Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Adventure (1998-2017)

The original article was published last May 23, 2013 and can be viewed here. Minor revisions are done.

This iconic nameplate is going to greener pastures this year.

1998-2017 Mitsubishi Adventure

History
20 years is very long, especially for a vehicle that hasn't received any huge or significant upgrades both inside and out. Sure, there are numerous vehicles worldwide that run on the same platform and body for more than ten years and the Philippine market is no exemption. One of the vehicles which had reached the end of its teenage years is the Mitsubishi Adventure, which had seen six presidents and two assembly locations in the Philippines. First introduced to the market in January 1998, the Adventure is basically a Taiwanese model with modifications to suit local tastes. 1998 saw the Asian Financial Crisis in full swing and thanks to this model, Mitsubishi became the number one brand for that year since the 80s and to never reclaim it after.

With the collaboration of Mitsubishi Motors and China Motor Corporation, the Adventure (or Freeca in its hometown in Taiwan) was first released in September 11 1997. Other names used include the Kuda (Indonesian for horse) in the Indonesian market and Jolie for Vietnamese consumers. As of now, it is only the Philippine market which sells this car with Indonesian, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and Chinese markets discontinuing this vehicle for long.

With the growing market for AUV's during the late 90s, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines decided to join the party by assembling the Adventure locally. This vehicle, just like any best seller, received numerous upgrades throughout selling life to keep up with market trends. From OFW families to UV Express operators as its customer base, by the end of this year it will be discontinued due to emission systems which this vehicle doesn't meet. Variants available throughout the years include the taxi exclusive TX, GX, GLX, GLS Sport, Grand Sport, and Super Sport. In 2012, an SE suffix was added to GLX, GLS Sport, and Super Sport trims that added a touch screen monitor with GPS function which trickled down later on.

Value and Costs
Since the vehicle would be removed by the end of year, expect vehicle prices to dip down further with the cheapest ones going for P175,000 for early gasoline models and latest releases can be had for P750,000. October 2014 models and above still have the remaining chunk of their warranty, so do keep an eye for them. Go for something that had been used as a private vehicle than something which had a hundred butts sitting and traveled more than the average driver. With no mechanical changes, it all boils down to the amenities and the year model. With more than 100,000 units sold, our wise money goes to the diesels with the gasoline best left unless you want an automatic.

For nearly 20 years riding on a single platform, parts are aplenty and for the diesel, since it shares engine components with other Mitsubishi vehicles and thanks to its simple structure, any mechanic can fix this one. Do keep an eye for its smoke belching nature for the diesel, especially that the engine is notorious for that. If you want this car, keep an eye on the air-conditioning unit.

Exterior and Interior
With various cosmetic changes, let's discuss them one by one. Earlier models possess a grille similar to the Pajero, and high models have design cues to resemble an SUV. Body stickers come standard in the Super Sport, Grand Sport, and GLS Sport (until 2007). GLX trims have them from 2012 onwards; if you can't live with them, there is an option of removing them. The side hinged doors for some Grand Sport and Super Sport models is complicated to open as it hogs space (it is different from the FX type door of several models) and this includes opening the spare tyre cover sideways that is a bane in mall parking lots. 2017 models are distinguished by their daytime running lights and black rims for GLX and above.

Interior quality is a mixed bag, depending on what year model you are eyeing on. Early models are crude while later ones are decent enough. Higher models have wood panels that can be described as luxurious or tacky, depending on who you are asking. Controls are within the reach of the driver and gauges can range from the white of pre-2007 to the blue of later ones. A two spoke steering wheel is standard among trim lines below the GLS Sport but they get a four spoke one in 2007, save for the GX. An entertainment system comes standard but haphazardly located since the rear view mirror gets blocked when in use. Squeezing three bodies in the first row is a violation of human rights while bucket seats are a relief. If you are unlucky to seat in the middle, your knees would hit the dashboard. Three is an ideal number in the middle row but four is a tight fit. Going for those models with a side facing jump seat would mean limited head and leg room; the front facing ones have nonexistent space for their legs, it is best left for the kids.

Engine
Choosing your Adventure is like choosing your coffee at Starbucks with a number of variants, but you have an option of two engines. The popular one is the diesel in the form of the 4D56 2.5 that carries 62hp at 4,200rpm and 165Nm at 2,500rpm for models prior to 2004, later models get a power update to 73hp at 4,200rpm but has its torque downgraded to 143Nm at 2,500rpm. Another option that you can have and offered until 2009 is the 4G63 2.0 gasoline which possess 114hp at 5,500rpm and 165Nm at 3,000rpm. The diesel feels muted and quiet when compared to Isuzu's Crosswind and you can speed up a bit due to the low gear ratios at the expense of lower fuel economy and you need to thrash the gear for an acceptable performance. On the other hand, the Galant sourced 4G63 engine is rough at first but becomes smooth afterwards. Fuel economy for the gasoline isn't to be proud of, but still better than the Revo's 2.0 one (and even the 1.8 when paired with a slushbox). Before anything else, if you hate rowing gears then the automatic is available with the gasoline.

Driving Impressions
A well behaved chassis comes standard since body roll is controlled and turning is stable, but high speeds must be planned carefully since the rear can get twitchy. Ride quality can get bouncy and firm when driving solo but since it has a suspension setting tuned for cargo hauling, don't expect a sedan comfort feeling. For a passenger like you, you'll like riding in this more than a Toyota Hiace or worse, an Isuzu iVan since getting your head hit is a bigger chance, especially for the latter and ride quality is more worse.

Verdict
The Adventure was a good car for an intended market, but there's a saying that good things come to an end. This vehicle witnessed a lot of events and had stood the test of time and had brought a lot of families together and commuters to their destinations safely. You will be missed, our dear friend.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 19, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, and October 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles October 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, and September 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles September 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of September 16, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016 and August 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles August 2016

Sweldo is just days away and the buying mood for late but good repossessed cars is anytime. While the previous administration had a lot of cars sold, a lot of people aren't stopping buying cars even with a new president on board. While we observe that a thousand repo'ed cars are available in a month, there are some unique vehicles that were being towed and we'll let you look for these.

Do take note the list is accurate as of August 12, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, and July 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles July 2016

2 weeks from a new administration and a payday Friday, let us discover the most repossessed cars this month. If you see a trend here, the top 10 are mostly sub-compacts, where most people start buying cars. The economy is doing fine with people are on a buying spree for cars but finishing their payments are just a different topic. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want.

Do take note the list is accurate as of July 15, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and June 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles June 2016

Its just less than a month before we have a new president and vice president taking over and the economy is just doing fine, my friend. People still has that buying mood of purchasing cars but finishing that monthly payments is a different tale. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Let us see after June 30 on how many vehicles will enter repo lots (this month it had increased in numbers) and if Duterte's administration will do good for the industry as a whole.

Do take note the list is accurate as of June 13, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, and May 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles May 2016

We all have that election hangover since Monday's polls and we all know who will be our next president while the vice presidential race has yet to be known. The ones who took advantage of the good economy who defaulted on their payments are present. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Let us see after June 30 on how many vehicles will enter repo lots and if Duterte's administration will do good.

Do take note the list is accurate as of May 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, and April 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles April 2016

Election is just a month away (please do vote wisely, people!) and car sales are on the roll especially that the next president or administration may have an impact on the buying mood. On the other hand, those who took advantage of the good economy who defaulted on their payments are present. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Will the Kia Rio or theToyota Vios wrestle the most repo'ed car from the Mitsubishi Montero Sport this month?

Do take note the list is accurate as of April 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, and March 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles March 2016

On our third month of the year 2016, people who bought new cars last year (and some in the previous years) will definitely have a chance of defaulting on their payments ; a portion of people who bought cars last year will default on their payments are either those who wanted a personal ride or those who invested for Grab/Uber units (which is not profitable in the first place). This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. While the Kia Rio used to be the most repo'ed vehicle from January and the Toyota Vios last February, this month's is a shocker

Do take note the list is accurate as of March 11, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, UCPB, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, and February 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles February 2016

324,000 vehicles were sold in 2015 and that was throughout the country; a portion of people who bought cars last year (and some in the previous years) will default on their payments either those who wanted a personal ride or those who invested for Grab/Uber units (which is not profitable in the first place). This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. For the first time, the Kia Rio takes a rest as the most repossessed vehicle and you will be surprised who is number one.

Do take note the list is accurate as of February 10, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank. UCPB does not have any active list as of writing time so we will be skipping them for now.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, and January 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles January 2016

We know you missed this since we got off by a month. Since today is the first month of the year, there will be people who will default on their payments, especially that 2015 car sales are estimated to hit above 300,000 units. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. For the past two series, the Kia Rio has the most units repossessed and with the new year is there any car that will take the title?

Do take note the list is accurate as of January 9, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank.

See the top 10 of October 2015 and November 2015. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2015

Last year, we had published a list of vehicles that are commonly repossessed by banks. For this year, let us see the top 10 repossessed vehicles (last time was 12 due to a tie) overall with a top five per bank. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. With automotive sales on the rise plus the fad of Uber/GrabCar services, there would come a time people would default on their monthly payments.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 15 2015. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles 2015 Edition

Last year, we had published a list of vehicles that are commonly repossessed by banks. For this year, let us see the top 10 repossessed vehicles (last time was 12 due to a tie) overall with a top five per bank. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. With automotive sales on the rise plus the fad of Uber/GrabCar services, there would come a time people would default on their monthly payments.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 2, 2015. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Sterling Bank of Asia, Maybank, and BPI.

Mitsubishi Adventure (Diesel) - Generation 1.3 (2004-2009)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (DIESEL) (2004-2009)

The third update for the Adventure occurred twice (May 2004 and 2007) which included an upgrade to Euro 2 emissions in 2007. While the gasoline model was discontinued, the diesel stayed.

See the overview of this Adventure

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.2 (gasoline or diesel) model

See the latest model of the Adventure

Also see: Adventure (Gasoline) (2004-2008)

Mitsubishi Adventure (Gasoline) - Generation 1.3 (2004-2008)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (GASOLINE) (2004-2008)

The third update for the Adventure occurred twice (May 2004 and 2007) which included an upgrade to Euro 2 emissions in 2007. This would be the last of the gasoline engines that is offered in the Adventure.

See the overview of this Adventure

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.2 (gasoline or diesel) model

See the latest model of the Adventure

Also see: Adventure (Diesel) (2004-2009)

Mitsubishi Adventure (Diesel) - Generation 1.2 (2001-2004)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (DIESEL) (2001-2004)

Released in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Adventure spawned numerous variants with one replacing each other (GLS replaced the GLS Sport) while one was launched in a December 2002 update. The GX took a hiatus for this version.

See the overview of this Adventure

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.3 (gasoline or diesel) model

See the latest model of the Adventure

Also see: Adventure (Gasoline) (2001-2004)

Mitsubishi Adventure (Gasoline) - Generation 1.2 (2001-2004)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (GASOLINE) (2001-2004)

Released in 2001 as a 2002 model, the Adventure spawned numerous variants with one replacing each other (GLS replaced the GLS Sport) while one was launched in a December 2002 update. The GX took a hiatus for this version.

See the overview of this Adventure

See the Generation 1.1 or 1.3 (gasoline or diesel) model

See the latest model of the Adventure

Also see: Adventure (Diesel) (2001-2004)

Mitsubishi Adventure - Generation 1.1 (1998-2001)

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE (1998-2001)

Based from the Taiwanese Freeca, the Adventure gets the popular 4D56 diesel or a 2.0 gasoline engine. An uplevel Super Sport variant was added in 1999 with a gasoline engine. This would be eventually the only model range to get a side hinge rear door, until later models of the GX have it.

See the overview of this Adventure

See the Generation 1.2 (gasoline or diesel) or 1.3 (gasoline or diesel) model

See the latest model of the Adventure

Car Profiles - Mitsubishi Adventure

MITSUBISHI ADVENTURE

After years of chugging along, the Adventure still has some fans despite the need of a full update. While at least the GLX gets a DVD ready tuner, its is long in the tooth but manages to keep the price below a million bucks. Despite the leather seats, the Super Sport is no luxury car. Basic, and that's appealing to some.

The Good: Cheap to buy and maintain, 4D56 engine is trusty. 

The Bad: 4D56 engine is old, bouncy ride, no advance safety features, needs a major update.

Price Range: P952,000-P1,010,000

Our Rating: *

Related Review: Mitsubishi Adventure (1998-Current)

Last Update: March 2, 2018