X: Hey, Mom, how did you like driving a truck around last week?

Boomer: You know, I like test driving a new truck now and then, and I'm always amazed at how many models are on the market in the same category with regard to size, weight and ability. But do you think we really need so many trucks to choose from?

X: Well, how is that different from choosing shoes, homes, restaurants or men? Each truck has something we personally like or need. I guess it's a matter of finding out what feels good and serves a purpose for that individual.

Boomer: Thank you, Oprah. It's like we always say, choose a vehicle to match your lifestyle and pocketbook.

X: And if you remember, that's exactly why we drove the 2006 Mitsubishi Raider everywhere last week-we wanted to see what was different and what Mitsubishi had to offer that would provide them a strong presence in the truck arena. How do you think they did?

Boomer: At first, I looked at the mid size Raider and thought it was a Dodge Dakota in drag. I didn't expect to find any new or distinctive qualities in a Mitsubishi truck. I was quite surprised, however, to see the enthusiastic reaction to the Raider wherever I went, and I went everywhere.

X: I was actually driving it around more than you, trying to find your Mother's Day gift, because I was in charge of your present this year. I knew what you needed, so I volunteered to buy it, wrap it and share the praise for a great idea with my siblings.

Boomer: Thank you, Melanie, I love my tape recorder. I've already taped a few of Dad's promises to me for a vacation so I can play it back when he says he didn't say that.

X: Mom, the recorder is for you to talk into in order to remind yourself of appointments, things you need to do and to record
interviews, rather than writing everything down. As you're getting older, and a little forgetful, we kids felt this would be a great help to you.

Boomer: Well, that just took all the excitement out of the gift. I thought it was for me to tape conversations or sort of spy on people.

X: I knew you shouldn't have gone to see Mission Impossible III.

Boomer: Funny you should mention that, because in the theater parking lot is where I was stopped by a young couple asking about the Raider. They noticed the very distinctive Mitsubishi badge on the grille and liked the look of it. They even asked if I would demonstrate opening and closing the extended cargo area at the rear of the truck. I felt like Vanna White, pointing to all the great features.

X: You do look like you could be her older sister.

Boomer: Thanks...I guess. Anyway, the Mitsubishi Raider comes in several different trim levels, although I couldn't remember all of them to tell that couple I met. New for 2006, the Raider is offered in LS, DuroCross and XLS trim levels, and it's powered by either a 210 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 engine or a 230 horsepower 4.7 liter V8. I would say there is a level for everyone.

X: I guess that's the reason the price can vary, as well. Starting MSRP is $19,180, but you can go up to as much as $33,920. That's quite a range in extras and trim levels.

Boomer: I do like the exterior look of the Raider, and I believe that's what initially draws so many people's attention. But I also found the Raider to be easy to maneuver, park, enter and exit an ATM space, and move the last of the furniture out of the storage unit.

X: What did you do with my old furniture? I may need that someday.

Boomer: I can only hope.

X: My friend Kenny has a Raider and uses it to tow his boat to the lake. It has a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and the truck bed has more than 40 cubic feet of cargo space. He knows all about the Raider because he did a lot of research before choosing a new truck.

Boomer: My research told me you can order a double or extended cab, with either rear wheel drive or four wheel drive. I felt very feminine while driving the truck, yet the Mitsubishi stood strong and masculine with some really nice looking lines on the exterior. It made me feel fit and firm, sitting tall in the comfort of the interior's leather seats.

X: You make it sound like an ad on e Harmony or one of those Internet matchmaker ads.

Boomer: I wouldn't know, and how would you?

X: Forget it. In my research, I thought it would be fun to compare the Raider to other mid size trucks in its category and see where it stood relative to price and function. Here is what I discovered: Compared to the 2006 Ford Ranger, the Raider has the better basic warranty, but the Ranger gets better gas mileage. The GMC Canyon priced out better, but the Raider still has the best power train warranty. The Chevy Colorado also gets better gas mileage, but the Raider's interior is nicer. The Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Mazda truck came in about the same as the Raider.

Boomer: Here we are right back to personal preference, lifestyle and pocketbook.

X: The fuel economy wasn't what I expected, but I did a lot of city driving looking for your "Mission Impossible" Mother's Day gift. The city mileage is rated at 16 mpg and highway 22 mpg.

Boomer: Well, thank you for all the running around you did for my pre Alzheimer's gift. I really appreciate it. And I have another great idea for using the recorder.

X: What's that?

Boomer: Whenever I meet some smart, cut guy that I think is a good match for you, I'll have them talk into the recorder and give their phone number. Then I can play it back for you and you can pick which one you want to call.

X: I should have bought you flowers.