2005 Mitsubishi Outlander New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in a new Limited trim level that includes a monochromatic paint scheme, clear taillight lenses, heated leather seating surfaces, unique headlamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and temperature readings, front side-impact airbags, a power sunroof, and unique interior trim. A five-speed manual transmission is now available on LS models, and disc brakes are newly standard on all Outlanders along with daytime running lights. Fresh exterior colors called Graphite Gray and Electric Blue round out the changes for 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander:

• Impressive brakes
• Crisp handling
• Easy to get into and out of
• Seat comfort front and rear
• Control layout
• Ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Free scheduled maintenance during basic warranty period

Objections to the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander:

• Stiff ride on pavement
• Noisy interior
• Inexpensive interior materials

Editor's Advice:
The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compelling crossover SUV, and last year's injection of 20 additional horsepower helped give it the necessary firepower to contend head-to-head with other cute-utes such as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. We find the Outlander to be comfortable front and rear, with a spacious cargo hold that can be easily expanded for larger items. It's simple to get into and out of the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the build quality (if not the materials) impresses us. The interior looks nice, and the controls are all easy to find and use. Considering these positive traits combined with an impressive powertrain warranty and free scheduled maintenance, the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander makes an excellent all-weather, multi-purpose daily driver.