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1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mitsubishi Diamante. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mitsubishi Diamante.
1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Review
Mitsubishi's flagship sedan went on sale in spring of 1991, replacing the old Sigma. Offered in base and upscale LS trim, Diamante was a front-drive 4-door notchback. The base model held a 175-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6. The LS got a dual-cam version, rated at 202 horsepower. A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic was the sole transmission. Antilock brakes were standard on the LS, optional on base Diamantes. Both had a driver-side airbag. Optional on the LS was a Euro Handling Package that included traction control and Active Electronically Controlled Suspension.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Mitsubishi Diamante: Base-model Diamantes added an ES suffix, and both got minor equipment changes this year. A station wagon became available during 1993, produced in Australia.
1994 Mitsubishi Diamante: A passenger-side airbag was installed this year, and air conditioners adopted CFC-free refrigerant. Sedans got revised taillamps.
1995 Mitsubishi Diamante: Base Diamante sedans were relegated to fleet sales this year, leaving only the LS sedan and the station wagon.
1996 Mitsubishi Diamante: Only a sedan remained for 1996, in ES and LS trim, and those were marketed only to rental-car companies.
1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (LS) Automatic-transmission performance
Steering/handling Exhaust noise (LS)
Control layout
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate, but neither Diamante has enough oomph to stand out among its many competitors. In most driving, the base model feels as responsive to the throttle as the LS. Acceleration times to 60 mph have been quite close: 9.5 seconds or less for sedans, versus 10.5 for the wagon. In highway passing, the LS has the advantage, because of its added strength at higher engine speeds. As for economy, a wagon delivered a disappointing 17.4 mpg, but an ES sedan managed 19 mpg. Premium fuel is required for the ES and recommended for best performance with the less-potent engine. Noise levels are generally low, though the 1994-95 LS had a loud and coarse exhaust note during hard acceleration. Regardless of model, the transmission is not always able to find the best gear when trying to stay abreast of quick city traffic. It can also get confused in low-speed turns, though operation is velvety most of the time. Body roll is noticeable in tight turns, but quite modest. At high speeds, a Diamante feels extraordinarily stable. Steering is quick and direct, and brakes feel strong with good pedal modulation. The firm base suspension provides a supple ride and good cornering grip, absorbing bumps nicely. Driver comfort and outward visibility are top-notch. Most instruments and controls are easy to see, except for the rather complex radio, whose electronic display washes out in sunlight. The automatic climate system on later models resets itself each time the engine is started, so you have to manually set it again. Despite appearances, a Diamante suits four adults better than five. Front-seat room is passable, though the optional power sunroof crowds head space for people over 6 feet tall. Rear-seat leg room is disappointing--not nearly as large as the car's outside dimensions would suggest. Narrow rear-door openings make getting in/out harder than it should be. The trunk isn't large enough for a family car of this size, either.
Value for the Money
Faults aside, Diamante is appealing due to its stylish design and all-around road manners. Though not a front-runner in any one area, it does have some good points.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Mitsubishi Diamante LS sedan Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 4
Total: 50
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: The automatic-transmission front pump may wear out prematurely due to excessive runout of the torque-converter hub. (1992-96)
Electrical problem: The rear-defogger grid is easily damaged if it is not cleaned properly or by objects on the rear shelf. (1992-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $640
Alternator $345
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $865
Brakes $220
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $575
Constant Velocity Joints $810
Exhaust System $520
Radiator $610
Shocks and/or Struts $510
Timing Chain or Belt $295
NHTSA Recall History
1992-95 Puerto Rico only: Front brake hose can crack, resulting in fluid leakage.
1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1992
Diamante $1,000-1,500 $600-900 $100-200
1993
Diamante $1,200-1,700 $700-1,000 $100-200
1994
Diamante $1,400-1,900 $900-1,200 $200
1995
Diamante $1,800-2,300 $1,200-1,600 $300
1996
Diamante $2,300-2,800 $1,700-2,000 $400-500
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 107.1 107.2
Overall Length, in. 190.2 192.4
Overall Width, in. 69.9 69.9
Overall Height, in. 52.6 57.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3605 3638
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 13.6 72.1
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0 18.8
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.6 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.9 43.9
Rear Head Room, in. 36.9 38.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.2 36.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base Diamantes used a 3.0-liter V6 engine that made 175 horsepower, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The upscale LS got a dual-overhead-cam version of the V6, rated at 202 horsepower, also offered only with automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc V6 3.0 / 182 175 185 4-speed automatic: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 19
dohc V6 3.0 / 182 202 199-201 4-speed automatic: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 17.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1993 Diamante
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: Australia, Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
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