1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Review
1996 Mitsubishi Diamante Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
The only Diamantes sold this year were for fleet sales. So unless you see one at a rental car auction, chances are not good that you'll find a used 1996 model.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.47 per gallon for regular unleaded in Oregon.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Oregon
$292/mo for Diamante ES
Diamante ES
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
This luxury sedan has suffered from a nearly invisible presence on the market, due in part to Mitsubishi's muddled brand identity. Like with Mazda's 929, people just don't associate Mitsubishi with luxury cars, or prestige for that matter. The Diamante's other problem has been the strong yen and the resulting price escalations.
Diamante competes in the near-luxury segment that includes the BMW 3-Series on the low end and the Lexus GS 300 up high. Diamante's price puts it in the thick of the fight; with the Oldsmobile Aurora, Lexus ES 300, Audi A6, and Acura's new TL-Series, to name a few, are all priced very competitively with this Mitsu.. The Diamante has what it takes to succeed in this class; understated good looks, sumptuous appointments, and performance that neither overwhelms or disappoints. What it's missing is character, and a prestigious nameplate.
Overall, we are impressed with the build quality of the Diamante. Interior materials and textures are first rate, though some switchgear is a bit on the cheap side. The Diamante feels and looks good inside, but not as good as a Lexus ES 300 or Mazda 929. The exterior eschews the traditionally bland Japanese look for a more Euro-influenced design, and is appealing for that reason.
The bottom line? The Diamante is good, but in this crowded market segment, there are better near-luxury sedans to be had.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante.
5 star(67%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
265,000 and still strong
Collete Anderson, 01/12/2009
1994 Mitsubishi Diamante 4dr Wagon
I just wanted to send a testimony to my 1994 Diamante Wagon. I have driven it for the last five years with only routine maintenance. The 'ol girl has 265,000 miles on it, and I just replaced the timing belt...hoping to get to 300,000 and beyond. A joy to drive!
4.88 out of 5 stars
I give my Diamante a 9.5!!!
tsunami, 08/01/2009
1995 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
I don't know what kind of lemons these other bloggers bought, but I bought my '95 Diamante LS with 42,700 miles on it in 2003. It is stock and is white with a moonroof, leather interior, stock Infinity sound system, the stock tape deck has an audio in port that will work with iPods and has a 6 disc changer in the trunk - stock. An old man must've owned it because it was in pristine … condition inside, outside, and mechanically speaking. It currently has 115,000 miles on it and runs like the day it came off the assembly line. No problems. Had to replace the alternator once ($80). POWERFUL, RELIABLE car. AND it looks awesome even still today in 2009 and turns ALL the girls' heads. Can't go wrong
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Car
Joe B., 11/07/2004
1994 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
Bought this car with 110,000 miles on it. As soon as I drove it I loved it. Great low end torque, smooth ride, lots of options. Very minor mechanical problems. I can't count anymore how many compliments I have gotten while going into a supermarket, or at a gas station about how nice of a car I have.
4.38 out of 5 stars
What a wonderful car
Carl R., 09/01/2003
1994 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
I got this car as a replacement to my
Sebring conv. and it has been nothing
but a joy to drive. Always starts
first try no matter how cold it is or
how long it has been sitting in the
driveway. I have gotten thousands of
safe and reliable miles out of this car
despite it's nine yrs. old. This is a
wonderful car that I would recommend to
anyone looking for a … dependable four
door sedan.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante, so we've included reviews for other years of the Diamante since its last redesign.
1996 Diamante Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $292/month |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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