2006 Mitsubishi Outlander ZF LS Activ Pack from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Nothing. It's new. (touch wood)

For 2 weeks, visited almost all dealers to search for medium 4x4 (4 cylinder) to be used as my family car for the next 5 years. It was a long decision for me because I want to get the right car that I will not regret buying. I worked hard and saved for the money to pay cash.

I don't understand why people are still buying the Ford Escape. Exterior is dated, interior is bland, drive is so-so and no cruise control. The CRV and RAV 4 (MY 2005) has excellent fit and finish, drive is good, but I feel they're over-priced. Tucson City is fresh, nice interior at par with Japanese standards, but the 2.0 li engine lacks punch. I've not owned a Korean car and maybe not yet in the next 5 years. The Tribute is too tall and bulky for my taste and Xtrail is out of my budget and I did not bother.

Then came the Outlander. I didn't mind the exterior looks. In fact I liked it, it's a real bloke's car unlike the CRV, RAV4, Tucson which are popular with mums. It's not too tall, not intimidating, it's a friendly family wagon to other motorists. Interior is just like any Japanese car, simple and easy to use dash layout, seats are similar to Toyota and Mazda in feel and quality.

Then came the test-drive. I can say that the InvecII auto is the best in its category. Smooth shifting and well mated to the engine. The 2.4li Mivec 120 KW (160 hp) is just spot on. Handling is excellent, sure-footed, soaks up road bumps and the ride is just comfy. No squeaks and rattles, quiet at high speeds. I wanted a real 4x4 with 4 cylinder, and this is the best I can get for my money. I even got the Activ pack free - cross roof bars, CD stacker, nudge bar and A$500 free fuel. But the steel wheels with plastic cover is pathetic, I had to fork out A$1K for a proper set of original Mitsubishi alloys.

At the moment I'm getting 12.5 li per 100 km (19mpg) but I hope this improves as the engine loosens up.

My family is very happy with our purchase. No regrets. This is our first Mitsubishi and knowing that the Outlander is fully imported from Japan, I'm quite confident that this will offer years of trouble-free motoring.

Hi I have a 2004 Outlander, which I bought because I got a good deal from my local Mits dealer. Cost $34K on road for the top spec model with sunroof etc. In just short of two years have covered 75K. No problems whatsoever. Fuel consumption averaged 10.5 l/100 km or 27 mpg. Would I recommend an O/Lander - yes.

I agree. These vehicles are amazing. I have an '05 model VR-X with leather, double sunroof (for front and rear passengers!), 4 airbags, and GPS/DVD/TV/MP3 screen in the front. The seats are fantastic in this vehicle and I was suprised that it has good headrests for all 5 passengers. I also got the 5/10 warranty that has given me peice of mind for the future. I havn't had any problems yet and I have owned it for about 7 - 8 months now. I paid $39,990 drive away, and considering the features I got I could not be happier.

Dealer service is also very good, the people are very friendly and know what they are talking about.

I also agree with your comments about the look of it, it does look good and it is more manly then other SUVs. I also looked at the X-Trail and the CR-V and the looks put me off and I didn't like the interior of the CR-V because the dash looked very strange.

And once you have had it for a few months and have covered around 5,000km the engine really starts to loosen up and it begins to suprise you. You go through a patch of bad fuel economy and then it evens out at around 10 - 12l/100km in the city and if you use cruise control in the country it hovers around 5-6l/100km, which is quite good. And the transmission is a beauty, and after driving my wife's Verada and my brother's Lancer I can say that they have the best transmission's in all of their vehicles.

Question is why aren't more people buying Mitsubishi's vehicles? With their pricing, warranty, excellent build quality and decent looks you'd think they'd be selling well.

I posted the review and I'm so very glad that both of you have very positive comments about the Outlander. This is my first Mitsu, coming from a French car that gave me heaps of headaches. Yes, euro cars have better fit and finish, high quality plastics that don't scratch easily, better seat fabric and door trims, but parts are too expensive and service is a rip off. As long as the car takes me from point A to B without dramas and excessive maintenance costs, I don't mind driving a whitegoods Japanese. car.

I agree that the Invecs II is just the best tranny around for its price range, definitely better than Toyota and even Honda's. The CRV has a sweeter 2.4 li VTEC engine, but the auto tranny gets confused much like euro cars.

I've done 2000 kays, getting about 11.8 li/100k now and I believe it's getting better. No regrets buying this car and definitely will not go back to overrated Euro cars.

Agree about the comments made, the Outlander is truly a great vehicle in all respects. Comparing to Euro cars quality, I think the interior is on par, maybe a tad lower, but the mechanical reliability of Japanese cars is superior. They are built tougher and can handle a lot more than European cars, no question about that. If you need replacement parts ever, they are substantially cheaper then European cars as well. I am very happy with my Outlander and have absolutely no regrets buying it.

I posted the original review and after 22,000 kms my outie is still tight as new. Everything is well bolted, no rattles and squeaks - inside and out. Fuel economy improved, but not exceptional, it's almost 1.6 tonnes heavy and 11.5 li/100km city, 9 li/100 km hi-way driving is good enough for me. The novelty of owning a 4x4 wagon (coming from a small euro hatch) soon faded after 3 months, but I appreciate it how very little problem my outie gave me. The only minor hiccup is the fuel gauge needle is in between 3/4 and F even if it's full. I could have lived with it, but my dealer insisted the gauge sensor replaced under warranty. A car is an appliance (IMO), as long as it works without dramas, I'm happy. Unlike my euro hatch which had 8 visits to the dealer in the first 20k., the outie still ranks the best family wagon for me.

I have recently purchased 2007 outlander 2.4L 4WD (Old shape of 2006). The drive is fantastic. Automatic gear transmission moves like anything.

Rock solid when going on the highway. AC is very effective in the merciless heat in United Arab Emirates.

Look gorgeous from outside and inside. Good value for the money.

I will recommend this vehicle to anyone who really cares for himself and his family.