Dodge Raider History: Mitsubishi Pajero Nameplate, Marketing, Off-Road

History Of The Dodge Raider

The Dodge Raider was simply a rebadged Mitsubishi Pajero known as the Montero in North America.

It was only imported and rebranded by Dodge for three years between 1987-89.

Mitsubishi Pajero Nameplate

1987 dodge raider

Imported From Japan. Engineering Features That Helped Customized Raiders Win The Grueling Paris-Dakar Endurance Rally Several Times.

1988 dodge raider

Ruggedness From Japan. A Four Wheel Drive SUV That Will Take You Any Place You Want To Go. A Proven 2.6-liter Four-Cylinder Engine That Delivers Plenty of Torque for Tough Situations.

1989 DODGE RAIDER

When The Road Ends, The 4-Wheel Fun Begins. The '89 Featured An Optional 3.0-liter Multipoint Fuel-Injected V-6 Engine and the Standard 2.6-liter Four-Cylinder Power.

The imported Raiders have the first generation body design of the Mitsubishi Montero. Although the Montero was produced as both a two and four door SUV the Dodge Raider was only available as a two door model with a rear hatch. The Mitsubishi Pajero was rebranded as the Montero for North America and first introduced in 1982 as a recreational vehicle to compete with the Land Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol internationally.

Raider Rebadge AND Marketing

The success of the Mitsubishi Montero over the first five years led to a new redesigned model with upgraded amenities including alloy wheels, front seat heaters and covers along with a premium sound system.

Dodge rebadged the two door version as the Raider for model years 1987, 1988 and 1989.

Dodge marketed the Raider to the North American market as a rugged SUV similar to the Jeep Wrangler (YJ) and included both standard and diesel four cylinder engines as well as a 3.0 liter V6 motor. Part-time four-wheel drive was standard on all models.

Dodge Raider Off-Road Use

Like other box-like rugged SUVs of the time including the Wrangler and Suzuki Samurai, the Dodge Raider is typically heavily modified for off-road use. This includes adding lift kits and other custom suspension parts along with heavy-duty bumpers, racks, mud-terrain tires, winches and other 4×4 accessories.