First off, I didn't take the above picture. That was the work of our talented photog, Scott Jacobs. But the photo does speak to how I feel about our 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander lately.
I found myself appreciating the Mitsu for the little things it offers that make my stay in it oh-so pleasant -- features I'm sure that not everyone cares about but that I really like. Any single urbanite out there who has to drive around in annoying stop-and-go traffic all the time transporting friends and the occasional bike and who LOVES Sirius radio will know where I'm coming from.
* Sirius Satellite Radio -- LOVE that 1st Wave station...and Siriusly Sinatra, Elvis Radio and Super Shuffle.
* Keyless entry/start -- Don't have to fumble around my large and crowded purse looking for a key.
* Seat heaters -- I can never get warm enough and that seat heater warmth is so soothing on my aching back.
* Cargo area -- It's large enough to transport my Electra bike AND the flat-folding tailgate makes it a cinch to load heavy/large objects.
* Manual shift option -- Makes dealing with the notorious L.A. stop-and-go traffic bearable.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 20,838 miles
* Sirius Satellite Radio -- LOVE that 1st Wave station...and Siriusly Sinatra, Elvis Radio and Super Shuffle.
* Keyless entry/start -- Don't have to fumble around my large and crowded purse looking for a key.
* Seat heaters -- I can never get warm enough and that seat heater warmth is so soothing on my aching back.
* Cargo area -- It's large enough to transport my Electra bike AND the flat-folding tailgate makes it a cinch to load heavy/large objects.
* Manual shift option -- Makes dealing with the notorious L.A. stop-and-go traffic bearable.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 20,838 miles
autoboy16 says:
01:44 PM, 02/ 8/08
Other than the keyless go/remote start, I can get it all on my next car! That photo is great. I think mitsu is coming back! An AWD Turbo eclipse that looses awholotta weight and call it EVO and mitsu is set... Well, they can use less plastic... And give the endevor a real 3rd row like ford explorer...
-Cj
tshoe says:
10:15 AM, 02/ 9/08
I agree with Cj that Mitsu is coming back (actually already came back). I use to work at a Mitsu dealership but that has nothing to do with it. When looking for a new SUV last year I almost got a Oultlander just like this one however it was just a bit too small, especially in the 3rd row seat/lawn chair bench. The features are nice and looks are great. I ended up getting a 06 Explorer Limited V8 w/11K miles for cheaper than the price of this new, and got a lot more space and towing capacity. I will check out the Lancer Ralliart in a couple years when getting a new commuter car (if I can convince my wife to get past the boy racer look that I love-and she doesn't).
awd_dreamin says:
11:18 PM, 02/10/08
I love the exterior styling on the new outlander, it looks like a much pricer CUV. Kinda like the Lexus RX. But the interior does not match the exterior. I was very disappointed with the quality of materials. How do you feel about the interior?
qqt414 says:
12:09 PM, 02/11/08
I am an owner of a black 07 outlander and have to agree that the interior doesn't match up to the fantastic exterior styling. Not to say that the interior is bad, but the outside is beautiful. i was a little disappointed in the driver door panels that are just one solid plastic piece, but apparently that has been adressed with the 08s. Frankly although the plastics are a little hard to the touch, i like the sporty all black and silver theme in the interior. Plus i agree with the writer of this post that its ALL THE LITTLE THINGS that make me LOVE my outlander. The Stereo is phenomenal, tailgate has been very helpful and a great place to sit and put on snowboard gear, all the cup holders, and even the child 3rd row seat has gotten me out of a few jams. Plus when i see the beautiful reflection of my outie when i drive past a glass building or a shiny car, it makes me happy. Sappy i know
macuis says:
09:38 AM, 02/16/08
I love my 08' Outlander XLS also. It is true that the little things make it great, but there are little things that make me hate it as well. Two little things that I absolutely hate is the paint chipping/sand blasting near the rear wheel: http://www.carspace.com/mcollis/Albums/Mary's%202007%20Outlander/ and the other thing is the hollow plastics. Every bump causes a rattle in the doors, plastics shift around the windshield, knobs sound loose. Softer materials in the '09 please.