1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1996 Mitsubishi Diamante
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1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration (LS)
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Exhaust noise (LS)
- Control layout
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante.
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.
Our road test for the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Diamante includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Diamante .
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Diamante details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Diamante | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Diamante | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Diamante | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Diamante | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Diamante | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Diamante include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: Australia, Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Diamante include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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