Mitsubishi Triton Reviews from Australia and New Zealand

2002 Mitsubishi Triton MK 3.0 V6 petrol

Model year2002
Year of manufacture2002
First year of ownership2010
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 3.0 V6 petrol Manual
Performance marks 6 / 10
Reliability marks 7 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 6 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
6.6 / 10
Distance when acquired141000 kilometres
Most recent distance142000 kilometres
Previous carJeep Wrangler

Summary:

Powerful, but revs high

Faults:

Worn front tyres had to be replaced.

Possibly a worn bearing on A/C compressor.

General Comments:

This ute has lots of torque, but it revs high at highway speeds, even in fifth gear. I find myself wishing I had a sixth gear.

I am concerned about fuel economy, even though it is a newer ute and has a 3.0 liter engine. Great features in and out though, and seems tough. Lots of interior space too.

I like the factory-standard side impact beams, but cannot believe they didn't have airbags as standard on a 2002 model vehicle. It is an option to look out for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2010

1989 Mitsubishi Triton MF 2.6lt petrol

Model year1989
Year of manufacture1989
First year of ownership2008
Most recent year of ownership2008
Engine and transmission 2.6lt petrol Manual
Performance marks 7 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 6 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.7 / 10
Distance when acquired187000 kilometres
Most recent distance188000 kilometres

Summary:

Good First Car

Faults:

Well I have only had the car for about 2 weeks, but (touch wood) nothing so far.

The man I bought it off had had it for around 8 years and before that it was a CALM (Conservation and Land Management) vehicle.

Before I got it the only major thing that was wrong with it was a the radiator had to be replaced.

It has been serviced regularly and still runs well.

General Comments:

Inside it has a brown theme and has worn well for it's age. A split on the side of each seat is the only real wear on the interior.

It drives quite well, but is a bit squeaky over bumps and sharp turns. If you go over a speed hump, you'll find yourself bouncy 20 meters down the road.

Compared to a '96 Hilux I drove the acceleration is noticebally better, and it cruises on 100km/h at about 3000rpm.

All in all I think it is a very sturdy and reliable vehicle that should be considered for anyone buying a light pick up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th January, 2008

8th Jan 2013, 07:20

Just as a note, the bouncy suspension would be due to worn out shock absorbers, which generally only last a few years. This wouldn't be a fault of the car as such, and could be easily fixed by your local suspension specialist.

2000 Mitsubishi Triton 2.8

Model year2000
Year of manufacture2000
First year of ownership2000
Most recent year of ownership2007
Engine and transmission 2.8 Manual
Performance marks 7 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Dealer Service marks 5 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.5 / 10
Distance when acquired0 kilometres
Most recent distance159226 kilometres
Previous carMazda B2600

Summary:

Practical, good-looking, hard working - just awesome

Faults:

The body work dented easily.

Overhead cabin light and front parking lights were very faulty (cabin light now dead).

Front manual diff-lockers 'dry out' fast.

Drivers side window came off its rail.

The stereo lost power after deep water crossings. As did the rev counter.

Oil leak from gearbox.

Rear universal on the rear drive-shaft wore out.

General Comments:

For off road use, the bearings and intakes are badly exposed, but last well - all things considered.

The electronics seem a little 'touchy'.

All up though, this is one great family car - and a serious off road truck. It has the practicality of a "work area" and family area, tows well, works hard, and has never let me down.

With a few added extras - this is one good-looking, hard-working, practical machine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2007

2003 Mitsubishi Triton GLX 2.8 turbo diesel

Model year2003
Year of manufacture2003
First year of ownership2003
Most recent year of ownership2006
Engine and transmission 2.8 turbo diesel Manual
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 9 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
9.0 / 10
Distance when acquired0 kilometres
Most recent distance96000 kilometres
Previous carMitsubishi Triton

Summary:

A relatively compact but indestructible and loyal performer of great value

Faults:

Literally not even the most minor mechanical fault has occurred with this ute that is used for real work, not play or suburban posing. The worst thing that has happened is the battery connection corroding and ceasing to make contact.

The only adjustments that have been necessary is to the steering once, when toe-in was out and tyre wear obviously uneven. This was at 90,000 km. The turning circle is woeful and the worst feature of the vehicle. You need a five acre paddock to turn it in!

Body work is tough and remarkably rattle free despite continual work on rough dirt roads, farms etc.

I have had seat covers fitted all the time and the originals underneath are still like new. Interior comfort I find good with a clear and firm driving position. Not being a sucker for gimmicks, the cabin appointments are practical and adequate right down to lack of carpets on the floor. Who wants carpet in a work ute or idiotic electric windows? The radio is particularly clear. Dash appearance is dull, dull, dull funeral director grey. Who picks these god-forsaken colours? Nearly every car is the same now; depressing grey or worse still, black interiors- Yuk!

Being a twin cab, rear seat comfort is inevitably a compromise, but better than any others I have been in particularly Hi-Lux which seem to me to be built front and rear for contortionists. Cabin access is excellent, especially the front.

Fuel economy is good (11-12L/100km) by comparison to others and the turbo version in this goes like a rocket, especially compared to my previous tray model with the same non-turbo 2.8 motor. (but this was much better on fuel at 9-10L/100km). The turbo motor tends to shudder at low revs, but rapidly ceases as speed increases a bit.

Despite transmission problems in early models, due to oil loss, this one has been faultless and is pleasant to use.

Dealer service has been good and they know the model well. Attention to detail can be lacking, but overall their backup has been most satisfactory.

Underneath there is not a sign of oil leaks anywhere and the engine compartment is the same. Amazing.

Load height at the back is tall and often awkward, but it can easily carry a tonne without looking like a duck coming in to land. Brilliant.

General Comments:

These Tritons are tough and outperform competitors well for getting on with no nonsense work.

They deserve a large slice of their market segment.

Fully loaded or not this ute handles very well and is smooth and quiet to drive long distance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2006

30th Jun 2008, 07:51

This was a very clear and honest review and has helped me learn more about what appears to be a great car. This review further helped me decide which vehicle to buy and for what reasons.

Thanks for the information,

Michael.

19th May 2009, 23:35

I have owned 2003 Triton, 2.8 diesel Nat/As from new, and similarly have had no problems in 110,000kms. Fuel economy is great - I consistently get better than 750 kms from a 55 litre fill, which is under 8L/100kms. Perhaps having a tonneau cover significantly improves the 'aerodynamics' ;-)?

Average review marks: 7.8 / 10, based on 5 reviews