American cars. | | | What things have gone wrong with the car: | Poor-quality glass has excessive optical distortion. The single, tiny motorcycle-style horn under the hood on the base "ES" model is an insult given that the wiring for dual horns is right there! Wind-noise around the A-pillars and mirrors is a little loud. Also there were wind-leaks on both rear windows due to a poorly-designed rubber seal (this can be fixed by adding foam weather-stripping behind the factory seal for a tighter fit where the glass, door, and body all meet). 14-inch tires on base ES model make for soggy handling. There is no trunk pass-through in the rear seat. NHTSA has recorded many complaints of air-bags that failed to deploy on Mitsubishis involved in serious front-end collisions. The 3.5-liter V-6 is smooth and quiet but prone to premature failure of crankshaft oil seals at around 50-60,000 miles. On my car, two different engine belt pullies were replaced under warranty for noise from bad bearings. Transmission shifts seem either slow and soft or jarringly abrupt. | | | Previous car: | '96 Mitsubishi Eclipse |
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