2007 Mitsubishi Raider in Spartanburg, SC - $8,995

Based on the Dodge Dakota truck platform, the Raider has a very distinctive Mitsubishi look and feel. While the exterior sheet metal, interior cabin and dashboard instrumentation were designed at the Mitsubishi Design Center in Cypress, Calif., the Raider shares its mechanicals with the Dakota.

The Mitsubishi pickup is available in extended and double cab body styles in a single LS trim level. The extended cab model features a 6.4 foot cargo bed, while the double cab is equipped with a 5.3-foot cargo bed.

The sole prime mover for the Raider is a 3.7L V6 engine. Torque is communicated to the pavement through a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox or 42RLE four-speed automatic with overdrive.

The Raider rides on a full-length welded steel frame construction that unites hydroformed, roll-formed and stamped steel components together into a rigid assembly. The frame is designed with fully boxed rail sections to help the assembly realize higher standards of bending and torsional rigidity, and to help mitigate noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues. All of the frame's joints and sections of stamped or rolled steel are welded for maximum strength and stiffness.

The Raider's rigid frame serves as the foundation for its control hardware. The front suspension consists of upper and lower "A" arms, coil springs over gas-pressure shock absorbers and a link-type stabilizer bar. At the rear, a live axle works with multi-leaf two-state longitudinal springs, staggered gas-pressure shock absorbers and a link-type stabilizer bar. The springs and shock absorbers are connected to the frame using specially tuned mounts that help isolate the cab from vibration.

Inside the cabin, the Raider is loaded with interior amenities, distinguishing it from other, more conventional mid-size trucks. Premium options tailored to the Raider's target buyer include leather seating surfaces, SIRIUS Satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone link interface and a high-output sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, six-disc CD changer and MP3 player.

Standard features for the base Raider model includes air conditioning, tachometer, tinted glass, rear-access doors, rear fixed window, large 5x7-inch adjustable side-view mirrors, fender whip antenna, variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, cargo bed tie-downs, front bench seat (40/20/40 split), power outlets, dual front reading lamps and front and rear cupholders.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 131.3; overall length: 218.5; width: 71.7; height: 68.6.

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 210 hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lbs-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 16 city/20 hwy. (manual), 15 city/20 hwy. (automatic).

Cab cargo capacity: 30.0 cu. ft., (extended cab); 37.1 cu. ft., (double cab).

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, rear anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry, fog lights and full-size spare tire.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 7-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/unlimited, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Mitsubishi Raider pickup truck starts from $21,135 for the Extended Cab and $26,295 for the Double Cab. Destination charges add $715.

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