2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
Should You Buy a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante?
The 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is a front-wheel-drive sedan that combines a powerful 3.5L V6 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission, delivering 210 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque. With a combined fuel economy of 18 MPG and a starting MSRP of $26,997, it positions itself as a mid-range option for buyers seeking a balance of performance and comfort. The Diamante seats five and offers a spacious interior, making it suitable for families or those needing extra room for passengers and cargo.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has received a total of 162 complaints to the NHTSA, with 9 related to crash incidents and 13 injuries reported. Notably, the most common issues involve the visibility and HVAC system, particularly the heater core, which has shown problems at various mileage intervals. Despite these concerns, the Diamante boasts a reliability score of 97.9/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with the vehicle's overall performance and dependability.
The 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is best suited for families or individuals seeking a reliable, spacious sedan with a strong engine, who are willing to manage some common maintenance issues.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five
- +Strong V6 engine providing ample power for daily driving
- +High reliability score of 97.9/100
- +Premium features for a mid-range sedan
- +Good safety ratings despite some crash incidents
Weaknesses
- -Common issues with the HVAC system and heater core
- -Requires premium unleaded fuel, increasing operating costs
- -Limited availability of parts due to age
- -Older design may not appeal to modern aesthetic preferences
- -4-speed automatic transmission may feel outdated compared to newer models
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning the visibility and HVAC system, with a significant focus on the heater core. Issues typically arise between 20,000 to 80,000 miles, indicating a pattern that prospective buyers should consider. While the vehicle has experienced some crash incidents, there are no significant fire complaints on record.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 18
- Fuel Type
- Premium Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 194.1 in
- Width
- 70.5 in
- Height
- 56.7 in
- Wheelbase
- 107.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,439 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –