2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

Diamond in the rough

By Sam Diamond (NJ) on Monday, September 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

Pros: "Excellent value, options and excellent warranty"

Cons: "Better arm rest, locking storage compartment"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a great all around vehicle. Mistubishi means "Three Diamonds" and this one is a Diamond in the rough. Although not designed to be a rugged off roader, it will get you through a multitude of weather conditions safely. Having the 4WD lock is a nice feature for the heavy snow, and the 18” tires give better ground clearance. The options included with the basic price are phenomenal, and the warranty is exceptional. Since ditching my gas guzzler ‘97 Silverado, I have owned a Jeep Patriot, a Hyundai Tucson, and a Hyundai Santa Fe which over the long run have their flaws as well. We have a 2005 Rav4 (which I can’t complain about), out of all I like the Sport the best and look forward to driving it more so than the others. I like that I can keep the Sport in 2WD, putting it in 4WD or 4WD Lock mode when I need it. The MPG is great and its feels good not to spend two days a week at the gas station for a refill. Compared to the other vehicles I have owned the Sport sips rather than drinks. The 2.0L engine while not the fastest engine off the line, will keep up with traffic. In bumper to bumper traffic, how fast can you go anyhow? It takes awhile to adjust to the CVT transmission, however the Sport handles no different than any other vehicle. Yes there is a slight drone of the engine on initial take off but overall the cabin noise is quiet. The back seat is Ok for picking up guests to go to dinner or short day trips, but would be cramped for long distance trips. The storage area is large enough to carry a week’s worth of groceries. I would not recommend towing long distances but I added a hitch for the rare occasions to the home center for larger items like a few sheets of plywood, sheetrock or picking up garden supplies. The hitch will accommodate adding a bike rack for weekend travel. Folding the seats down gives a lot of cargo space. Perhaps the expert reviewers are looking to make the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport into something it isn’t. Keep in mind the Nissan Juke as a contender may have a little more pep, but you will be using premium at the pump. As a vehicle, if you have a large family, want a people transporter, or looking for brute hauling strength, this is not the vehicle you want. For two people looking for a dependable, stylish frugal transportation at a reasonable cost this fits the bill. Don't purchase a car without test driving it first. If your expectations of having the Mitsubishi Sport having the dynamics of a sports car, the road presence of a Hummer, a trail rating of a Jeep, the passenger space of a Caravan, the load capacity of an F150 and then complain it doesn't have enough power to pull out tree stumps this isn't the car for you. If you’re looking for more HP than the Outlander Sport, to me it isn’t worth the trade off in dollars, especially if it isn’t going to do any more than what I expect out of it. This vehicle does everything within reason well."

34 people out of 34 found this review helpful

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Beats CRV and Toyota

By RobsOutie (CA) on Saturday, November 05, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

Pros: "Great power, reliabilty, tons of standard features"

Cons: "Dash plastic should be a higher "touch" quality"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great 4 and a half years, low miles but driven in all conditions and under various loads. Family duty car. Quick and nimble for an CUV, powerful, comfortable and quiet. Reliable, nothing but oil changes every six months, some for free with dealer coupons. Excellent warranty, but fortunately not needed. Exterior good looks, and on long trip (500 miles) with 7 occupants avg mpg of 25.6 at avg speed of 74 mph, on regular. On a twisty mountain road those magnesium paddle shifters came in very handy, and downshifts/upshifts are very quick for a smooth 6 speed auto tranny. Original tires were Goodyears low profile, but didn;t last long - replaced with Pirrelis (sp?) and car handles even better. Closest CUV, in this price range, to sport sedan. I wish the dash had higher touch quality but there are no squeeks or rattles yet. True utility car at a friendly price (if you don't go for leather and navi). Love the tail gate with 400lbs capacity and easy loading as well as as two hidden jump seats for kids. Excellent room for back passengers, with sliding and reclining back seats. Tons of standard features -bluetooth, paddle shiters, 6 cd changer DSC, ABS, many airbags, aluminum roof with roof racks. Great vehicle."

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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Best kept secret

By Richard (NC) on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

Pros: "great gas mileage plus fun to drive"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"A fun to drive vehicle with excellent gas mileage make the Outlander a wise consumer choice in today's economy. It is easy to enter and exit delivering great driver visibility of all the traffic ahead. It is definitely a best buy vehicle with up to date sporty looks that will leave you smiling every time you get behind the wheel."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Great SUV!

By yet60 (NJ) on Monday, August 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 750

Pros: "Great style, roomy, great warranty"

Cons: "See my full review"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I recently purchased a 2012 Outlander Sport which I have had for a month. I am extremely pleased with the car. Pros: Great styling, roomy interior, a lot of nice touches (e.g., kleenex holder in center console), clean, uncluttered interior, comfortable seats, great Rockford sound system, great visibility, nice ride and, most important, great warranty. Cons: For me, there really are no cons. Many reviews note the fact the engine could use a few more horses under the hood and view it as underpowered, I have not found that to be the case. Where I think the issue arises is with the CVT and the fact, that to achieve the best mileage, the CVT will lag a bit when upshifting. Rather than tromp the gas which only creates further lag, I've found two solutions: (1) when it starts to lag, back off the accelerator for a couple second then apply even pressure and it will pick up seemlessly or (2) use the paddle shifters which are great. If you're in the market for a great SUV, I really recommend taking a look at the Outlander Sport."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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best bang for the buck 2007

By suvin (fountain hills, az) on Sunday, October 21, 2007

"Every bit as good as our Highlander. It's much quicker and more nimble at half the price. No issues of needing service as of yet. (16k miles)"

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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