Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

Mitsubishi Outlander

1…457910…12

Comments

  • moondog2moondog2 Member Posts: 2
    ">link titlehttp://car-reviews.automobile.com/news/mitsubishis-month-over-month-sales-up/1206/

    Hopefully the article at the above link paints a cheerier picture...
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    The automatic tranny in the Outlander is in fact a 4 speed overdrive. Look at your sticker if you kept it. It will say plainly at the top right corner: 4 speed O/D. I own an 04 Lancer Sportback which is a virtual twin of the Outlander and this is what it says. I also can tell it is overdrive by watching the tachometer. You feel 4 distinct shifts and then depending on how much gas you give it, you will notice a sudden drop of about 400 rpms. You don't really feel it. You just hear it and see the drop in rpms. Pay close attention to it the next time you drive around.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out the You Are The Mitsubishi Marketing Manager discussion. And this article:

    Mitsubishi: Can This Brand Be Saved? (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • charley9charley9 Member Posts: 48
    The transmission description on the window tag is just a marketing gimmick to make you think you are getting something you are not. It is a straight 4 speed automatic with the 4th speed functioning as OD. I would refer you to the Outlander service manual, section 23A-3 where the transmission is described with a high degree of accuracy and no spin....It is listed as a 4 speed forward, 1 reverse. Gear ratios are 1st 2.842, 2nd 1.573, 3rd 1.00 and 4th is 0.688. As you can see 3rd is direct drive and 4th is actually OD. Mitsu has been describing these boxes as 4 speed OD for at least 10 years. I suspect the box in the Lancer is different. Many Outlanders are AWD which is totally different. I will see if I can find my Sportback manual and post the description and ratios.
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    I'm not trying to really argue with you, but I think you have a misconception about OD. OD is not a separate gear ratio so you won't find it in the description of the auto's gears. OD is simply a drop in rpms from the torque converter locking up. All automatics are overdrive nowadays, but you won't see a separate gear ratio listed for it in the specs because that's not what it is. If it was a separate gear ratio, then they would be calling it a 5 speed and not a 4 speed with overdrive. Also, the AWD doesn't affect the tranny at all. The Lancer/Galant/Outlander all use the same engine/tranny combo. The only differences between them is the gear ratios used.

    As for the sticker, it is not a marketing ploy. It's there to tell you what equipment is on the car. If something was listed on the maroney sticker and was false, the company could get in trouble for it. So there is no reason to not believe the OD stated on the sticker.

    Again, drive your car and notice how there are 3 distinct shifts and then a drop in rpms once you are done accelerating.
  • ahightowerahightower Member Posts: 539
    Just got a new company car today (promotion - thank you very much!). It's a 2005 Dodge Stratus. What a heap. Actually it's a decent car, nicely equipped, good leg room (I'm 6'2"), and I am going to save a ton of money using the company gas card. But it makes me really appreciate my Outlander. The Dodge has a squishy suspension, under powered 4-cylinder, and makes a lot of road and wind noise on the highway. I'd gotten used to my Outlander's sharp handling, composed suspension, and solid high-speed manners. Not to mention the elevated ride height. The Dodge feels like a low-riding old Buick in comparison. Again, I can't complain about the free car... but drive something else for a day and you'll fall in love with your Outlander all over again. I'll be sad to see it go, but I'm going to sell my Outlander and not have that monthly payment, insurance, etc to deal with. Plus free up a space in the garage. The only problem is Outlander has much worse resale value than the competitors like Honda, Mazda, Ford, etc. I was "upside down" on my trade-in to get the Outlander, and am definitely upside down on my current loan after only 15 payments, probably another 13 or 14 months away from breaking even. What a shame that Mitsubishi is so under-appreciated. :cry:

    Nevertheless, I'll enjoy it on the weekends until it comes time to sell. :shades:
  • ahightowerahightower Member Posts: 539
    Well stated. That's what I was guessing, 4th gear is overdrive. In that case, I wish it had a "5-speed" automatic. My new car (see previous post) is a 4-speed auto, and it is turning lower revs at speed, and is rated for 30 mpg highway.
  • jcsmjcsm Member Posts: 2
    Does anybody know if, as an option, a limited-slip rear differential is available for the Mitsu Outlander ? Today, I could manage a situation in which that option would have been desirable.
    Thanks,
    JCSM
  • charley9charley9 Member Posts: 48
    No mention of a LSD in the Outlander parts and service literature. However that does not mean it could not be done. Seems like I recall the EVO having the LSD option? If so there might be some interchange? Expensive no doubt. Might as well get a Forester. They have it as an option.
  • jcsmjcsm Member Posts: 2
    Thanks charley9; I'll try to get some extra information.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    May Auto Sales Numbers Sputter (Inside Line)

    Mitsubishi's Product Plans Set Through 2007 Despite Losses (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • axsomaxsom Member Posts: 11
    I see where the highway mileage runs 26/27, what are you all getting around town. I drive approx 5-6 miles each way to work. I found a used 2003 OUtlander w/only 16,700 miles on it. She said she gets 18 mpg because she is only 5 min from work. Is this true?! Really that low?!

    Does anyone have any comments on the 2003 - positive or negative?
    Thanks :confuse:
  • ahightowerahightower Member Posts: 539
    Sounds reasonable. I get about 24-25 with mostly highway driving. And if you only live 5 miles away, gas mileage is not a big concern.
    Having said that, I would really recommend getting a 2004 for the more powerful engine.
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    Hey guys - I have the XL model with the basic 4 speaker stereo system (1 speaker in each door). There are speaker covers on the inside of each front door (by the side view mirrors), where tweeters are supposed to go on the XLS model with the 6 speaker system. I pulled one of the covers off last night, and there are speaker wires already back there for tweeters. I read on another website that those wires are wired into the radio, so if you hook tweeters up to those wires, you will get sound. Several XL owners on that website claim to have purchased tweeters, hooked them up to the existing wiring, and say the overall improved sound is worth it. You can order the tweeters from the dealer (don't know the cost), but I have priced tweeters at various retail stores near me, and they seem to start at @ $20 and go up from there. I am going to buy a set sometime soon, and give it a try. I will post the results here after I do. I never have been one to modify vehicles, but I think I will add the tweeters, and replace the 4 door speakers with higher quality speakers.
  • axsomaxsom Member Posts: 11
    Well, since work is not the only place I drive my car, gas mileage is a big concern. I am currently driving an '02 Explorer getting 16mpg (in town). I don't think I can justify spending more money for a mere 2mgp.

    You recommended the '04, what about the '05. Are there pictures and info out yet on the '06?

    Do you have any concerns about the demise of Mitsubishi? I have to admit, I am a little leary.
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    but I have an '03 AWD that I have had for about a year. I bought the '03 (used with 10K miles on it) because I needed an inexpensive AWD/4WD vehicle for my wife to drive to her job in bad weather (she has to be at work regardless of weather), and because I was worried that there might be bugs with the '04 MIVEC engine. With mine, I have gotten 29-32 mpg on long highway trips. When I use it for regular driving, which is pretty much a mix of city and rural back roads, I typically get 23-26mpg. I keep a calculator in my car, and calculate every tank when I am on a trip, but I typically only calculate every 3rd tank or so when I am just using the car for regular driving. This is just using 87 octane with no additives or anything. I have been pretty pleased with this mileage considering it is an AWD vehicle. For '05, there is an available manual transmission - I haven't heard what people are getting for gas mileage with these yet. In terms of whether Mitsu (N America) will be around for the long haul - who knows. If they do leave the US market, it will be interesting to see if/how warranty issues are handled.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroën has signed a final cooperation agreement with Japan's Mitsubishi Motors for the joint development of a new compact SUV."

    Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Sign SUV Deal (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • rav4killarav4killa Member Posts: 13
    where to find aftermarket parts for the outlander?? :)
  • eroddickeroddick Member Posts: 1
    I have an 03' Outlander, I bought it used with 30K two months ago and am so far extremely pleased with it. So far I have replaced the factory head unit with a motorized Kenwood and slapped MTX 6.5's in all four doors. Since my last vehicle was a chevy blazer, i am used to having a somewhat ample amount of room in the cargo area, but that is the one thing the outlander lacks. I am looking into putting some subwoofers into the vehicle but would rather not sacrifice any of the meager cargo room. I'm not sure if backseat has sufficient room under it for anything. Does anyone have any advice on what i should purchase and where I should put it?
  • rav4killarav4killa Member Posts: 13
    big impact?? yet a little help for mitsubishi, but a must. :sick:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, French automaker Renault bailed Nissan out recently, so there's hope.

    Steve, Host
  • rav4killarav4killa Member Posts: 13
    hopely the agreement will last, and good luck to both. :)
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    Just turned 30K on my 2003 XL AWD - No real problems to speak of.
  • iluvmymitsuiluvmymitsu Member Posts: 5
    Hello, I was wondering if you added the tweeters yet. I find the base stereo to be so good that I didn't realize the tweeters were missing. Who makes the stereo systems for Mitsubishi Motors? Thanks for the idea.
  • iluvmymitsuiluvmymitsu Member Posts: 5
    I hit 31k in July for my 2004 Outlander AWD. Everything is great except the tires. They are pretty shot and did not perform well last winter (2nd winter). If you have more than 15k miles on the factory tires by next winter, be careful driving in slush and snow. Better yet, get new tires with better treadwear.
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    I have not put the speakers in yet. I have been shopping around to find a set that will fit behind the grilles without too much modification. Most of the ones I have seen in stores are a little too big. I have seen some on the internet that appear to be the right size, but I haven't bought them yet (been busy with summer vacations and things like that).

    In terms of the tires. My '03 AWD has the Yokohama Geolanders on it. I just hit 30K on mine, and my tires are wearing great. I rotate them every 6K miles (every other oil change). They appear to have at least 20K left on them before they get to the wear indicators. I live in southern North Carolina, so I have yet to have any snow to drive it in.
  • earlshoesearlshoes Member Posts: 8
    Hi, I found the key for the good gas mileage with the Outlander. I commute to work 60 + round trip,usually drive 70-80 mph. Gas light would go on around 280miles. I recently started driving the car around 2500RPM (60-65MPH) gas mileage has increased and extra 75miles a tank. I am now going to about 350mile a tank before the gas light comes on. Long and short of it, keep the car around 2500rpms and you will notice a huge difference in gas mileage.
  • earlshoesearlshoes Member Posts: 8
    You will get good gas highway mileage as long as you keep the Outlander around 2500RPM (60-65MPH) I was getting about 20/23 (70-75MPH) highway but now getting at least 27 mile a gallon at 2500RPMs.
  • earlshoesearlshoes Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know how many gallons are left when the gas light comes on with the Outlander?
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    the Outlander tank size is close to 15 gallons. Just fill up next time your gas light comes on, and then subtract the # of gallons need to fill it from 15. That should give you an approximate amount anyway.
  • iluvmymitsuiluvmymitsu Member Posts: 5
    Hi, I spoke to my Mitsu tech and he believes that the tweeter wires are live and recommends we order the stock tweeters. I don't know the cost but will price it soon and get back to you. Check your local dealer for Internet specials or coupons...they often have discounts on parts.I can get 10% off because I work for an auto group that includes a Mitsu dealer.

    I live in the NY metro area. My tires look shot to me and handled very poorly last winter ('04 AWD). They are Yokohama 16 inch tires but not sure of the exact model. I also rotated them on schedule and they have worn evenly. My tech says to wait as long as possible before replacing...I will probably replace in October with Goodyear.

    Some other good news is that you can expect the brakes to last a long long time. My tech says he has yet to have to do a brake job on an Outlander...including the 03's.He guesstimates about 90k miles before the pads need replacing...give or take depending on your driving habits. I think that is awesome for an SUV AWD.
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    I priced the tweeters at the dealer a while back, and they were close to $70. I figured for $70, I could buy a set at a stereo store, and fabricate some mounting brackets to fit behind the tweeter grilles. On another website for Mitsu enthusiasts, there are several people that have modified after market tweeters to fit, and they all state that the existing wires do work.
    In terms of the brakes, that is awesome. I have never gotten more than 45K on front brakes on any car. With regards to the tires, I asked "Connor at the Tire Rack" over in the Accessories forums which tire he would reccomend. He said the Bridgeston Turanza LS-H was a great tire for the Outlander. If you scroll back about a week in the posts, you will see my question to him, and his response.
  • rocairjerrocairjer Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the tips Earlshoes. They do really work!. I try to keep my highway speeds about 2500 rpm, What a difference in gas mileage.
    I have a 2005 Outlander LS AWD with the 5 speed manual transmission.
    At my last fill up I checked the mileage 30.9mpg, I could not believe it either, had my wife do the math also, same mpg. Does anybody think
    doing an oil change with synthetic oil might help a little also?
    Also I had the tweeters installed at a local car audio store. They supplied the labor, tweeter speakers and crossovers for $65. Sounds real good!!
    Thanks again earlshoes

    Jerry :)
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    Just curious - Do you know where they put the crossovers?
  • rocairjerrocairjer Member Posts: 2
    Hi Tracefan

    The crossovers were put on the wire about 6-9 inches from the speaker, then the wire from the crossover was connected to the Outtie wiring. The items all came in a kit, the techs did the most amount of the wiring on the bench, then came over and connected to the car. I asked what the little square items were , both techs said they were crossovers. Two very skilled techs worked on my car and were done very quickly. Hope I answered your questions.
  • randy0211randy0211 Member Posts: 1
    well i have the 05 awd with abs and the brake light came on about 8000 miles...IS This correct, so i took it to the dealer and they said that the fluid was low due to the LOW WORN BARKES,....................how could that be?? 8000 and on top of that they charged me 20 buck......then he tell me to go get brakes....Wat should i do? wat kind of brakes do i need?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    2007 Mitsubishi Outlander Gets More Space, More Seats (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • randywakemanrandywakeman Member Posts: 2
    You will get good gas highway mileage as long as you keep the Outlander around 2500RPM (60-65MPH) I was getting about 20/23 (70-75MPH) highway but now getting at least 27 mile a gallon at 2500RPMs.

    That's a very good tip-- just driving (leadfoot) I get right at 22 mpg combination.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Buy a Mitsubishi, Get a Year of Free Gas (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This reshaped Outlander is powered by a new-generation 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, linked to a six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) with steering wheel paddle shift. The crossover features electrically controlled four-wheel drive with new active stability control.

    Mitsubishi Plots Comeback With New Outlander SUV (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • longarm01longarm01 Member Posts: 1
    Just a quick clarification. Is the 04 Outlander warranty for 5 years and 60k miles? If so, is this also transferrable? Im thinking about buying an 04 XLS and would love to have that warranty. Thanks
  • outlander03outlander03 Member Posts: 3
    hi im new here and i have some questions.first,anybody know if somebody sale a turbo kit for the outlander,i know the engine is similar to the evo engine but realy i dont know.second,the flex pipe of my outlander have a leak,i cant find it in any store everybody said to me is a original part,ask in the dealer,i need some help thanks,and keep the good work.
  • roark4321roark4321 Member Posts: 3
    I just got an 05 Manual LS AWD. The rear passenger side window goes down more slowly than the rest and only goes about 2/3 of the way down (perhaps a child saftey feature?). I can't find any info in the manual (admittedly I haven't spent a whole lot of time with it). Can the window be set to operate normally?

    Thanks
  • rav4killarav4killa Member Posts: 13
    ANYBODY KNOE THE EXACT LOCATIONS OF ALL GROUND WIRES??
  • charley9charley9 Member Posts: 48
    About half way down is normal. Don't know about speed. Mine are not fast but each side is about the same...
  • yustasyustas Member Posts: 31
    So, Outlander is going to be bigger... Which means-heavier... Great! And to deal with additional weight, they are putting 3 liter V6 there... Ggrreeaatt!!!! Right off my shopping list! :mad:
  • roark4321roark4321 Member Posts: 3
    I see that Yokohama geolanders are the stock tire. But my 05 LS AWD (manual) came with Dunlop SP 4000. Anyone else have these tires instead of the Yokos?
  • charley9charley9 Member Posts: 48
    I saw somewhere that the engine choices may now include the 2.4. Anyway I think the Dodge Caliber variant may be much more interesting than the upcoming Outlander.. There have been a few reports on the Autweek boards that hint at the Caliber variant being badged as a Lancer wagon? Maybe a Sportback? Anyone seen anything on this?
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    "Anyway I think the Dodge Caliber variant may be much more interesting than the upcoming Outlander.. "

    Maybe. I use to own a Dodge product before buying my Outlander. I will never buy another. Sure their designs look good, but I have found that my local Dodge dealer's service department leaves a lot to be desired. They also seemed to always want to get out of fixing anything under warranty (which was only 3yr/36,000mi) by trying to explain to me that it wasn't covered. Took a lot of haggling to ever accomplish anything. My Mitsubishi dealer has been totally the opposite - they are wonderful to deal with. Based on my past experiences, for my money I will take the longer Mitsubishi warranty and the better dealer experience anyday.
  • nyouttienyouttie Member Posts: 2
    Anyone know what ski rack works best with the roof rack on the Outlander? I got the one Thule said should work, but it didn't work out for me. If any fellow skiiers or boarders have figured this out, please let me know. Need to get ready for the season.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles