Used 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV Consumer Reviews
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Outlander
Overall it's been a great vehicle. The only draw back was the heat/ac system died at around 3500 miles. But the warranty kicked in.
BUY THIS CAR
If you have not looked into this vehicle, you are missing something BIG. I was in the market for a new vehicle and was there the day these were put on the lot, my wife and I looked all over for a used car with low mileage for under 25,000. We saw the sticker on the outlanders and were absolutley amazed at the 16000 price tag.
- XLS 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995295 mi away
- XLS 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,500448 mi away
- XLS 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,9951,947 mi away
Great commuter, not bad comfort
This car is great for commuting and could be more comfortable... went on many long trips with it and it's good... I would consider buying another newer model in future.
Large small SUV
The Outlander feels more spacious than any of the other small SUVs I considered. Despite the small engine, it doesn't struggle to climb the mountain roads of West Virginia, and it hugs the curves very well. The combination automatic/manual shifting worked well to get me up my icey drive and the AWD seemed surefooted on the snow this morning. The hatch is easier to open and close one handed than other SUVs. The cargo area with the rubber liner tray option is great for my 40 pound dog. The exterior design lacks the safari feel of my old Montero, but the smoother ride and better gas economy, along with the luxury features make it a pleasure to drive.
Some fun eh?
First the nits. No Power! Needs a turbo bad! You'll need a calendar to clock 0 to 60 times. The Infinity stereo is horrible. FM reception reaches only about 40 miles. The speakers are just bad. The DC outlet is only powered when the car is on - my cell phone is always dead. Brake and gas pedals kind of close sometimes I hit both with my size 9 feet. The Sportronic trans is just a gimmick. Gas mileage is a disappointing 17mpg in mixed driving. BUT (really big but) this puppy is fun to drive. It handles like a sports car and loves curves. Goes fine in ice and snow too. Even with all the minor annoyances I love driving this car. Now, if it only had a turbo!
It is a fun truck to drive
The biggest drawback is I drive everyday on The Baltimore Beltway I need more power to get up to speed. Once up to speed and hopefully not getting run over, this truck is quick and very responsive. The braking is very good and the handling in wet or slick driving conditions is great. The consumer reports say that the cargo area is the smallest in the class. I can put four fat guys and all their golf bags in the truck. So much for little to no space
outlander ls
i traded a toyota avalon and don't miss it one bit
GOOD BUY FOR YOUR MONEY
easy to drive ,peepy for a 4cyl,good stero sysyem,comfortable seats,lots of leg room and this suv will be easy to maintain,you can almost work on it yourself.
super fun!
We haven't owned our Outlander for long, but we sure are enjoying it. It's peppy off the line, despite it's 4cl. engine. But the extras we got, and the way cool looking body, make up for that. If you are looking at a CR-V (like I was), take the time to test out an Outlander.
best suv under 20,000
i didnt think i would like it after i drove it , i fell in love with the way it handles and looks..
Great car, but....
I bought an Outlander in November 2002. I love the styling, performance, comfort, and braking of the car. Acceleration is good too, not sure where Edmonds and Car and Driver got theirs from but mine is peppy. I have had a problem with the car drifting to the right ever since I got it. It has been back to the dealer 4 times to get corrected but they have not been able to get it right. They tell me that there may be a recall on Outlanders to correct this problem when Mitsubishi gets the fix in a few weeks. Have any other owners had this problem? Let me know. I have had no other problems, I really do like the car.
outlander
I love my Outlander, it handles really well, it;s very comfortable and great to run around and do errands in. The height is just right for getting in and out. I find all the controls easy to use, and the sound system is great. My only complaint is the gas mileage. It's not that great but maybe that's becasue everyone in my house wants to use it all the time.
Test drive
Rides like a car, nice interior, lots of places for storage. Did not like how break pedal works. Very soft and has to be pressed all the way down. And now comes the bad news: VERY UNDERPOWERED. Driving a 6 cyl. Maxima now, I would expect different performance from the 4 cyl. car, but 140 HP (even with highly advertised torque) just enough for this car. The engine made a noise and struggled when I tried to merge into highway from an exit. At 55mph it was hard to find extra power boost for passing other cars.
More for a lot less!!
This is a wonderful SUV and less expensive than traditional SUV's. I was very surprised at how great the gas mileage was and very happy about the roominess of the back seat. Both car seats fit perfectly with a fold down arm rest suitable and within reach of the sippy cup and bottle. Although the cargo area isn't very large, it will accomodate a bulky jogging stroller. I think the Outlander overall is a great roadtrip car, peppy, roomy, great gas mileage, SAFE and stylish.
like it but
the interior could be a little more cushiony seat is a little hard but overall a pleasure to drive
best little suv,bar none
i drove the honda,toyota,saturn and was not impressed at all,i found hype more than substance.then i drove the mitsubishi outlander xls and found the real thing a very comfortable and stable ride,suburb handling for a suv a very solid build quality inside and out.everything that i have read complains about this suv being under powered but thats only if you don't know how to drive,i can with the sportronic 4 speed auto if used with some inteligents you can make it get up and move with the best of them so don't beleave all the experts because they have ties to the suv's that they hype.the outlander is the best bar none just go drive one and you will see.
Good Performance with Premium Fuel
One thing I discovered in last few months is, substantial improvement in acceleration with Uleaded Plus or premium fuel(even better). I never used to believe in it. But the difference is day and night. The added bonus is 1 more extra mile gallon (compensates for extra money spent).
great to play with in the snow
i have had this vehicle almost a year went through a fairly heavy winter season the vehicle is a blast in the snow very nimble and responds great better than the full size 4x4 pickups i have had in the past. very nice for the price
Just got one
I took the plunge on the Outlander. Similar cars (outback, rav4 etc) in it's class don't even come close on the amenities/ style. This car has exceeded my expectations in every way. I tested it out in the snow, freezing rain and I couldn't be happier with it. Oh and BTW if you're concerned about the small (140hp) engine, don't worry. I was initially concerned about this too from all the posts I read, but these are from folks who are expecting a 200hp monster truck or a sports car. IMHO, this car can handle its own... But anyway, it is so much fun to drive, why rush?!
Mitsubihi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is spacious and comfortable with a jazzy exterior. The ride is smooth. Handling is more on the lines of an automobile - specifically the Lancer chasis it is built on. Not meant for road racing, but for tooling around town and in the country (which I do) this crossover vehicle fits the bill for a solid performer.
Best car we have ever purchased
This is the best SUV we have ever purchase. The gas mileage is better than most, it drives so smoothly, and it is so fun to drive! We have owed other SUV's with varing success, and the Outlander has been the best.
Good in the snow
Overall it is great. Not much on acceleration, however, it rides well on the highway. My kids love the arm rest with the drink holders and the back seat fits two car seats well.
NEW SUV
Unfortunatley I don't feel like I'm in an SUV anymore. This vehicle is more lke a car. It is very comortable though. I really enjoy the interior. I will be taking it for its first camping trip soon and I'll report back with how it handled on the unpaved roads.
so far, so good
like many others, I was NOT looking at the OUTLANDER...I was deciding between the PATHFINDER ( which is too expensive) and the FORRESTER ( which is too "soccer-mommy" for me ) But after driving the OULANDER, I was impressed, and bought it on the spot. Saved THOUSANDS over the aforementioned autos as well. EXCELLENT handling, and smooth, effortless shifting in sport mode. The stereo has a little less wattage and thump than I like, but that is being kinda petty. Overall, I would recommend this SUV to anyone ( UNLESS you intent to off-road..this is NOT the SUV for that!! )
Just got this SUV
Nice car/SUV, meaning it drives more like a car than the others, Santa Fe, CRV ect. Paid just a bit more than the TMV value on Edmunds for a XLS with "sun and sound" package. Only negative is that you cannot seem to find one, especially in the south with ABS without getting the luxury package also. Mitsu is one of the only companies around that ABS isn't standard or available as a single option. Interior is very nice, except for the gaping hole below the radio for cell phones ect. Ample leg room and headroom, I am 6'3,my head scraped the top on the Santa Fe. Exterior, still not totally convinced on. SUV is for wife and she likes it a great deal.
Mitsubishi Outlander - Love It!
Bought it in 3/03. Drove it for 40,000 miles and gave it to my son. I took it the other day to change the oil, I miss it! Great little truck! Fun to drive, gives you the feel of a bigger SUV (I have a 4x4 explorer too) gas mileage is good. Comfortable interior and stylish exterior at a great price, very reliable. The 4th Mitsubishi I've owned, I recommend them highly.
New Purchase
Narrowed choices to the Outlander or the Honda CRV. Drove both. Did not like the CRV at all. Good pep, but why anyone would put the hand brake on the dash is beyond me. Didn't like the dash layout at all. The headrest on the backseat of the CRV almost completely blocked your view when backing. Wife and I both have bad backs. The seats in the Outlander are great. We like the dash layout. The Outlander had almost everything we wanted as standard equipment. Salesman was great. Look forward to enjoying the Outlander.
Outlander 2003
Gets out in Traffic very well and takes hills better than expected
Sleeper In a Busy Market!!
After alot of research, I had settled on the Honda CRV - but decided to drive the Outlander anyway because of the great finance deals. I never went back to Honda - the Outlander looks great (especially in silver) and drove very well. The seats are excellent, the interior was very well though out and overall the car was just what I wanted for long (500 mile commutes with kids) and driving around town. Also a great vehicle for cyclists - getting a roof rack on the top soon! Overall, a great value compared to the higher priced competitors - check it out.
Great Vehicle
After owning a Honda, Nissan & Toyota (all were great vehicles) I was a little nervous about Mitsubishi. I didn't know anyone with an Outlander. I test drove a Honda CRV and was very disappointed. It was cheap looking. The Toyota Highlander was expensive with accessories. I was totally surprised by the Outlander! Super SUV. Fun to drive! It's drives like a foreign sports car. Handles well. Lots of PEP!
THE BEST BUY
COMFORT, TECHNOLOGY AND STYLE FOR LESS
All I Need
After driving for a year, it has lived up to my high expectations. I read the reviews of "not enough power," but waited until I drove it to form my own opinion. The clutchless manual gives the passing and highway entrance you want. I the automatic mode is tuned nicely to the engine's power. The ride is beautiful. Take it on some windy country roads and go hard into the turns and it'll make you smile. Tell your back seat passengers to recline and they'll smile. I found the Infinity stereo to be OK, I had to turn the bass down or it would distort. No mechanical or body probs. Great entrance and exit height. Range is 300 miles between fill-ups.
Like Mitsubishi But
Mitsubishi builds solid vehicles. No exception here. Design, comfort, convenience, reliabilty all super. Sound system best I've ever had. Handles and rides in a very smooth manner.
Very good--not excellent.
The interior is flawless. Honda could learn something or two from this vehicle. The seats are supportive and very comfortable. The rear seat and space is remarkable considering its a mini-ute. Yes, cargo and power are down, and fuel consumption is not the best. But the torquey punch is great. This engine races to the redline so first gear upshifts need to be guarded while going through the gears. The Freelander is the only other mini-ute to offer a manumatic shifter, albeit a 5 speed.The stereo is clear, accurate, and thumps. The styling is great til you get to the rear (too quasi- econowagon) You should pay about $200 over invoice; I did.
Good bargain!
The Outlander has surprising amount of control and stability for such a budget-priced entry. I love the manual "Sportronic" shift mode. It makes the Outlander more fun to drive. Nothing inside appears cluttered, but everything seems just right. The instrument panel is simple with a center-mounted analog clock above the comfort and sound system controls. Overall, the new Outlander seems a standout in a field that includes the established likes of Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Outlander outdoes itself
I went in to buy a Montero Sport, and walked out with the Outlander. It rides like a car, and has plenty of room for my stuff. And my kid’s stuff, Hula dancing, boogie boarding etc. I realized I could do most of the same driving in the Outlander than in the Montero for less money and better fuel efficiency.
Great small SUV
I'm 6'0" tall and have plenty of room. While I don't ride in the back, friend who are my height do with little issue. The one thing I liked about the Outlander was the exterior styling. While it is still and SUV, it looks more sporty than most. It definitely stands out. I also can't complain about he AWD. I live near Pittsburgh, PA and didn't have any problems in the snow this winter. The only thing I wanted that mine did not have of the lot was a sunroof, but I added a one-touch power sunroof and love it. I wouldn't hesitate to get another.
A Reliable alternative
This SUV has quality. You can feel it in the way it drives and feels. I would reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a good-looking small SUV similar to the Honda CRV but much better than the RAV-4. You must shop around first. Here are some choices to look at: Jeep Liberty Suzuki Grand Vitara Mitsubishi Outlander Honda CRV Ford Escape Toyota RAV4 Mazda Tribute Mitsubishis are really good cars. So are Hondas. I would stick with either of them, but styling is a little different.
Buy this car, NOW!
This cute, petite car is perfect for any person to consider buying. The outside design is great, and very comfy and roomy inside. It is the best car in my garage!
A Great Decision
My Rio Red Outlander is the cutest little thing. It does feel more like a car than an SUV, but that's alright with me. Had a Ford Escape before, and always felt like I was going to tip over in curves. Very comfortable to drive. Design is awesome!! A great decision overall for the money!
My New Outlander
I would have given this car a perfect "10" but for two things: 1. I wish it came in a V6 option. 2. I wish it had XM satellite radio as an option. Otherwise, this car is perfect in every way (OK, maybe I'm exaggerating, but I really love this car).
my new outlander
I just bought it but am impressed with comfort and quality overall. Does lack power when punched but seems ok if i just let it climb on its own. For the money i think it is very good in its class.
Outlander - Great Ride/Drive
This is a very driver friendly vehicle, especially in the city. Quick acceleration 0-30, but 4 cyl not ideal for two lane passing. One of the better body styles out there in it's class. About 25-26 MPG highway which is pretty good considering.
best value suv for 2003!
i did my research and it paid off well i reccomend the leather and get sport seat covers. it drives like a car not a truck. i bet the ride is as good as a mercedes at one fourth the price. complements are given to me everywhere i go. the interrior is like a benz!get the leather.
Love it!
This is actually alot of car for the price! My husband and I decided to just get the LS trim with the convenience and appearance packages, which gave that extra edge for sportiness. The ride is extremely smooth and it's not so high up that I (as a shorter individual) have to climb into it. The mini SUV has alot more cargo room that first appearance and there is alot of storage all throughout.
First Car and an SUV
I love the way the Mitsubishi Outlander handles on unpaved roads in good and bad weather, even in more than a foot of snow. It is roomy from front to back but could use a little more headroom, even when the seat is totally down. Also, its gas mileage could be better. It does zero to sixty in about 10 seconds which is sluggish in some situations but livable. It has a smooth ride at any speed. It is the first vehicle I purchased on my own and I wanted an SUV. I bought it used from a car rental company where it was well maintained. My maintence costs have been low. It is large enough for what I need and small enough that it is easy to park without taking up extra space. Sometimes it gets hidden behind other bigger SUV's in mall parking lots!
Best in it's class!
Exactly what my wife expected and need. Nice high quality interior, superb sound system, adequate cargo space, great fit & finish, nice extra gadgets. Of course for my taste I would've prefered a 6 cylinders engine, but then again this is not a vehicle for sport cars fans like me. Great car for it's price.
Fun to drive
I saw a couple of these media Outlanders driving up from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq with big "TV" in masking tape. I really wished riding the Outlanders instead of my G.I. Humvee. After coming back home from deployment, I took a 550 mile drive from Temecula to Sunnyvale CA and surprisingly was not fatigued. With 3 people, the ride is very comfortable and quiet, power is adequate enough to pass other vehicles up the I- 5 "Grapevine". Mitsubishi did great interior design on this, it does not give you the cheap feel.
Giddyup!
My wife & I were just looking at crossover vehicles. We stumbled upon the outlander & my wife fell in love with it! I wasn't sold until we drove it. It's actually enjoyable to drive!! We aren't looking for a sports car so the 2.4 gives just enough power. But we also don't deal with city traffic & highway merging issues. Overall we'll be driving it for a few more years. Hopefully we'll enjoy it as long!
funtoown
Great fun to drive. Handles like a car and looks great. Easy to get into and out of. My kids are all jealous that I got one for myself.