The Dodge Raider is also known as the Mitsubishi Montero. It is directly derived from the popular Pajero model by Mitsubishi. Despite having a short life of 3 years and being taken off the production line after 1989, it is still a liked compact off-roader among people. Having said that, the Dodge Raider is now available for anything between $2,500 to $7,000.
10. The short production run
Good things do not last long and there is no guarantee they will be successful just like your first high school girlfriend. Rest in peace all nerd Kings! That being said, it is a similar tale about the Dodge Raider. This SUV started its journey in 1987 to fill the gas of a small off-roader in the Dodge lineup. However, it could not live more than 3 years and ended after the 1990 model year. Meanwhile, unlike today, in 1987, Dodge’s model range was more comprehensive. It included cars like Caravan Minivan, B-Series wagon, Colt sedan, and more.
9. Meet the Pajero’s twin
You would be surprised to know that the Dodge Raider is actually a copy of or rather rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Pajero 4X4 SUV which is also called the Mitsubishi Montero. The Pajero won 12 times in the Paris Dakar Rally off-road race. Hence, proved its off-road prowess to the world.
8. Dodge and Mitsubishi partnership
It was a collaboration between Dodge and Mitsubishi that the Dodge Raider into existence. Not like it was built from scratch but it did borrow everything except the nameplate from Mitsubishi’s Montero. Furthermore, Dodge was not shy to show the world that it has actually imported the Raider from Mitsubishi. That is why the Rainder SUV had ‘imported for Dodge’ written on the exterior. However, Dodge was not the only brand that was rebadging cars. Ford and Mazda also followed the same pattern. Ford actually sold the Probe model which was based on the Mazda MX-6.
7. Battle with a Jeep
The Jeep Wrangler was the envy of every automobile manufacturer. It was a capable off-roader that did not fear any terrain. The Wrangler evolved from the barebone Civilian Jeep (CJ) series after the aftermath of WWII. It was more comfortable and equipped with more features than its predecessor.
However, the first generation Wrangler was produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC). That being said, it was an instant success. Everyone loved the ruggedness and toughness of the Wrangler. Hence, to challenge it up front, Dodge decided to put the Raider as its competitor.
6. Other contemporaries
Chevrolet’s discontinued subbrand ‘Geo’ also imported vehicles that were based on many Suzuki and Isuzu models. The Geo Metro and Suzuki Swift, and the Geo Storm and the Isuzu Impulse are two such examples. That being said, some main rivals against the Dodge Raider also include the Geo Tracker and the Suzuki Samurai.
5. Powertrain and performance
The Dodge Raider or you can call it Mitsubishi Montero came with only one engine at first. It was powered by a 2.6L Inline-4 engine which was coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The net output of the Astron 2.6 L Inline-4 for all Raider models was 109 horsepower. Later, the Raider did end up getting a V6 engine dubbed as ‘Cyclone’. The V6 engine was used to put out 149 horsepower. It is also the same motor that was installed in the Pajero and the Chrysler cars based on the K-car platform.
4. Design and variations
The Dodge Raider was a subcompact crossover. It was only offered in 3-door body style. Meanwhile, one could buy the Montero in 3-door and 5-door variants.
The Raider has a length of 157.3 inches and a wheelbase of 92.5 inches. It was 72.8 inches tall and 66.1 inches wide. Furthermore, there were no high or low roof options along with different trims like the Pajero. In the end, the Raider’s limited customization was also one of the reasons for its discontinuation.
3. Interior or cabin layout
The Raider’s cabin couldn’t be more 80s-like. It borrowed almost all interior element and them from the Pajero. Neon orange gauges were fitted in a rectangular box just behind the steering wheel. An inclinometer just like the Pajero was present on the center of the dashboard. It was supposed to measure the horizontal and vertical inclination of the Raider. It was a unique and rare feature that the Raider SUV shared with airplanes which are also equipped with similar equipment.
2. Raider name revived again with a different body
After 1990, the Raider name disappeared. However, it was brought back again but this time it was for a pickup truck and not an SUV. Rebadged again as the Mitsubishi Raider, this midsize pickup truck lived from 2006 to 2009. Mitsubishi wanted to avoid the chicken tax. Hence, instead of importing its Triton truck after the completion, the company decided to build a new pickup truck in the US instead.
1. It is still remembered
The Dodge Raider did not leave a lasting legacy to follow. Its sales numbers were not as good as other similar off-road SUVs. However, it is still a popular and loved cute little off-road crossover among enthusiasts today. Although its cult following can not be compared with the likes of the 1987 Wrangler, the Raider was indeed a good piece of engineering.
