2006 Mitsubishi Outlander LS review from North America

Nothing at all.

The Outlander is a very well equipped cross over vehicle that has adequate power and handling and has exterior styling that definitely doesn't look like anything else out there. It has rugged, yet smooth, styling and the spare tire is stored inside the vehicle adding to a clean, finished look. Fit and finish is comparable to anything else in its price range. The seats are very supportive and comfortable, and the controls are easy to see and use. The styling of the instrument cluster seems a through-back to '70's muscle cars. There are only a few minor shortcomings with the interior worth mentioning. One is the lack of back lighting on the door mounted accessory switches and on the automatic gear selector (though there is a gear selector indicator in the instrument panel). The LS sound system performs and sounds well, but it lacks a MP3 player. Interior lighting could be a little brighter as well. At night, one wishes for a brighter cab light or floor illumination.

Handling is precise and stable, though there is a little body roll during hard cornering. The brakes are secure and the ABS helps bring the vehicle to a stop in a hurry. The 4 cylinder engine is quiet at highway speeds and is quite economical. Thus far I'm averaging about 24 mpg overall in both city and highway driving. Acceleration is hardly neck breaking, but the 4 cylinder does an adequate job of getting the vehicle up to highway speed. The "sportronic" manual shift selector is a fun feature as well. The Outlander isn't an off-road rally racer, but for getting around in snow and ice, or for a trip to the beach, it can't be beat.

Overall, I'm very happy with my Outlander, especially when I compare its price to that of the competition. At thousands less than its rivals and with an unbeatable warranty, I wonder why there aren't more of them on the streets.