Mitsubishi Mighty Max
The Mighty Max was discontinued for the US in 1996. The brand then didn’t have a pickup in the States until it launched the Dodge Dakota-based Mitsubishi Raider in 2005. Ironically, the tables had turned as in 1987 it was Dodge who used a Mighty Max platform and design for its Ram 50 pickup.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max Overview
The Mitsubishi Mighty Max is a compact pickup truck that was sold by Mitsubishi in the North American market from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s. The truck is known for its durability and simplicity, fitting well within the compact pickup segment that was popular in the U.S. during its production years. The Mighty Max was sold in the U.S. from 1978 to 1996.
The Mighty Max utilized a body-on-frame construction typical of pickup trucks. As a compact pickup, the Mighty Max was smaller than full-sized trucks, making it more maneuverable and fuel-efficient. Over its production run, the Mighty Max was offered with a variety of gasoline engines, ranging from four-cylinder to V6 options. Diesel options were also available in certain years. Available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The truck was designed with utility in mind and had a respectable payload capacity for its class.
An interesting aspect of the Mighty Max’s history is its relationship with Chrysler. Under a badge engineering strategy, the Mighty Max was also sold as the Dodge Ram 50 in the U.S. market. This collaboration allowed Dodge to offer a compact pickup in their lineup without developing a new model from scratch. In the earlier years, another badge-engineered version of the truck was sold as the Plymouth Arrow Truck.
The Mighty Max was discontinued after the 1996 model year, and Mitsubishi did not offer a direct replacement in the U.S. market. The truck is remembered for its durability and no-nonsense approach to design. It has a niche following among truck enthusiasts and those who appreciate its straightforward nature.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max Sales Figures
The Mighty Max was positioned as an affordable and reliable compact pickup option in the U.S., competing with the likes of the Toyota Pickup, Nissan Hardbody, and Ford Ranger. The truck was recognized for its reliability and straightforward design. However, it faced stiff competition from other well-established brands in the compact pickup segment.
Mitsubishi Mighty Max U.S Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
Year | Sales Units |
---|---|
1982 | 5,260 |
1983 | 7,691 |
1984 | 14,945 |
1985 | 24,032 |
1986 | 28,307 |
1987 | 37,835 |
1988 | 33,264 |
1989 | 23,679 |
1990 | 25,542 |
1991 | 18,247 |
1992 | 14,615 |
1993 | 14,230 |
1994 | 13,414 |
1995 | 5,045 |
1996 | 457 |