The Good
The 2002 Diamante offered a reasonably powerful V6 engine for decent performance. Its comfortable ride and spacious interior were major draws. Its distinctive design appealed to buyers seeking something different. The Diamante provided good value for money, offering many features at a competitive price. Its reliability, while not exceptional, was generally acceptable.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2002 Diamante include its average fuel economy compared to some competitors. Some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission. Rust can be a concern, especially in areas with harsh winters. Parts availability can sometimes be a challenge due to the car's relative rarity. Check for maintenance records carefully.
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 205 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Fuel Economy: (City/Highway) Approximately 17/24 mpg (may vary based on driving conditions and model year specifics)
- 0-60 Times: Roughly 8.5 seconds (estimated)
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or specified by the manufacturer
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Included features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo, and cloth upholstery.
- LS: Added features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and possibly a sunroof. Further refinements and options such as heated seats and upgraded audio systems could also be available in the LS trim.
- Safety: Dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. Side airbags were often optional, especially on the LS trim.
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Diamante |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Australia |
| Manufacturing City | TONSLEY PARK |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 6G74 |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Have?
While there might not be a significant number of recalls specifically for the 2002 model, it's essential to check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) database for any outstanding recalls related to safety issues. Long-term reliability can be a concern due to the potential for the aforementioned issues, and the increasing difficulty in finding replacement parts for older Mitsubishi models can add to ownership costs. Regular maintenance, including timely fluid changes and inspections, is crucial to mitigating these risks and extending the vehicle's lifespan. Specific model year variations in terms of problem incidence are not prominently documented, but pre-purchase inspections by a qualified mechanic are strongly recommended.
How long will the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard equipment. Side airbags were often available as an option, particularly on the LS trim. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking available on this model.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) may be available online. These ratings would provide insights into the vehicle's performance in frontal and side impact crash tests. Optional features could include a sunroof, leather seats, and automatic climate control. The focus was more on comfort and convenience than cutting-edge technology, reflecting the vehicle's design and target market at the time of its release.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Prices and Market Value
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Cost of Ownership
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Fuel Efficiency
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Safety Rating
NHTSA
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Compare to Other Sedan?
Reliability was a weak point compared to the Camry and Accord, which were known for their longevity. The Altima and 626 offered a similar balance of features and reliability, but often at a slightly lower price point. The Diamante's distinctive styling was its main differentiator.
Better alternatives for buyers seeking reliability and fuel efficiency would be the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. A similar alternative, focusing on style and value, would be a well-maintained Nissan Altima or Mazda 626. For those prioritizing reliability and lower long-term costs, the Diamante is generally not the best choice compared to its Japanese competitors.
Ranks #2046 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 2046 | 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante a Good Sedan?
Bryon on August 3, 2022
Happy to own this oneHave owned this car for 15 years and am very happy with it, comfortable to drive and tows the caravan easy despite being front wheel drive. No issues with maintenance and have just replaced its second cambelt due to kms travelled
Mitsubishi02 on December 6, 2018
One of my favorite cars yet to drive!It needed some work but was overall an amazing car. Got me to point A to point to B safely. Looks, sounds, and drives great!!! If your into the sportyish cars this is the one.
Mitsu-Bee-Shee on August 24, 2017
Outdated idea of a lower-end luxury sedanThis was my first car. I found it had a lot of technical problems and there was not a lot of support to get it repaired as it was already discontinued when I owned it.
T.H.Hill on July 23, 2017
Comfort, versitel Town Car .This town car is of a simulation ,of Lexus and Jaguar ,Smooth ,great on gas .ok ,as like Burick Country Car .
Bill on August 15, 2013
good righad this 02 dia for 6 yrs 81000 had no problems untill i got to the 143000 mark the trans went out cant complain i know a lot of people with diff cars whith trans problems alot sooner on the ticker the trick is to keep up on the maint its been a good car and for its period dont know of a better lux car in its class with better quality record
LRV on July 17, 2010
Excellent Car!I have owned one for over 4 years and have NEVER had an issue with it, but I have also kept up with my car's maintenance on a regular basis. Have already gotten 127k miles on it and plan to run it until it breaks down. This is higher mileage than I have seen on many other car models!
Benazar on August 25, 2009
Great Used Car.I bought my 2002 Diamante about 2 years ago and fell in love, I was a solid GM man but after having this car for the past 2 years I will never go back. True the resale is bad but you can get a great price on them now. I have had great luck with mine and would not trade it in for anything on the road right now..... Maybe a Lancer in a few more years ... I will drive this one til the end and have no plans on selling it.
67 mustang on March 15, 2009
Worst car I've ownedlooked at the Diamante in 1992, bought an Acura instead. 2002 decided to go with the Diamante, worst decision I made. Ride is rough, lots of road noise, tires changed out, no differnce. no resale value. I would not recommend this car.
Devon on March 16, 2007
Comfortable Highway CruiserRefined and unique is one way to describe this car. No other car in this class looks quite like a Diamante. From its frameless door glass, quad headlamps and sneaky look, this is a nice looking vehical. The interior is very spacious, with more than enough room to carry four 6 footers in comfort. Controls are placed in the proper area's and the electro-luminescent gauges provide excellent illumination at nighttime and in direct sunlight. Noise levels are kept to a minimum, as is shift shock. Performance is pretty good for a car of this size and weight. Off the line response and merging are done quickly and smoothly. The engine has a deep authoritive exhaust note, sounding great and smooth all the way up to the redline. About 7.8 seconds gets you to 60mph. Improvements should've been done to the transmission. The tranny sometimes wont downshift into a lower gear when you need sudden bursts of power and the interior could use 8 airbags instead of four. The engine could use another 40 horses and navigation system would be nice as well as auto up/down on all four windows. Again ,this is a great car to own, if cruising around the highway or around town is your thing.
Nate on June 6, 2006
Mitsubishi Diamante LSThe Mitsubishi Diamante LS is a smooth ride. No problems, great gas mileage, luxury, performance, reliability, what more can you ask for?
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma