1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
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1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante ▼
- Price Range: $1,900 - $8,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Quietness
- Acceleration
- Ride
Cons
- Passenger and cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
Built in Australia, Mitsubishi's front-drive near-luxury sedan served as its U.S. "flagship." A previous Diamante had been marketed through 1995, but consigned to the rental-fleet business in '96, its final season. Redesigned for 1997, the new Diamante was nearly 4 inches longer than before, with a bigger interior and crisper styling than its predecessor. The V6 engine also grew in size, to 3.5 liters with a 210-horsepower rating. Only a sedan was produced this time; the former station wagon was gone. Rivals included the Infiniti I30, Lexus ES 300, Acura TL, Mazda Millenia, and Nissan Maxima ES. Diamantes came in base ES or upscale LS trim. Despite an unchanged wheelbase, interior volume grew by 7.4 cubic feet. Weight dropped by nearly 250 pounds, thanks to greater use of aluminum components. Dual front airbags were standard, with antilock brakes an option. The standard 4-speed automatic transmission varied its shifts depending upon the driver's style. Standard equipment included power windows, mirrors and locks; a security system; automatic climate control; cassette stereo; 15-inch tires; and a 3-point rear center seatbelt. The LS sedan added wider 16-inch tires on alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, CD player, and leather interior trim. New options included a built-in rear child-safety seat.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Diamante LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante:
Not much change was evident in the new Diamante's second season. Antilock braking and keyless entry now were standard on both the ES and LS sedans. The LS gained a power moonroof and a Homelink remote-control transmitter to open the garage door.
1999 Mitsubishi Diamante:
Little-changed this year, Mitsubishi's near-luxury sedan dropped to a single model rather than the previous ES and LS editions. Antilock brakes and a keyless-entry system were standard. A new Cold Weather Package option included traction control and heated front seats.
2000 Mitsubishi Diamante:
A short list of modifications for 2000 included a newly standard anti-theft engine immobilizer and a newly optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer. After being abandoned for '99, the former ES and LS model designations were resurrected. In essence, the new ES sedan was equipped like the single '99 model, but with a CD player. The 2000 LS contained equipment previously offered in Luxury and Premium packages. However, foglights, heated mirrors and front seats, and traction control, were combined into a new All-Weather option group.
2001 Mitsubishi Diamante:
Rear child-seat anchors were the only addition for 2001.
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante:
Diamante got revised styling front and rear, and added a new model for 2002. The new VR-X version had 210 hp vs. 205 in the other trim levels.
2003 Mitsubishi Diamante:
VR-X also gets a special black-mesh grille, aero-look lower body styling, cloth front sport seats, and wheel-opening flares.
2004 Mitsubishi Diamante:
The Diamante gets only cosmetic changes this year, including a re-designed nose, restyled dashboard and center console, new colors and interior trim, and a standard rear spoiler for the VR-X.
Our road test for the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Packing one of the biggest and "torquiest" engines in the near-luxury field, the Diamante delivers lively acceleration. A test model reached 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. Flooring the throttle produces a satisfying kick off the line and in passing maneuvers. Wind and road noise levels are generally low, though the engine can be a little coarse sounding at times and isn't as smooth as the near-luxury norm. As for economy, we averaged 19.7 mpg in a new Diamante, with a considerable amount of highway driving. The automatic transmission delivers clean, quick shifts, up and down the gears. Though billed as a sport sedan, Diamante is clearly biased toward comfort. It's not nearly as athletic as, say, a Mazda Millenia. A soft suspension absorbs most bumps easily, but detracts from handling prowess. This sedan floats a bit over pavement swells and fast humpbacks, and suffers marked body lean in tight turns. Tire roar is noticeable on pebbled pavement surfaces. Most buyers will like the choice of spring and shock absorber settings. With antilock braking, a Diamante fares well enough in panic stops, aside from an excess of queasy nosedive. Traction control is an advisable option to look for, because front tires can spin wildly on damp pavement. Passenger space did not really grow with the added length in this generation, although the back seat is roomier than before. Leg and foot room are abundant for four adults, though head space is scarce for 6-footers beneath the power sunroof (if installed). Storage space is below par, too, and pop-out cupholders are on the flimsy side. Interior materials look appealing and detail assembly is thorough, but the car does not feel quite as solid as some rivals. Door closure, for instance, has sounded a tad "tinny." And on rough roads, the Diamante simply doesn't feel as effectively screwed together as some competitors. Though simpler than the old one, the dashboard layout is rather "busy" and saddled with too-small radio buttons. Outward visibility is good, helped by a low dashboard top. The trunk is usefully spacious and easy to load, but hinges dip into the load-carrying area.
Value for the Money
In this highly competitive class, although other near-luxury cars rate higher, Diamante's price on the used-car market makes it worth considering. LS has been the "consumer" model, with the ES going largely to corporate fleets. Despite solid improvement in performance, room and refinement, some rivals--especially the Lexus ES 300--improved more and also promised greater prestige.
In this highly competitive class, although other near-luxury cars rate higher, Diamante's price on the used-car market makes it worth considering. LS has been the "consumer" model, with the ES going largely to corporate fleets. Despite solid improvement in performance, room and refinement, some rivals--especially the Lexus ES 300--improved more and also promised greater prestige.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Diamante LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
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.
Engine noise:
Valve tap at start-up is common on DOHC models and usually goes away after a couple minutes, but replacement hydraulic valve adjusters are required if noise persists. (1997-2000)
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 | $560 |
| Alternator | $690 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $970 |
| Brakes | $340 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $435 |
| Radiator | $400 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $560 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $160 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Diamante ES | $6,800-7,700 | $6,100-6,900 | $3,200-3,600 |
| Diamante LS, VR-X | $8,200-9,500 | $7,400-8,600 | $4,200-4,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Diamante ES | $5,300-6,100 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Diamante LS, VR-X | $6,600-7,500 | $5,800-6,600 | $3,000-3,500 |
| 2002 | |||
| Diamante ES | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| Diamante LS, VR-X | $5,500-6,400 | $4,700-5,500 | $2,300-2,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Diamante ES | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Diamante LS | $4,800-5,500 | $4,000-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Diamante ES | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| Diamante LS | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1999 | |||
| Diamante | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| Diamante ES | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| Diamante LS | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| 1997 | |||
| Diamante ES | $2,600-3,100 | $1,900-2,300 | $500-700 |
| Diamante LS | $2,900-3,400 | $2,200-2,600 | $700-800 |
|
|
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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 | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3494 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only a single powertrain has been used for the Diamante: a 3.5-liter, overhead cam V6 engine rated at 210 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 205-210 | 231 | 4-speed automatic: 18/24 | 4-speed automatic: 19.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Australia
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
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998-04:
Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
1999-2000:
Head of screw that holds retaining clip for parking-brake shoe can become brittle and break off; could result in parking brake dragging and/or failure to hold vehicle properly.
2000-03:
The owner's manual doesn't adequately explain the child-restraint system. Dealers will distribute further operation instructions.
2002:
The main underhood wiring harness may have insufficient clearance between the engine-control harness and the exhaust heat shield.
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