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Used 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
35 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Diamante, so we've included reviews for other years of the Diamante since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

What A Bargain

Fordham , 07/10/2010
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought my LS for 12,500 in 2003 and have never had a problem with it. It is faster than the Altima and Camry, and has beautiful Leather and wood inside. I get 30 mpg on the highway.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Mixed Feelings...

rowe0816, 07/03/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love my Diamante, especially since it's my first car. Styling is beautiful (looks like a BMW) and is the definition of luxury. Brakes do wear fast, and transmission does jerk a lot. Gas mileage is actually decent considering it has a V6 engine (I usually get 18-20 MPG). Around 100,000 miles, it seemed like every part needed replaced, radiator, starter, 2 head gaskets. It had a lot of mechanical problems which shouldn't be happening at only 100,000 miles. But all things considered, it's a fair car, and I got a great deal on it so it's hard to complain about that.

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4 out of 5 stars

Good experience owning this car

Bill, 04/26/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Diamante in 2000 with 44k. It ran relatively maintenance free until about 2004. Since then have replaced front and rear struts and radiator. Have replaced brakes three times since purchase. Currently have 112k on car. Overall this has been a reliable vehicle with good performance and comfort. I am thinking about replacing this vehicle because of family needs, but I will miss it. I would purchase this car again.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

8 Years now

Sov1, 12/03/2009
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had this Diamante since early 2002. I love its look, the way it (used to) drive, and the driver comfort. As the years went on & I put more miles on it, of course, more went wrong with it. It's down right now, needing its third alternator. It has over 197,000 miles on it, though, and overall, I'm pleased with its life performance. It has a power steering problem (seems like fluid leak) that neither of my mechanics can fix. In the last 3 months, the steering has also become a bit less reliable - you have to turn the wheel more if you round a curve at over 35 mph.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Pretty Decent Car

jimr91, 04/04/2014
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my Diamante for $1200 and I'm not disappointed. It has problems starting even after i replaced the starter but she runs. Smooth riding car. I used to have a 2011 Kia soul and my Diamante handles a lot better. I wasn't expecting a nice engine but I'm amazed at how nice it is. One big problem i have with it is 3 of my door handles are broken. I know someone who had the same problem with theirs. Another small problem i have with this car is it feels a little cramped on the inside. My knees want to rest on the wheel. She's old and needs some more work done but for a $1200 car with 125,000 miles on it I'm very happy with it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Here's a real review.

Matt, 03/08/2017
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my diamante a half a year ago since iv replaced 1200 on parts (most by choice) I replaced the air intake and made it alot louder. Improved acceleration and now alot of cars cant catch up!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Solid and Safe

Max, 01/17/2007
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I was driving my Diamante last weekend and hit a patch of black ice while taking a turn on a raised interstate. My car went into a spin and hit a concrete sidewall at about 35-40 MPH. It bounced off the front and back left bumpers before stopping. The only damage is to the bumpers and lights. The car still drives straight and has no mechanical problems, but most important of all, my two passengers and I are unhurt. This is one solid and safe car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mitsubishi Diamante (Diamond) indeed

Michael, 04/18/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought my Diamante for a steal at $2,500 last November 11, 2007. It's an ES but came with all the optional features (sun roof, leather, CD player, etc.). I've been driving it since then with normal maintenance and it's been just phenomenal. I was weary at first having no clue what I was getting myself into, but after testing the car out I fell in love with it! I wanted a car that wasn't already on the road at mass production like the Honda Accords/Civics or the Toyota Camry/Corolla. I wanted something a bit more speical, that's when I ran into the Mitsubishi Diamante. Ever since I've bought this car I've been a happy driver~ Good luck to everyone, I hope this review somewhat helps

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5 out of 5 stars

kj

Petern6, 04/08/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very good, loveable car!!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Very nice car

DF, 05/08/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Styling, performance and reliability is great. Interior very classy and comfortable. Rivals the Lexus, Acuras and alike in all respects except maybe build quality (although it has been extremely reliable and virtually trouble free). The only negatives might be the somewhat quirky transmission, but I would still buy it again. Very nice for the money.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The one and only, Diamante

Michael, 12/11/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the Diamante, she's my Mitsu~ I live in Seattle, Washington and the weather here is really weird. Sometimes it rains a lot, snow once in a while, and occasionally, it'll be sunny. But nonetheless, through it all my Diamante has been amazing. Over 150,000 miles and still running strong! What I like the most from the Diamante is its uniqueness from other cars. Everyone these days is out sporting a Honda Civic/Accord or perhaps, a Toyota Corolla/Camry. It's soo boring! That's where the Diamante comes in. Diamante brings a new experience to the road that only a selected few may experience. Diamante is smooth and sleek; made for those that enjoy the finer things in life.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my Mitz

Jamie0827, 01/18/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am a proud owner of a "Mitz" Mitsubishi Diamante. I love my car it's fast, nice inside and out, and it's good on gas, I got it used and I have not had any problems with it since. (Thank GOD!) I also just love the color it like a baby blue, also like no other.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Honest Reality

DrieOlo, 08/23/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had to replace the transmission and the passenger side window. The sunroof also has occassional difficulties opening but will eventually open if you play with it long enough. But its an overall good car/ powerful car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Diamante Dynamics

mmlee1, 08/16/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My experience in owning a 1997 Diamante LS has been great! It performs well, and handles superior. The merging power is incredible above 50 mph. The ride is supple and quiet, the torque this car has provides smooth distance riding. The only flaw is the brakes; they wear out very fast!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

MY DIAMANTE

csw2312, 01/05/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My experiance with the Mitsubishi Diamante has been a good one, except for some minor problems.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Bought It New

bsm, 07/13/2006
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car has been a dream. It has over 182,000 miles and my only problem was the brakes initially until a mechanic changed me to another brake pad. I will probably get over 300,000 miles out of the car. This is the only car in my life I have ever kept for more than two years. Its transmission seems odd to other drivers who borrow the car but that is because it adapts to each drivers driving habits after about three or four times they have driven it consecutively. This is the best money I have ever spent on a car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love this car!

Rev Dee, 03/04/2006
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante for four years and have had very few problems. I love the torque and the ride. I also love the look and the feel.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Rough in the Diamante

Mauricio, 01/06/2007
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Diamante with 77,000 miles for cheap. It's a dream ride. It's quiet, powerful, smooth. But it's a heavy car, so the brakes go fast and they are not strong enough for the car. The transmission is not strong enough either. Over a long period and it starts to fail when down shifting. It seems like it's a common problem on high mileage Diamantes. A lot of little things have started to go wrong. The AC started failing. The trunk didn't open from inside anymore. The leather seat started ripping, etc. They are excellent cars for a while. The drop in the bucket was the failing distributor at 99,000 miles. After that, I had to sell it. Too bad, they are not easy to find and I miss it.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

HONESTLY

pA TEL, 04/09/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i wouldnt buy it brand new. i think its the best used car to buy because of its resale value. i bought mine 97 diamante for 10k [only 50k miles on it]. if you can find a better value than that let me know! i sounds great when you step on it. i do wish it had stronger brakes. i love the transmission it adjusts to driver's driving habits its kind of cool. its one of the best looking cars [like all mitsus]

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5 out of 5 stars

Still Happy!

Tommysgirl3, 04/27/2007
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Except for the quirky little jerk sometimes while the transmission shifts to 2nd gear, this is one of the best cars I have ever owned. No maintenance issues, great gas mileage and an overall reliable vehicle. I purchased it in 2000 with 37,000; I'm now at 98,000 miles with years to go.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Diamante dilema

cc rides, 04/28/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great looking car - go easy on braking as they will need frequent replacement - would've liked heated seats for the leather (not avail in '97 model)- would like directional in the area where little tv screen - negatives include continuos trans problems in 2nd gear slipping and catching, some burning of the fluid - dealer seemed to keep doing little things to stall on replacing it- no other problems so may replace trans - also a little problem with trunk release occas not working or key in trunk not working properly when trunk has boxes in it -

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5 out of 5 stars

Smooth ride but won't buy again

ollymaggi, 01/15/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Annoying transmission problems (noticeable jerk at certain speed) every now and then. Driver door wasn't a tight fit, but had it fixed under warranty. No other problems worth mentioning. Still love the car. However, as I mentioned earlier I will not buy this car again.

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5 out of 5 stars

screaming bargain

elwood, 06/17/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am a frugal car nut. I keep a list of cars that I like when new. I watch for the ones that have high reliability ratings and depreciate like a brick. Enter the Diamante. Why no one buys them new? I do not know, and don't care. The result? Two years ago I purchased a '97 w/ only 27K on the clock in mint cond. for only $15,700. Happy motoring since.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Goo Buy for a Used Car

Tekball9, 09/14/2008
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this 98 Diamante with 156K miles in it. So far I've had it for few months and no problem at all as far as maintenance. The only issue I have is the antenna makes this weird noise when I turn the radio on and it doesn't want to go down when I turn the radio off. The paint in the back if oxidizing but I think the previous owner really never took care of the waxing part. It's a fun car to drive with the luxury feel to it. I recommend buying one.

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5 out of 5 stars

you wont be sorry

joe too, 10/04/2002
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is the best car i have ever owned

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2.63 out of 5 stars

owner

ababababab, 01/22/2003
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

stiring not good transmition slips

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Idle miss fire, electrical problem, Rides Nice

mikedennehy70, 03/06/2011
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just bought a 1998 Diamante for 2,700, after getting new tires and fixing a bad front brake caliper it rides nice. I am still working on what I think is an electrical problem. The doors unlock on their own at random and the car can be on or off. Also,the engine idle miss fire still have not figured out. Check engine light is not on. Runs great but still need to figure out these problems befor I say its a good car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

It's been a good one!!

grandma on the go, 07/25/2003
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for 5 years and still get compliments on it. Looks good and drives good. No major problems and over 95,500 miles! It has been the best car I've ever owned and I have owned several. To have put this many miles on a car a still not have problems is an A+.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good value

Casey, 06/24/2005
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car after owning a string of American cars which fell apart on me. I bought it with 83k on it and have added another 20k, about 1/2 hwy miles. The car looks great and performs well. I live in Colorado and the 210 HP engine will keep the car accellerating all the way to the top of the Rockies on I-70. The digital climate control works great, the factory stereo sounds awesome and the only thing I've had to replace on the car is the brake pads. Mileage I get is about 20 cty, 30 hwy. The car does have more depreciation than it's competition, but to me that just means less money I had to pay for it.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

After 5 years

Dicuda, 12/23/2003
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have not done a thing to this vehicle except for brakes, tires and a battery. The original tires and brakes only lasted for 24000 miles, but the aftermarket brakes are still in the front and were replaced in the rear 200 miles ago. Aftermarket tires still have over 50 % of the tread left. All in all it has been a great car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A Great Car

Suprised by Mitsu:), 03/05/2003
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned Acuras, a toyota, and quite a few American cars which were very unreliable, i must say I had my doubts about mitsubishi. i am fairly young(23) and been thru quite a few cars. this car has plenty of power greatfeatures for the money. I think better than the 3.2 and 3.5 RL and TL Acura's respectively, which are nioce. This car is very reliable . I haven't had any issues with it, and I am really suprised at this. I thought it was not as reliable as Honda / Acura, but it is. Dont get me wrong, the build quality isn't Lexus, it sure is close though. great car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Upside potential

Yuppie, 04/09/2004
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used and have been driving it ever since. It has the style and finesse to hang with the big boys but won't break the bank. Surprisingly fun to drive and very reliable. Overall a great buy.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

1998 Mitsubishi Diamante - Good car

chad, 03/12/2005
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante is a good entry level luxury car. It has over 200 hp, a good ride, is roomy, cheaper than a Lexus ES 300, comfortable seats, and looks like some older model BMWs. I still think it looks very sexy and up to date looking at it from the front / front quarter. it has always shimmied a little and the air conditioning makes a little more noise than I like when at a stop. No one notices this but me and the dealership says both issues are common for the car. At 85,000 miles I began noticing the transmission sometimes slips. Also, I had to replace the heater core, but I have not had to make any other major repairs in six years.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

GOOD CAR

TIM J, 07/16/2005
1998 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought our ES with 49K. My wife usually drives it. Both our sons and I really enjoy the acceleration of this car. The powertrain is awesome. I am a diehard Diamante lover. Their value does plummet, so buy while still under factory warranty, and let someone else bite the bullet on the depreciation. I also own a Diamante Wagon with nearly 300k. These cars ARE well made in my opinion.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nice car

cm, 06/23/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love my 97 diamante ls. Only thing bothers me is the transmission. Sometimes it jerks like a stick shift but other than that its a great car to have and buy.

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