2008 Mitsubishi Outlander review from Netherlands

Straight off, let me make it clear that this was a rental. My only gripe is that it was occasionally a pain to get into reverse.

I rented one of these last weekend (actually, I rented a 'BMW 3-series, Volvo C40 or similar' but ended up being upgraded to the Outlander).

It's important to note that I have a bias against Japanese cars, and that overall I'm not impressed by their quality of build or handling. The Outlander is an exception.

I drove it from Amsterdam to Chemnitz (in the east of Germany) and back, hitting speeds of 205km/h (127MPH) with the 2.4L l4 engine, and it handled like a (tall) sportscar. Ride is a bit firm, compared to other SUVs I've been in/driven such as the Land Rover Discovery, but this only improves the handling. Great traction, great cornering, great engine performance. Alas, as one reviewer here said of the Porsche 928, it "sucks gas like it's 1956" (although I suppose running the engine flat-out for hours on end isn't the best way to realise high MPG).

All things considered, if I were in the market for an SUV, I would definitely consider this one-- and that's saying something considering my prejudice against Japanese cars!

Oddly enough, the A/C controls between this SUV and the Chrysler Sebring CRD convertable that my friend rented were 98% identical. My dad, generally a reliable source of information on all things automotive, tells me that Mitsubishi and Chrysler have been 'in bed with each other for years' which probably explains the parts-bucket robbing.