2002 Mitsubishi Diamante: Road Test
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2002 Mitsubishi Diamante ▼
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- MSRP: $25,687 -$28,447
- Invoice: $23,830 -$26,377
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Our road test for the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante help you decide if a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
Test LS did 0-60 mph in an acceptable 8.1 sec. Traction control checks unwanted wheelspin in hard takeoffs, but should be available on all models. Have not yet tested the VR-X.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.6 |
Test LS averaged 19.7 mpg with lots of highway driving. Expect closer to 17 all-around. Mitsubishi recommends premium gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.2 |
Most bumps are easily absorbed, but soft damping allows mild float over fast humpbacks.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.7 |
More cornering lean than desirable, but Diamante is competent, safe, predictable, though less nimble than rivals such as the Acura TL.
QUIETNESS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.8 |
This V6 isn't the smoothest around, but it's pretty relaxed and hardly vibratory. Wind and road noise low, but some tire thrum is audible on pebbled pavement.
CONTROLS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
Conventional if busy design and layout. Stereo buttons are too small.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7 |
Good but not grand. LS's sunroof leaves marginal 6-footer head room. ES provides more clearance. Good basic driving stance with sufficient adjustments. Visibility marred by a mild over-the-shoulder blind spot.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.4 |
Too narrow for three adults to be comfortable, and leg room can be tight with the front seats pushed very far back.
CARGO ROOM
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.2 |
Trunk is roomy and easy to load, but not among the largest in this class, and the lid hinges cut into the available space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5.1 |
Diamante's new styling can't hide such near-luxury-class shortcomings as the absence of side airbags and lack of a 5-speed automatic transmission. Although this is a competent car attractively priced, it's a dull one, bettered overall by a host of rivals, especially the value-packed Acura TL. It also lags in prestige and therefore resale value.
Total Score
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 51 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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