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2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Rating: 4.70
Based on 10 Owner Reviews
Cathleen V | March 31, 2025
The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante is a mid-size sedan that represented Mitsubishi's attempt to compete in the near-luxury market. Produced from 1991-2005 (in the US market), the 2000 model year was part of the second generation. Key trims included the ES and LS. New, they ranged roughly from $25,000 to $30,000. Its comfortable ride and relatively upscale features for the price made it appealing to some buyers.
The Good

The 2000 Diamante offered a smooth, comfortable ride suitable for daily commuting and road trips (emotional). It provided a good amount of interior space for passengers. While not known for fuel efficiency, it delivered adequate power for most driving situations. Its relatively low price point (practical) for the features offered made it a decent value.

The Bad

The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante is known for potential transmission issues, so inspect thoroughly. Electrical problems are also not uncommon. Parts availability can sometimes be a challenge due to its relative rarity. Rust can be a concern, especially in areas with harsh winters. Maintenance can be more expensive compared to more common brands.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options: One engine was available: a 3.5-liter V6.
  • Horsepower: The 3.5L V6 produced approximately 205-210 horsepower.
  • Fuel Economy: Estimated fuel economy was around 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
  • 0-60 Times: 0-60 mph acceleration was roughly in the 8-9 second range.
  • Towing Capacity: Towing was not generally recommended for the Diamante.
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • ES: Included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a basic audio system.
    • LS: Added features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium audio system (often with a CD changer), and alloy wheels. Some LS models may have had a sunroof or upgraded sound systems.
Standard safety features included dual front airbags and antilock brakes (ABS) were often optional. Interior design focused on comfort with relatively soft-touch materials for its class. The Diamante also featured independent front and rear suspension for a smoother ride.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2000
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 3443 pounds
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 Automatic
Transmission Speeds -
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

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Analysis

What Problems Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Have?

The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante has several frequently reported problems, primarily related to the automatic transmission. Slipping gears, harsh shifting, and complete transmission failure are all documented issues. Electrical problems, including issues with the power windows, door locks, and climate control, are also common. Some owners have reported issues with the engine, such as oil leaks and premature wear. Rust, especially in areas with road salt, is a significant concern.

While specific recalls directly targeting the 2000 model year may be limited, it's crucial to check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) database for any safety recalls related to components shared with other Mitsubishi models. Long-term reliability is generally considered below average compared to Japanese rivals like Toyota and Honda. Proper and timely maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, can help mitigate some of these issues, but the underlying design may still present challenges as the vehicle ages. Parts availability can also become a problem, making repairs more difficult and expensive.

How long will the 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante last?

With proper maintenance, a 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante could potentially reach 200,000 miles or more, but this is less common compared to some of its competitors. Many examples are likely to have fallen into disrepair due to age and the cost of maintaining them. Average lifespan largely depends on maintenance habits. Neglecting transmission fluid changes and addressing electrical issues can significantly shorten its lifespan. Rust is a major long-term durability concern. Weaknesses include transmission wear, electrical component failures, and susceptibility to rust. Finding a well-maintained example is key to achieving higher mileage.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante's tech was fairly basic for its time. Standard features included a cassette player and, in some trims, a CD player. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available. The Diamante relied on standard safety features for the era. Dual front airbags were standard, and antilock brakes (ABS) were optional, depending on the trim level.

Entertainment was limited to the audio system. The LS trim often included an upgraded sound system with a CD changer. There were no navigation or infotainment systems available.

Driver-assistance features were non-existent. This vehicle lacked features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, or adaptive cruise control.

Safety features were rudimentary. While dual front airbags were standard, side airbags were not available. ABS was an option. Crash test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS may be available, and should be consulted for a better understanding of its performance in simulated collisions. However, older vehicles generally have lower safety standards compared to modern cars.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Alpine Silver Metallic
Alexandria Beige Metallic
Black Mica
Bordeaux Red Pearl
Cashmere Gold Metallic
Glacier White Pearl
Mystic Blue Metallic
Sapphire Blue Metallic
Quartz Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Ivory
Beige
Charcoal

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante had an MSRP ranging from approximately $25,000 to $30,000, depending on the trim level and options. Today, used market prices are significantly lower, ranging from a few hundred dollars to maybe $3,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. The Diamante depreciated heavily due to its reliability concerns, brand perception, and parts availability. Factors affecting resale value include overall condition, documented maintenance history, and low mileage. Finding a buyer willing to take on the potential risks is a challenge, leading to very low resale values.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Cost of Ownership

The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante is generally not an economical vehicle to own long-term. Insurance costs are likely to be moderate, reflecting its age and value. Fuel economy is poor for its class. Maintenance and repair costs can be high due to potential issues and parts availability. Transmission repairs can be especially expensive. Long-term ownership costs are likely to exceed the initial purchase price due to ongoing maintenance and potential repairs. Budget carefully before purchasing.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 19 gallons
City Mileage 16 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage 23 miles/gallon

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Safety Rating

NHTSA
Side Driver Rating Not Tested
Frontal Passenger Rating Not Tested
Rollover Rating Not Tested
Side Rear Passenger Rating Not Tested
Frontal Driver Rating Not Tested
IIHS
Moderate Overlap Front Test Results Not Tested

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Recalls & Defects

Parking Brake:driveline:hydraulic
Recall date 2000-05-08
Recall no. 00v132000
Source NHTSA
Summary Vehicle Description: Passenger Vehicles. THE Head OF THE Screw That Holds THE Retaining Clip FOR THE Parking Brake Shoe CAN Become Brittle and Break Off.
Consequence IF THE Screw Head Breaks Off, THE Parking Brake Shoe Retainer Clip CAN Become Dislodged and Could Result IN THE Parking Brake Dragging And/Or Failure OF THE Parking Brake TO Properly Hold. Seizure OF THE Parking Brake Shoe, Especially ON WET or Snow Covered Roads, Could Result IN Lockup OF ONE OF THE Rear Wheels.
Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE Retaining Clip Screw and IN THE Process Inspect THE Rear Brake System OF ANY Possible Related Damage. ANY Related Damage That MAY BE Found Will Also BE Repaired.
Notes Owner Notification Began June 30, 2000. Owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Mitsubishi AT 1-800-222-0037. Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual
Recall date 2004-02-11
Recall no. 04v067000
Source NHTSA
Summary Certain Sport Utility and Passenger Vehicles Fail TO Comply With Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 225, "child Restraint Anchorage Systems." THE Owner's Manual Does NOT Contain A Step-By-Step Description FOR Headrest Adjustment When Installing A Child Restraint System (Crs) Tether Strap.
Consequence IF THE Tether Strap IS Improperly Installed TO THE Tether Anchor, THE Child Safety Seat MAY NOT BE Sufficient Restrained. IN THE Event OF A Crash, THE Child Could BE Injured.
Remedy A Letter Outlining THE Problem Will BE Sent TO Owners Along With A Sticker Containing THE Correct Instructions AS Well AS Instructions ON Where TO Affix THE Sticker IN THE Owner's Manual. THE Recall Began ON March 29, 2004. Owners Should Contact Mitsubishi AT 1-888-648-7820.
Notes Mitsubishi Recall NO. Sr-04-002.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Equipment:other:labels
Recall date 2004-09-01
Recall no. 04v428000
Source NHTSA
Summary Certain Passenger Vehicles Fail TO Conform TO THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 208, 'occupant Crash Protection.' THE Bilingual English/Spanish Removable AIR BAG Warning Labels Affixed TO THE Dash and TO THE Sunvisor DO NOT Meet THE Size Requirements OF THE Standard.
Consequence This Does NOT Meet THE Requirements OF THE Standard.
Remedy Mitsubishi Caribbean Will Mail A Customer Notification Letter Containing A Written Description and A Graphic OF THE Bi-Lingual Dashboard AIR BAG Warning Label. IN Addition, All Current 2000-2004 Nativa Owners Will Also Receive Replacement AIR BAG Alert Labels FOR THE SUN Visors. This Recall IS Expected TO Begin During March or April 2005. THE Notification TO THE Nativa Owners IS Expected TO Begin During April or MAY 2005. Owners Should Contact Mitsubishi Caribbean AT 1-787-251-8715.
Notes THE Manufacturer's Petition Which Requested That Nhtsa Determine This Fmvss Noncompliance Does NOT Create AN Unreasonable Risk TO Motor Vehicle Safety WAS Partially Denied ON January 26, 2005. Therefore, This Manufacturer IS Obligated TO Conduct AN Owner Notification and Remedy Campaign.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Insurance

Insurance for a 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Compare to Other Sedan?

The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante competed with mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, and Mazda 626. In terms of performance, the Diamante was comparable, offering adequate power. However, its reliability lagged significantly behind the Toyota and Honda. Features were similar, but the Diamante didn't offer any compelling advantages. Price was initially competitive, but its rapid depreciation made it a less attractive long-term value.

Alternatives like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord offered superior reliability, better resale value, and wider parts availability. The Nissan Maxima provided a sportier driving experience. Even the Mazda 626 was a more reliable option. The Diamante's biggest drawback was its potential for costly repairs and difficulty finding parts. For buyers prioritizing reliability and lower long-term costs, the Camry or Accord are significantly better choices. If sporty driving is a must, the Maxima is preferable.

Ranks #2101 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★)
2101 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante (4.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante a Good Sedan?

The 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante is a difficult recommendation. It might be suitable for someone on a very tight budget willing to take a gamble on reliability and comfortable with potential repairs. It is not worth buying unless you are mechanically inclined and prepared for potentially frequent and expensive repairs, or if you find one in exceptionally well-maintained condition with a complete service history and at a very low price. Buying a used example is the only option at this point. The LS trim offers more features, but any potential purchase requires a thorough inspection for transmission issues, electrical problems, and rust.

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante Owner Reviews

4.70
Consumer Rating, Based on 10 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Dimce011 on July 11, 2009

Great car for the money!

I bought this car an year ago. I was looking for a car in lower price range for 4 weeks to find one with no or just a little service needed. I had hard time and this car was really good choice. It is cheapest Japanese car in this class. It is made in Australia and the quality is very high. It looks nice runs great. The leather interior feels good, factory music plays better than most Bose sets i have heard so far and it has one of the best engines made in last 15 years, with lower consumption than expected. I bought this car with 105 000 miles on it and I was just changing oil. Strongly recommended.

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Brandon on November 16, 2007

Amazing car!

I had my 00 diamante for 4 years and for the most part the only time it saw the shop was for an oil change!

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Dimce011 on July 11, 2009

Great car for the money!

I bought this car an year ago. I was looking for a car in lower price range for 4 weeks to find one with no or just a little service needed. I had hard time and this car was really good choice. It is cheapest Japanese car in this class. It is made in Australia and the quality is very high. It looks nice runs great. The leather interior feels good, factory music plays better than most Bose sets i have heard so far and it has one of the best engines made in last 15 years, with lower consumption than expected. I bought this car with 105 000 miles on it and I was just changing oil. Strongly recommended.

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Brandon on November 16, 2007

Amazing car!

I had my 00 diamante for 4 years and for the most part the only time it saw the shop was for an oil change!

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Dimce011 on July 11, 2009

Great car for the money!

I bought this car an year ago. I was looking for a car in lower price range for 4 weeks to find one with no or just a little service needed. I had hard time and this car was really good choice. It is cheapest Japanese car in this class. It is made in Australia and the quality is very high. It looks nice runs great. The leather interior feels good, factory music plays better than most Bose sets i have heard so far and it has one of the best engines made in last 15 years, with lower consumption than expected. I bought this car with 105 000 miles on it and I was just changing oil. Strongly recommended.

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Brandon on November 16, 2007

Amazing car!

I had my 00 diamante for 4 years and for the most part the only time it saw the shop was for an oil change!

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Dimce011 on July 11, 2009

Great car for the money!

I bought this car an year ago. I was looking for a car in lower price range for 4 weeks to find one with no or just a little service needed. I had hard time and this car was really good choice. It is cheapest Japanese car in this class. It is made in Australia and the quality is very high. It looks nice runs great. The leather interior feels good, factory music plays better than most Bose sets i have heard so far and it has one of the best engines made in last 15 years, with lower consumption than expected. I bought this car with 105 000 miles on it and I was just changing oil. Strongly recommended.

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Brandon on November 16, 2007

Amazing car!

I had my 00 diamante for 4 years and for the most part the only time it saw the shop was for an oil change!

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Dimce011 on July 11, 2009

Great car for the money!

I bought this car an year ago. I was looking for a car in lower price range for 4 weeks to find one with no or just a little service needed. I had hard time and this car was really good choice. It is cheapest Japanese car in this class. It is made in Australia and the quality is very high. It looks nice runs great. The leather interior feels good, factory music plays better than most Bose sets i have heard so far and it has one of the best engines made in last 15 years, with lower consumption than expected. I bought this car with 105 000 miles on it and I was just changing oil. Strongly recommended.

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Brandon on November 16, 2007

Amazing car!

I had my 00 diamante for 4 years and for the most part the only time it saw the shop was for an oil change!

Was this review helpful?
1
0
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Cathleen V

Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.