What year did the Dodge Raider come out?
The Dodge Raider debuted in 1990, but only in Mexico, as a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero). In the United States, the Dodge nameplate never carried a Raider model.
To understand why that badge exists and how it fits into Dodge’s global strategy, this article traces its origin, market presence, and what collectors today should know about this regional chapter in Dodge’s history.
Origins and debut
In Mexico, Chrysler’s Dodge division marketed a version of Mitsubishi's Montero under the Dodge Raider name starting around 1990. It used the Montero’s mechanicals and platform but carried Dodge styling cues and branding to appeal to customers in that market.
Market presence and legacy
The Raider badge appeared in Mexican-market literature and dealer materials through the 1990s, but it was not part of Dodge’s lineup in the United States or other major markets. Over time, the Raider name faded as regional strategies shifted and Mitsubishi’s SUV lineup evolved, leaving the Montero/Pajero as the global reference in many markets.
Why the confusion persists
Enthusiasts and collectors sometimes encounter references to a Dodge Raider when researching regional rebadges or late-90s catalogs. Clarifying that this was a Mexico-specific badge-engineering effort helps differentiate it from any U.S.-market Dodge SUV offerings.
Summary
The Dodge Raider began life in 1990 as a Mexico-market rebadged Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero). It was not released as a Dodge SUV in the United States, and the badge faded from Dodge’s regional lineups by the late 1990s, marking a niche but notable chapter in Dodge’s global branding history.
