1988 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 2.6L

Summary:

Groovy groovy funky

Faults:

Wrong? Parts wear out on a vehicle that is designed old school and is meant to be treated old school! I live in Michigan, which has vicious salt rust. This just doesn't count toward the quality of the truck's construction. I'm a mister "craftwrench" type, so I fix anything that strays from original usefulness. Nothing special has gone wrong, just destruction of parts from rust. It's an old-fashioned design, which keeps parts relatively cheap. It's rugged and fun, and I'm looking for a 4WD (without rust) to do some Frankensteining on, and make a cool truck. It's a heavy-duty drive train, and it's tough. A truck made for custom-crafters like me!

General Comments:

From a bottom-line point-of-view, I've always heard (like many other makes) that the smaller motor (2L) is disappointing. Duh. The 2.6, however, has been lovely. If a 2.6 will fit a 2.o chassis, then get an upgrade. Does anyone know of a club for these vehicles? I'd like to chat with experienced persons. Classic styling, tough gearing, and RELATIVELY TOUGH, not considering rust or abuse (stop trying to use a mini as a full-size pickup, dummies!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2005

11th Sep 2019, 03:42

Mightyram50.net

That's a forum website with the most info on these trucks I've came across.

1988 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 2.0L

Summary:

This truck is a hard working, reliable, but gutless truck

Faults:

I bought the car from my father in law for $100 with a blown head gasket and numerous other known problems. I fixed the problems before I started driving it.

Replaced: Blown head gasket, intake manifold gasket, Exhaust manifold, shocks, idler arm.

Since that time, the parking sensor has gone bad and the brake light comes on intermittently. I have not fixed this yet. I am sure it is simple, but have not gotten around to it.

The seat has a tear in it and the rubber on the steering wheel has started to fall off from age and sunlight.

General Comments:

The car was my father-in-law's work truck, and was severely overloaded most of it's life. It was on it's third rebuilt engine when I got it, and it had recently had the carburetor rebuilt. It had extra springs added in the back to handle the extra weight and 6-ply truck tires.

I have put about 15,000 miles on the truck. I used it as a daily driver for work for the past 2.5 years, and I occasionally collected firewood in it. My commute to work is about 2 miles, so comfort has not been a huge issue. However, I have taken several long trips in it (200+ miles each way), and it is a very uncomfortable truck.

It is severely underpowered, and it is very noisy on the road. The gas mileage, at about 20 mpg average, is not great for a little four cylinder engine. However, it has done a huge amount of work for me in the short time I have had it. I am amazed at how much firewood I can haul with it, even though I have to drive very slowly up hills.

I have not had any reliability problems with this truck since I have owned it, and I find this quite amazing considering the abuse and heavy loads it has taken.

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

Review Date: 14th April, 2005

1st May 2006, 14:41

"A very uncomfortable truck?" Give me a break. You've beefed up the springs and put 6-ply tires on it! And worked the stuffing out of it. What are you expecting, a Cadillac? The 88 Mighty Max is just a great little truck. I bought mine new, and it's on its second engine and second transmission. GREAT little truck. Just be nice to it, and it will be nice to you. For crying out loud, it's not a tank!

1988 Mitsubishi Mighty Max Pickup 4x4 2.6L carb.

Summary:

This truck is the bomb when it is off-road.

Faults:

The truck had bad exhaust fumes when I first bought it.

The transmission got stuck at 4,000 miles.

Gas tank filter failed at 4,100 miles.

The u-joints replace at 3,000 miles.

General Comments:

The truck has excellent off-road abilities.

The mileage is 19 miles a gallon that's good for an engine that has 119 hp.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2004