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2003 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS

Date: 25 January 2003	Miles: 2,500
Mitsubishi makes no pretense about our Outlander XLS. It is a car-based ute made for all-weather, not all terrain driving. Indeed, it is based on the Lancer although it goes with a larger, 140-horsepower 2.4-liter engine. After only a few weeks and a few thousand miles, mileage is 21.2 and going up nicely. So, we don't expect the Outlander to be out of sync with the kind of solid performance we've come to expect from Mitsubishi.
Date: 21 March 2003	Miles: 5,108
Our most recent log book entries about our 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS crossover SUV are actually similar to the Baja. Pulling power of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is only adequate when the going gets tough. Otherwise, our Outlander is a most competent, all-weather, all-wheel drive utility wagon, with fine 20.7 mile per gallon fuel economy. We've driven the Outlander less than 2 months and only 5,108 miles, but we do have some solid impressions. Comfort, front seat and back, is good for long distances, as long as you aren't over 6-foot tall. Also, ride and handling display a commendable balance. That balance stems from the 103.3-inch wheelbase and all-independent suspension borrowed from the well-done Lancer sedan. So, while the Outlander is not as rugged as some SUVs, it shows where the near future of the American family car is headed.
Date: 02 May 2003	Miles: 7,178
We're becoming increasingly convinced that small, all-wheel drive crossover vehicles like the Baja, and our more SUV-style Mitsubishi Outlander XLS, should become the new staple of the American garage. They can do so much, in such a little space. People comfort, front seat and back, is good for long distances, as long as you aren't over 6-foot tall. Or, the cargo bay can hold over 60 cubic feet of goods. Both are managed well with a fine ride and comfortable handling that again, like the Baja, left us surprisingly rested after long trips. And, as the miles add up, 7,178 in four months, we're becoming more accustomed to its adequate 2.4-liter 140-horsepower engine performance and responsive chassis. Now, this is no sports wagon, but it's still enjoyable to drive. And fuel economy of 20.6 miles per gallon keeps it ahead of most other utilities.
Date: 30 May 2003	Miles: 9,072
We've become converts to the idea of small SUVs and crossovers. Baja, and more conventional wagonish models like this Mitsubishi Outlander, park a lot of utility on a small amount of blacktop. It's not just the all-wheel drive aspect, although that is certainly important. But, with seats that fold easily, and a huge hatch that reveals a low loading floor, they fill the majority of family needs for utility without being highway hogs. Our Mitsubishi is no fuel sipper, but its comforting 21.2 miles per gallon is a good 25% better than the most popular mid-size SUVs. No, I wouldn't want to go very far off pavement in the Outlander, but few people do anyway. Also like the Baja, our Outlander is modestly powered. However, so far Mitsubishi has not come up with an alternative to its 140-horsepower 2.4-liter 4. Oh, well, maybe next year. After all, now that they've managed to squeeze so much usefulness into a small SUV, how about a little driving fun too?
Date: 1 August 2003	Miles: 10,300
By now you know we are also very fond of small SUVs, but in particular this 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. Our all-wheel drive Outlander is nearly perfect for commuting, carrying the occasional oversized load, and making sure you get where you need to go in routine bad weather. It also gets acceptable fuel economy for a small-ute, 20.9 miles per gallon after 7 months and 10,300 miles. But you also know that we have complained about its mediocre power. The 140- horsepower 2.4-liter is good but not good enough. Well, our prayers have been answered as a 20 horsepower boost to 160 is in the works for 2004, and our sources say the improvement in response is impressive. That will cap off other impressive attributes of this small SUV, which please us big-time.