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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
edited January 2011 in Mitsubishi

Comments

  • elgatolocoelgatoloco Member Posts: 92
    Last Friday morning I was at my local Mitsu dealer getting my 90k service on our 04 Outlander and decided to take a test drive in the new Sport model. The only one they had juiced up and ready to go was a blue 2wd with CVT. If I was to purchase a Sport I would have to go with the CVT because it would be for the entire family plus it would have to have AWD capability as well for the snowy climes of Illinois.

    I had sat in the Sport before but never driven it. I have an 08 Outlander SE as well as a 2010 Lancer so I was familiar with the controls except the push button start. Both my other Mitsubishi vehicles were equipped with the 2.4 4B11 engine. The Sport has the 2.0 4B11 and from all the reviews I had read the engine choice seems to be the bone of contention among many who damned the power plant as insufficient to propel the Sport. Actually, the 2.0 ran fine. I had no trouble keeping up with traffic or getting from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time. I took the sport out on RT 6 and it cruised along fine at 70 mph for about 5 miles and no one shouted at me to get out of their way. Now, if you want to compare it to a turbo equipped car or you want to beat everyone else to the next stoplight you might say the 2.0 was inadequate, but for getting where you want to go and using less fuel the 2.0 is just fine. Now, I was alone in the car and I realize that the optional AWC system I want would add a few more pounds to the vehicle but frankly some of these reviews are ridiculous. If you are in the city and want a little more zippiness, then just use the shift paddles. I use them often in my other Mitsu vehicles when I'm in the city and they do a great job of keeping you in the power curve and scrubbing off speed so you don't have to wear out the brakes. Even if you can't drive a stick you can master the basic rudiments of paddle-shifting in a short amount of time. VERY worthwhile addition to any automatic drive system. If you don't want to use them, don't worry, the Sport will still get you home with the groceries in time for the big game.

    In all other respects the Sport was quite good also. It took sharp turns with little or no roll. The suspension was superior to my Lancer out on the interstate ( @*##*@ Illinois roads ) and the cockpit was a bit larger. The slightly higher ride really makes a difference in traffic as well, visibility was outstanding. Back at the dealership I checked out the rear cargo space etc..etc.. I would really have liked to drive one at night to check out the new headlights too. Since the Sport I drove didn't have the optional AWC system I didn't get to try it out in a slippery area but I'm pretty sure it would work as good as the one on our 08 SE.

    Naturally I am biased toward Mitsu vehicles but if you are looking for a new CUV this should be on your list. Take it for a spin and you'll see that the 2.0 does fine as long as you don't pretend to be Vin Diesel and the fact is that this 4B11 is the basis for the current generation of Hyundai/ Kia 4 cylinder power plants PLUS many of the current Chrysler products use this engineering AND Mitsubishi platform technology given to them when Daimler Benz controlled both companies. Gotta watch those Germans !!! They don't call a sucker a "mark" for nothing.

    After the test drive my car was ready to go so...I parked the Sport and drove the 04 home so my daughter could go to work.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/jsp/worldrecords/index.do

    "ONE DAY. TWO CUVS. FIVE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.

    To demonstrate Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control technology we set out for some unforgiving terrain in Alberta, Canada, with our Outlander crossover family. We came home with a handful of official Guinness World Records.
    "

    300 m - The greatest distance by a vehicle in reverse on snow in 30 seconds - Outlander Sport
    56.2 m - The shortest braking distance by a vehicle on ice (30 mph to 0 mph) - Outlander Sport
    3 laps - The most vehicle figure-of-eights on ice in two minutes - Outlander
    1:11 min - The fastest vehicle slalom relay on ice (1/4 mile) - Outlander & Outlander Sport
    19:31 sec - The fastest driven square lap in a vehicle (gravel, 100 ft. x 100 ft.) - Outlander

    To me the most impressive are the figure 8, slalom, and the ice braking. The ice braking looks especially boring, :) , which is exactly how you'd want it to be. And the figure 8 & slalom show how the AWC system can benefit in everyday winter condition driving.

    (Cross-posting to relevant threads)
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Hosts - FYI: If you go to "Mitsubishi Forums & Discussions By Model" the Outlander Sport isn't listed. Click on "Mitsubishi" in "What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi, SUV" at the top of this page to see what I mean.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeah, known bug. It's not the only missing make/model and last I heard we didn't have an ETA for the fix. We'll ask for a status report.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Thanks for the update, Steve. It's not normally a way I go searching so I hadn't noticed it before.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2011
    I guess some people use it, but I bet most people find the forums via search engines.

    (btw, I saw way more Mitsubishis than usual last week while visiting Puerto Rico. They are well represented there. Lots of Suzukis too).
  • guxuguxu Member Posts: 32
    Wow! :surprise:

    It is interesting that Edmunds says Outlander Sports brake testing is poor, which is my major concern. Now we see it can stop on ice. Guess the tires can make big difference.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Supposed to be fixed; let me know if you still see issues. And thanks!
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Well, I still don't see it when I go to Forums and select Mitsubishi as the make and click Go to see all Mitsus.

    It does, though, show under the models listing if I use it before selecting Go. However, doing that returns "There are currently no discussions about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport."

    So, I'd have to say not fixed.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ah, I see it (well, I don't see it...). I don't think that landing page is as active an entry point as through the main forums landing page so maybe that's why it keeps falling through the cracks. Reported again. :-)
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    edited June 2011
    I watched it. The 2011 Outlander Sport looks very well worth pursuing. It is no doubt comfortable. Our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is definitely comfortable to drive so this small SUV, on the same wheelbase as the Outlander, ought to be, too. Why would Mitsubishi stray from their overall formula, eh?

    And reliable as all get out, too.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Agreed. While some harp on the materials quality I don't see it as an issue with the possible exception that I would like more padding on the door where I tend to stick my arm out.

    And some don't like the dash. They think it's too simple. But I find it to be a clean look and vastly prefer it to the overly busy Honda dashboards. Especially with the navi.

    The legitimate gripe, though, is engine power. It really, really needs the 2.4L from the regular Outlander. Or, Mitsu needs to join with Hyundai & GM and roll out GDI engines. A GDI 2.0 would probably have 15-25 more HP + more torque with no MPG penalty. As I say over in the long term road test comments, they need to target a 9-seconds-or-less 0-60 time to eliminate the complaints about slowness.

    With the exception of the Outlander Sport, fuel economy has never been a leadership item for Mitsubishi. I think they just went a little too far towards economy while sacrificing performance. Lose 1 MPG but gain a half second on acceleration tests would be a trade-off most folks would accept. And it would silence most of the complainers.

    My wife is still considering the Sport along with the Tucson, Cruze, Forte, and Elantra for her next ride. But family issues have caused her to push back her purchase timeline. Maybe late summer or fall. Thankfully, her '01 Elantra is still plenty reliable and has low miles for it's age so our hands aren't being forced. She's just getting like me: Tired of driving a car that's now 10 years old. :)

    In the mean time, I'm at 18 months of ownership in my Outlander GT and have to call for it's 6 month oil change.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    edited June 2011
    well placed comments, man. I always appreciate your comments on here. I joined Edmunds.com as a Kia man, joining right about the time I traded in our 1997 Ford Escort in automatic tranny trim and purple color on a 1999 Kia Sephia. I researched first and many, many Pacific NW-stern-ers would've called my move both a bold one and a dumb one. At that time Kia was showing that commercial with the college kids abusing the 1998 Kia Sephia sedan and putting thousands of miles on it with the car showing no worse for the wear.

    Time has told me that I made a decent move. I learned that Kia makes a good car, a really good car. When Mr.Finbarr O'Neill left Hyundai Motors as CEO and joined Mitsubishi, he took the 10 year, 100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty with him. Smart man. Sometimes we have to call these moves smart. Finbarr's was brilliant. For Mitsubishi.

    Since leaving Kia I have discovered Mitsubishi. And things have never been the same since. I can't believe how good a car our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is. Apparently a whole buttload of Americans didn't get the memo. I will find it hard to look at any other car maker seriously again. I'm not kidding, fushigi!

    image
    2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

    Know that we had ta spend to get this, we spent around $24,232 after T&L. But believe you me, the car has been worth every American penny we spent on it. The motor is so strong it barely makes a peep of showing any age at all on it and it has around 71,300 miles on it. Not just a good car from Mitsu but a great car. It is a great car.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • sweatysaberssweatysabers Member Posts: 1
    All I wanted is to buy a Car. It took us less than ten minutes to agree and shake hands on a deal. Why oh Why do you guys have to screw me? I will write about this on all the blogosphere, a warning to everybody to avoid your dealership as much as possible. Bunch of crook running that place.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited August 2011
    You can also review dealers here:

    Dealer Ratings and Reviews

    (Watch the profanity please.)
  • sysmarksysmark Member Posts: 1
    I have a problem with my Nav system. It is missing streets in a town near me and on occasion directs me to a completely different part of town when it is indicated that the address I inputted is correct. I always have to check with my iphone just to make sure. Why did I pay $2,000.00 + for a Nav system that is not reliable, I've contacted the dealership, the manufacturer and still no resolve. Has any one else having a similar problem? class action suit?
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    That's two problems: 1. Missing streets and 2. Bad directions.

    1. is caused by out of date maps. Not much you can do but buy the map upgrades when they're released every year or so.

    2. is more serious. I suggest you make note of specific locations it gets wrong. Then demonstrate it to your service department & ask them to reload your navi system (perhaps getting you the most current software/maps in the process) in an attempt to fix. It should also be done as a warranty item.

    BTW my '10 Outlander came with maps from 2008. Assuming Mitsu uses the same maps & software across all models, which it looks like to me, the maps & software updates available for my Outlander should be applicable to your Sport. As of December, the maps & software are from 2010 & cost $200.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • mitsubishi27mitsubishi27 Member Posts: 1
    So i just bought a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander sport SE 2 days ago...LOVE IT...BUT, I just noticed that I when I press the button I have no idea if it is on or off! There is no indication that it is on or off...is it broken?? and I noticed when there was a little tire slip there was no warning that I lost traction what the heck?? is it broken? do I not have it and the button is there for no reason??? HELP!
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    How do y'all like your cars? I really like them but heard that the radio/stereo is a bit obtuse and doesn't have the right buttons and knobs. One of my car mags said it was an awful setup and one of the worst sound systems they've ever seen. What gives and are there an aux connection and a usb port plug in? My '06 Civic has neither and didn't make 'em standard until the '07's came out, naturally. You'd think a new model would have had this in the 1st year of production and surprised that Honda corp let this detail fall through the cracks actually. They really should give those of us who bought the '06 model an upgrade somehow and let us come into the dealer and have it put into the dash. I feel cheated now by Honda and because of a few other issues, will not be purchasing any more vehicles from them for a long time. Sorry honda...ya lost another customer!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • carhntncarhntn Member Posts: 4
    I am doing some research and getting no where with the car dealerships. Do you have the money factor and residual for the Outlander Sport ES automatic at 36 months for 10k, 12k and 15k miles?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    Hi.. I know the Outlander Sport is not an Outlander, but post over here in Outlander Lease Questions, and we'll see if we can get you an answer...

    http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f10296b/51#MSG51

    Regards,
    kyfdx
    Host

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  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952

    Almost bought a 2014 Outlander Sport SE with the Rockford Fosgate killer stereo but the dealer let me walk because I wouldn't drive it off the lot that day instead of the next one...I bought on December 1st and planned to drive it home the 2nd. We agreed on a price with door edge guards and a pinstripe plus my '06 Civic and I gave them my credit card but they let me walk when I would not take it that day. My salesmen walked me next door to the Hyundai store where I made the same exact deal on a Tuscon SE and drove it off on the 2nd with them taking $5k on my Amex card. They tried to play games but once they saw me pack up my stuff, they agreed to my deal.
    Am very happy with my Tuscon but if the Mitsu general manager had let me take it home on my terms, I'd have the Outlander SE in my garage right now. My question is did Hyundai/Kia buy Mitsubishi or a stake in the company? They seem to have many of the same things I noticed. I think if they were bought out it would bode well for the company overall.

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    edited January 2014

    sandman - nope, Mitsubishi Motors of Japan is still their own company. Oh, BTW, they're not leaving the U.S. market. Sales of the Outlander, Outlander Sport, Lancer and also the new Mirage hatchback are doing better than in early 2013. So my buddies are doing fine. They won't leave, anyway, but I thought I should mention that sales are up.

    As for the great Long-Haul Warranty being the Kia/Hyundai-similar 10 years and 100,000 miles on the powertrain and 60,000 miles bumper-ta-bumper...a certain CEO by the name of Finbarr O'Neill left Hyundai for Mitsubishi in the early 2000's IIRC. With him he took the great Warranty to Mitsubishi. He was the American Mitsubishi CEO. I don't think he's even with Mitsubishi anymore.

    Being bought out by another car company comes up in automotive discussions now and then but as far as I know there's nothing even remotely in the works along those lines going on right now.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952

    Glad to hear that Mitsubishi is still a viable company in the United States and seriously, I'd have one right now in my garage if their general manager hadn't been such a jerk about things! I have never ever taken a vehicle home the same day I've bought one...ever! I always pick it up the next or 2 days days down the line...I would have thought that a deposit on my credit card would be good enough to hold the vehicle for me. All I asked for was a pin stripe and delivery to be made the next afternoon but he refused...dumb [non-permissible content removed]! The salesman brought me next door to the Hyundai dealer where I did the exact same deal on a Tuscon but they said I could take it home "when I wanted to"! They took my Amex card and put the deposit on that and the next afternoon, I came and drove off in my new Tuscon. The Mitsu manager was stupid really and let me slip right through his fingers because I had my credit card ready to make the deal to...crazy!!
    Truth be told, either vehicle would have worked for me so really a toss up here. I got a small crossover so all is good here. Besides the sucky gas mileage, I am a happy camper right now. Am adding a few foodies to personalize it for me and then, I'm done.

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459

    Regardless of brand or store, it always stinks when a bad sales experience ruins your potential to enjoy a product.

    While I have an Outlander (my 2nd Mitsu), my wife has an Elantra (her 2nd Elantra). With both of the newer cars the sales experience was simple & efficient. I'll admit I'm not the best negotiator but we got good enough deals that all parties were satisfied.

    I'll say that I'm far happier with my Mitsu dealer's service staff than my wife is with her Hyundai dealer's service folks. The Mitsu dealer's service staff are always friendly and they give me whatever coupon discounts they're currently offering even if I don't have the coups. I did just replace my battery & the service writer gave me 15% off without me even asking for it. They make the effort to earn my loyalty and it works. The Hyundai service folks seem like they just don't care that much. Attention to detail is lacking. Maybe they're overworked due to Hyundai's rising popularity but still, the dealership could hire another body or two to manage it better.

    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952

    All I know is that our Hyundai dealer has a great service department and the one warranty issue we had with the kids Accent...in and out within 2 hours...was handled very professionally and I look forward to the same great service in the future. But I would've been happy buying either the Tuscon or the Outlander Sport as they are pretty similar except that the Mitsu had 18" tires as compared to the 17"er's I got on the Tuscon...saved myself some green on the smaller replacement rubber in the future. They both drove very easily and if the general manager at the Mitsu store had said yes to me, I'd have that in the garage right now!

    The Sandman :)B)

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    Wow, it's been awhile since anyone posted in this thread.
  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    Bumping this thread.
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 240,084
    inuvik said:

    Bumping this thread.

    Hardly any buys or leases Mitsubishi anymore, and that's reflected in the volume of posts in this thread.

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  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    Thread bump.
  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    One year, 18000 miles. Trouble free. A absolute joy to drive.
  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    Little over 28000 problem free miles.
  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    3 years now, 48000 trouble free flawless miles. I keep meticulous fuel records and my lifetime average is over 30 mpg. Absolutely the best vehicle I've ever owned in my lifetime.
  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    Over 50k now with no issues whatsoever. Love driving this.
  • inuvikinuvik Member Posts: 163
    Over 60k now with no issues still.
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