Mitsubishi Diamante

When first introduced, the Mitsubishi Diamante had a class-leading base price, about the same as a well-equipped Accord or 4-cylinder Camry, that attracted buyers to the new car. Since then, prices have increased for all Japanese imports, and the price leaders have gradually dropped away. The Diamante, like the Galant could compete successfully in its segment if more buyers only knew it was there. The Diamante, like the Galant, simply gets overwhelmed in the marketplace by its larger competitors. It competes with the new Mazda Millenia, Oldsmobile Aurora, Acura Legend and Lexus ES 300. Available as both a wagon, rare in this segment, and a sedan, the Diamante is available in two trim levels: ES (sedan and wagon) and LS (sedan only).

All are equipped with V6s and 4-speed automatic transmissions. The ES has a 2-valve-per-cylinder sohc engine with 175 hp; the LS has four-valves-per-cylinder, dohc and 202 hp. The LS has traction control available, and Trace Control, which uses steering wheel input and wheelspin to signal a microprocessor that controls throttle opening. That, in turn, keeps an enthusiastically driven Diamante understeering at just the level most drivers find comfortable. Trace Control can be turned off. Power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes are on all Diamantes. ABS is standard on the LS, optional on the others. Aluminum wheels are standard, as is air conditioning, a stereo cassette system (six speakers on the ES, eight on the LS, as well as CD). Leather upholstery and keyless entry are standard on the LS, optional on the ES.

Retail prices

As of March 9, 1994:

• $25,850 (1994 Mitsubishi Diamante 4DR Wagon)
• $25,750 (1994 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4DR Sedan)
• $32,825 (1994 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4DR Sedan)

As of September 12, 1994:

• $35,250 (1995 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 4DR Sedan)

As of mid-1995:

• $28,250 (1995 Mitsubishi Diamante 4DR Wagon)
• $27,000 (1995 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4DR Sedan)

As of August 1995:

• $27,120 (1996 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 4DR Sedan)

Specifications

4DR Sedan

Model year	Trim level	Transmission	Cylinders	Engine Size	Drive	MPG	Horsepower
1994	ES	4-speed automatic	V6	3.0L	FWD	18 City/24 Highway	175
1994	LS	4-speed automatic	V6	3.0L	FWD	18 City/24 Highway	202
1995	LS	4-speed automatic	V6	3.0L	FWD	18 City/25 Highway	202

4DR Wagon

Model year	Trim level	Transmission	Cylinders	Engine Size	Drive	MPG	Horsepower
1994	ES	4-speed automatic	V6	3.0L	FWD	18 City/24 Highway	175

Gallery

1992-1996 Mitsubishi Diamante 4-door wagon

1995 Mitsubishi Diamante 4-door sedan