EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Although the VR-X version can be mildly entertaining, the Diamante is a diamond best left in the rough.
Pros
Long list of standard features, confident brakes, capable handling (in VR-X) and quiet ride.
Cons
Transmission easy to confuse, some subpar interior materials, ergonomic flaws, weak engine, can''t get side airbags or stability control.
What''s New for 2004
The Diamante receives a few minor styling changes that include a revised front fascia and a new front grille on the outside and a redesigned center console and dash on the inside. A Sportronic automatic transmission, projector beam foglights and a 270-watt Infinity stereo are now standard on the LS and VR-X. Additionally, all VR-X models get new sport taillamps and a rear spoiler, while the base ES gets upgraded interior fabric.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 1992, the first-generation Diamante -- in spite of its good looks, a 202-horsepower V6 (in the LS) and plush interior -- never put up big sales numbers. Offered as an alternative to much pricier German and fellow Japanese entry-luxury sedans, the Diamante nevertheless suffered the embarrassment of "fleet only" sales status for the 1996 model year. The second generation, which debuted in 1997, brought the car back to the public marketplace, but this version hasn''t fared much better. In a 1999 Edmunds.com comparison test, the Diamante came in last out of eight cars. The chief reasons for the dismal showing were an "asleep-on-the-job" automatic transmission, mushy handling and some build-quality lapses. This is not to say the Diamante was all bad; an accommodating rear seat and an exceptional sound system won kudos. Still, Mitsubishi had some work to do on its admittedly handsome luxury sedan. Not much has changed since then. The best hope for this forgotten car is the VR-X model that offers impressive handling and handsome styling tweaks to assert its sporting intentions. Unfortunately, cars like the Acura TL, Lexus ES 330 and Nissan Maxima offer superior performance and luxury along with roomier cabins.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Diamante comes in three trim levels -- base ES, luxury LS and sporty VR-X. The base ES comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, a sunroof, cruise control, trip computer, a 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo and premium cloth upholstery. Uplevel LS models add leather seating, a power passenger seat, two memory settings for the driver, electroluminescent gauges, a 270-watt Infinity audio system with steering wheel audio controls, projector beam foglights and alloy wheels. The sporty VR-X trim starts with ES features and adds white-faced gauges, metallic interior trim, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Infinity audio system with steering wheel controls, unique five-spoke wheels, rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip and revised taillights. LS models can be upgraded with traction control and heated seats and side mirrors. The VR-X can be upgraded with a leather interior, a power passenger seat and memory for the driver seat.
Powertrains and Performance:
The standard drivetrain consists of a 3.5-liter V6 with 205 horsepower (210 in the VR-X) and a four-speed automatic transmission. This combination is capable of propelling the Diamante from zero to 60 mph in around eight seconds. Both the LS and sporty VR-X versions offer a shift-it-yourself Sportronic automanual mode as standard equipment. EPA fuel mileage estimates are 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard on all models. Traction control is standard on the VR-X and optional on the LS. Unlike many sedans in this class, stability control and side airbags are not offered. There is no crash test data available for this car.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
At first glance, the Diamante seems to have an attractive cabin, with a pleasing combination of textures and shapes. But upon closer inspection some flaws are revealed, such as materials that aren''t quite up to $30,000-sedan standards and a rampant lack of nighttime control illumination. Likewise, the seating is comfortable with generous room in back, but functionality could be better, as the rear seat does not fold down nor is there a center pass-through.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The standard ES and LS models provide a comfortable, if uninvolved ride, while the VR-X offers some degree of interaction with the road. The 3.5-liter V6 may have been adequate several years ago, but 205 hp just doesn''t cut it for a premium sedan of this size, especially when it''s paired with a lackadaisical four-speed automatic transmission. The Diamante is quiet and smooth on the highway, but so are any number of sedans with similar price tags and considerably more power.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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