Overview & Reviews
Debuting a few years after the start of the new millennium, the first-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was a late arrival to the small-SUV segment. Like many of its peers, it had a car-based design that translated into good handling and a comfortable ride on paved roads, but limited off-road capability. With so many competitors, Mitsubishi tried to set the Outlander apart with distinctive styling and a sporty demeanor. Compared to popular models from Honda and Toyota, however, the older Outlander models offered less interior space, and their breathless four-cylinder engines failed to live up to Mitsubishi's sporting image.
These problems were addressed in the larger second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, which gained more interior space and an available V6 engine. Even so, the Outlander still lives in the shadows of its more successful contemporaries, whose reputations for overall quality and reliability are well-known to consumers. In spite of its lower profile, the second-generation Outlander is a competitive small SUV. It has the available all-wheel-drive system, high driving position and versatile cargo space consumers have come to expect in this segment, and sets itself apart with distinctive styling, advanced technology and a lively personality.
Current Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is available in three trim levels: ES, SE and GT. Outlander ES and SE models are powered by a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the GT receives a 230-hp 3.0-liter V6. Four-cylinder Outlanders come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the V6-powered GT uses a traditional six-speed automatic. Both have manual-shift capability. All Outlander trims are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The AWD system is notable for its various configurations that allow drivers to select 2WD for maximum fuel economy or 4WD Lock for maximum traction in slippery conditions.
The base ES is equipped with air-conditioning, CD player, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a full array of safety features and an auxiliary audio jack. The SE adds alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, a sliding second-row seat, a third-row seat and upgraded upholstery. The GT gets automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, automatic climate control and upgraded interior materials.
Many options are grouped into packages and include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, Rockford Fosgate audio system, the Fuse hands-free electronics interface, a rearview camera, a rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates.
In our reviews, we've praised the Mitsubishi Outlander for its energetic V6 engine as well as its family-friendly design and moderately sporty handling. Negatives include a ride quality that may be too stiff for some and second-row seating space that is merely adequate. Passengers in the third-row fare even worse, as that seat is frighteningly flimsy, very thinly padded and cramped even for small children. We wouldn't recommend using it. Overall, buyers seeking value, style and fun-to-drive characteristics in a package that doesn't sacrifice daily usability will find the Mitsubishi Outlander to be a decent choice, but we'd recommend that you consider its competitors.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander Models
Debuting for 2007, the latest (second-generation) Mitsubishi Outlander introduced a few key attributes that the original lacked, namely V6 power, a third-row seat and additional cargo room. Three trims were offered initially -- ES, LS and XLS -- and all were equipped with a 220-hp V6 engine. A unique option was the navigation system whose hard drive provided 30GB for music storage.
For 2008 Mitsubishi added the SE trim and the current car's four-cylinder engine. The LS trim was deleted the following year, while a back-up camera and a larger hard drive for the navigation system debuted. Besides the 2010 styling revamp, the V6 received a slight increase in power along with an update to the AWD system.
For 2010, the Mitsubishi Outlander received a major refresh that included new aggressive styling inspired by the Lancer Evolution X. Other changes included a new LCD gauge display, real-time traffic for the navigation system and an available "Fuse" hands-free link system with audio streaming and voice commands for MP3 players and cell phones. Mechanical changes included a slight power bump for the V6 engine (to 230 hp) and an upgraded version of the all-wheel-drive system. The XLS trim was dropped for 2012.
The first-generation Outlander was sold from 2003-'06. Dropped into the highly competitive small-SUV category, the Outlander had unique styling, a carlike ride and comfortable seating for four, but offered few advantages over the more established competition.
In its first year of production, the Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 140-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. Around-town power was adequate with this setup, but Mitsubishi's compact sport-utility proved quite sluggish in passing and high-speed merging situations. A jump in hp to 160 for the 2004 model year helped somewhat, but the Outlander's engine still wasn't a match for the smooth and potent four-cylinders in small SUVs from Honda and Toyota, much less V6-powered Ford and GM models. Throughout the first-generation Outlander's run, both front-wheel-drive and AWD versions were offered.
In addition to the LS and the XLS trims, Mitsubishi added a high-line Outlander Limited trim in 2005, with unique interior and exterior trim enhancements as well as leather seating. Also significant for '05 was the addition of a five-speed manual as the standard transmission on the LS. Highly observant customers may also notice the slightly revised rear styling introduced during this model year.
In 2006, the midlevel XLS was replaced by the SE trim level, while base LS and high-end Limited trims remained. That model year also saw antilock brakes and side airbags find their way to the list of standard equipment for all trims. Models prior to 2006 reserved those safety features for premium models, making older LS-trim Outlanders less desirable for used car buyers. In general, we would advise used-car shoppers to look at '04 and newer Outlanders -- unless, that is, you find that you like the less powerful original engine more than we did.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 756.00-
Very Nice - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By burnett - December 15 - 5:43 amSo far so good. This car is fun, has great pickup, and handles very nicely. Of all the SUVs I tested, I think this one comes out on top. Some had more space but not enough to over take the pluses of the Outlander. After 1000 miles I feel positive that I made the right choice. The warranty upgrade also made this an easy pick. Performance + handling + warranty = sold. After 3 tanks Im getting around 22 mile to the gallon. This is a split between highway and city.
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Bad front end - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
By j ortiz - December 13 - 10:00 amLove this car but it is horrible on potholes and dips on the road when it hits one it makes banging noise like metal on metal took it to the dealer they said nothing was wrong with it i have own many cars and never heard a sound like that one day i was on the expressway and the car in front of me jam on his brakes so i did to and it made the bang noise wish i could fix it would be the perfect cuv
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Nice Ride, Satisfied!! - 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
By jac48 - December 6 - 7:34 amBought the car a little over a month ago and now have 1200 miles on it. I really like the new design, the fact that it comes standard with 3 rows of seats. The interior isnt flashy but it doesnt seem like cheap plastic either. I like the touch screen radio, backup cam, 18 inch wheels, heated seats, integrated blue tooth, fog lights ect. and all the other options for the price over competing SUVs. I was really considering the Subaru Forester, but the price and the 3rd row of seats sealed the deal. The factory Warranty is by far better. Ive owned an 02 Lancer, an 03 Eclipse and never had any trouble with either. Getting about 25MPG, which is a little lower than I was hoping.
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I Love This Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Shen Ron - December 3 - 2:00 amWhat can I say; Mitsubishi has a winner on its hands. I love the front end styling and the roomy interior.
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Worth the wait - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By ldk - November 26 - 8:43 amScared off by CRV oil fire. Then almost went for a Vibe for the mpg, but my husband thought it felt like a toy car. We all love our black Outlander. Kids think it is roomy and hip. I have loved driving it - sporty and classy. Got 26 mpg on first tank. This is more fun than a CRV and cheaper. Nice to be a bit unique on the road.
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Nice Truck - 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
By WHW - November 24 - 6:53 amThe 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is a good, dependable, affordable alternative to larger SUVs. I very much like and enjoy driving this vehicle. Ive always had larger SUVs but got tired of the gas prices and vehicle costs associated with them. The Outlander handles, rides, and performs very well for the price. Its worth looking into if you, as well, are tired of the high prices involved with the larger SUVs.
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Mitsubishi Outlander 2004 - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By carminelis - November 22 - 10:00 amPleasent to drive and comfortable.
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Best SUV I Could Find For $20k - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
By wk - November 22 - 10:00 amI was looking for performance, comfort and style that would take four people. The Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 2WD was the best in the $20,000 range. Ive driven it more than 2,000 during the first month of ownership and average 24 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. All that and a super warranty, too!
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1st Mitsubishi SUV- Loving it! - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
By pcar8 - November 20 - 2:55 amI bought a 2011 Silver Outlander a couple months ago. This is my first crossover SUV. My old car was a Nissan Maxima (Ive owed 2 of them) now Im driving a Mitsubishi and absolutley love it! It is so comfortable inside and fun to drive with its fast acceleration, responsive handling and sleek design - I got more bang for my buck! Never thought a navigation system was worth it but boy was I wrong. Plus the 10gb of space on the music server really is a plus. No more dragging around CDs. I just load a CD, record it and Im good to go on any long distance journey. Oh and the sound system is AWESOME. Did I tell you I love this SUV?
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Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
By Bill W - November 18 - 4:24 amIve owned well over 20 vehicles, including several Datsun/Nissan "Z" cars, a classic 1987 BMW 325, Fords, Chevys, and VWs. None has ever proven as reliable as my 2007 Outlander XLS purchased new. 10 years later it looks and runs as new and has never let me down. If I had a complaint road noise at 70MPH is quite a bit noisier than, say, a Lexus. Then again its far less expensive to buy, insure, and maintain. Id buy it again!
