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2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Limited AWD Road Test

A Richer Experience than Its Price Suggests

Its hard to understand why the Mitsubishi Motors brand is struggling to stay afloat. With its strong and diverse product line including such vehicles as the Lancer, Outlander, Eclipse, Galant, Endeavor and Montero, there is something for everyone. Not only does Mitsubishi build a lot of cars, but theyre great cars to drive. Added to that is one of the best warranties in the business, with 10-years, 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

In addition to a superb warranty and low financing rates, Mitsubishi, from time to time, gives an additional rebate to students graduating from various post-secondary educational institutions. The Japanese automaker is among few manufacturers

Not only does Mitsubishi build a lot of cars, but theyre great cars to drive. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

to offer such a rebate to those in need of reliable and affordable transportation.

Another attribute that sets Mitsubishi apart from other manufacturers is the styling of its cars and SUVs, and for those in the market for a compact crossover sport ute with funky exterior styling and a functional interior, the 2005 Outlander is a prime candidate. Its quirky, yet cool inside, while offering a high-quality finish.

Those in the market for a compact crossover sport ute with funky exterior styling and a functional interior, will find the 2005 Outlander is a prime candidate. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

The plastic used does not look or feel cheap. In addition, the faux carbon fiber trim gives it a sporty appeal. The gauge housing is most unusual with its wavy design, but it works nonetheless. Everything is well put-together, with that extra kick of over-the-top style that makes it feel like it should cost more than it does.

Of course, I was given a fully equipped Limited AWD version, complete with standard leather seating surfaces and heated cushions up front.

Wherever I sat in the car, back seats or front, the leather was plush and comfortable. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Wherever I sat in the car, back seats or front, the leather was plush and comfortable, and it even remained relatively soft when I got back into the car in the morning after a chilly night. Butt warmers are always a perk, and I love them, but the Outlanders took a tad longer to heat up in comparison to others Ive tried.

Seats aside, the Outlander delivers a combined experience of car-like-handling paired with SUV-like qualities when out on the road. It sports a four-wheel independent suspension that incorporates MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link set-up with coil springs in the rear, with both front and rear stabilizer bars. The ride

A 160-hp 2.4-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder with MIVEC is the only engine offered in all trim levels. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

is firm and handling agile, and coupled with variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, it is fun through the corners. Still, the Outlander is forgiving enough to provide comfort during city driving, and it managed potholes and bumps strewn along the road up to my local ski hill without discomfort.

Throughout all the trim levels, one engine is offered: a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder with MIVEC (Mitsubishi speak for variable valve timing), that produces 160-horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Although the engines output is decent for the Outlanders size, at times it felt a little underpowered. While ascending up hills, it became a little loud and revy, and when passing, it took a couple of extra seconds for

When push came to shove, I liked most of the Outlanders attributes. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

the jolt of all 160 horses to kick in.

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