2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
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2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander ▼
- Price Range: $6,100 - $12,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration
Vehicle Highlights
Mitsubishi entered the compact sport-utility vehicle arena for 2003 with a new crossover wagon, based on its Lancer subcompact sedan. The Outlander represented the "tall-wagon" school of small SUVs, typified by the Subaru Forester, versus the more trucklike profile of a Ford Escape or Honda CR-V. Slightly longer overall than most SUVs in the compact class, the Outlander was no taller or wider. Outlanders seated five and used a 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission, with a separate gate for manual shifting. Front- and all-wheel drive versions were offered, in base LS and uplevel XLS trim levels. The AWD system lacked low-range gearing, and Outlanders were not intended for serious off-road use. Front side airbags and antilock braking were optional--exclusive to the XLS. All Outlanders had 16-inch wheels, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, air conditioning, CD audio, cruise control, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The XLS added alloy wheels, a roof rack, rear spoiler, fog lamps, and clear taillamp lenses. Inside, the XLS was distinguished by white-faced instrumentation, see-through headrests, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other XLS-only options included a sunroof and leather upholstery. Compact-SUV rivals included the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Outlander LS AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Mitsubishi Outlander:
Additional power led the 2004 revisions to Mitsubishi's compact SUV. Specifically, the four-cylinder engine gained 20 horsepower. Mitsubishi claimed quieter running via a revised exhaust system and various noise-deadening measures.
2005 Mitsubishi Outlander:
Four-wheel disc brakes became standard this year, and a manual transmission became available. Rear-end styling was revised slightly, and a top-of-the-line Limited series joined the LS and XLS. Alloy wheels held 17-inch tires on the XLS and Limited.
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander:
There were no changes of significance for the 2006 Outlander.
Our road test for the 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
In its 2003 form, acceleration with automatic and front-drive was acceptable around town, but the Outlander lacked muscle for confident merging and passing. With its extra 20 horsepower for 2004, the Outlander feels a tad peppier, but it still isn't that swift for passing/merging. Long grades can be a struggle either way, especially with a sizable load. The transmission is smooth and responsive, but its four speeds are one short of what the engine really needs. Trailer-towing capacity is 1500 pounds. Fuel economy is satisfactory. Outlanders with all-wheel drive have averaged 22.3 mpg, while 2WD versions averaged 21.9 to 22.5 mpg. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel. Although it doesn't quite qualify as carlike, an Outlander rivals the Subaru Forester for the most stable, comfortable ride in this class. Outlanders corner with modest body lean and no tippy sensations, but their elevated ride height contributes to unwanted lateral rocking in quick directional changes. Steering is accurate, but slightly numb and over-assisted. AWD seems to enhance overall grip and control, even on dry surfaces. Stopping power is adequate, with good brake modulation. Wind rush is noticeable but not objectionable at highway speeds. Tire noise is unobtrusive, except on coarse pavement. Typical of small wagons, though, road rumble is nearly always present from the cargo area. Engines are raucous at full throttle. A simple dashboard layout includes easy-to-reach controls, though radio switches should be larger. Hooded gauges are easy to read, even in sunlight. Overall solidity fails to impress, but interior materials are appropriate for the Outlander's price class. Front seats are comfortable, with good side bolstering. Tall drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Entry/exit is easy and visibility good. Rear head room ranks as generous, but leg and foot space are sufficient only if front seats are no more than halfway back. The firm, tall split bench seat has reclining backrests. Cargo space is sufficient for a half-dozen grocery bags, with rear seatbacks in place. Space is slightly below the class average with seatbacks folded, and they don't lie flat. Liftover is low, but the liftgate opening narrows at the bottom. The optional cargo cover stows neatly beneath the floor.
Value for the Money
Outlander is one of the more pleasantly carlike compact SUVs, but is unexceptional otherwise. Its engine feels coarse and is underpowered in anything but routine driving. Mitsubishi's reputation for workmanship and resale value has trailed that of most import brands. That could mean moderate secondhand prices, but uncertain reliability.
Outlander is one of the more pleasantly carlike compact SUVs, but is unexceptional otherwise. Its engine feels coarse and is underpowered in anything but routine driving. Mitsubishi's reputation for workmanship and resale value has trailed that of most import brands. That could mean moderate secondhand prices, but uncertain reliability.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Outlander LS AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Outlander includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Outlander .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Climate control:
The temperature dial for the heater may stick due to a dirty gear track or a bent link in the system and revised parts kit is available and a filter should be installed. (2003)
Engine fan:
The engine may overheat because the soldered connection for the radiator fan controller can short out and the company was replacing fan controllers with a voluntary recall. (2003-04)
None:
The vehicle may vibrate, shudder or surge when cruising between 35-50 mph because the transmission fluid breaks down causing torque converter clutch to misbehave. (2003)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $605 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,805 |
| Brakes | $490 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $610 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $480 |
| Exhaust System | $580 |
| Radiator | $445 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,695 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $595 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Outlander details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Outlander 2WD | $10,200-12,300 | $9,200-11,100 | $5,300-6,400 |
| Outlander AWD | $11,500-13,200 | $10,400-11,900 | $6,300-7,300 |
| Outlander Limited | $12,500-14,200 | $11,300-12,800 | $7,100-8,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| Outlander 2WD | $9,000-11,000 | $8,100-9,900 | $4,700-5,700 |
| Outlander AWD | $10,400-12,500 | $9,400-11,300 | $5,500-6,600 |
| 2004 | |||
| Outlander 2WD | $7,800-9,000 | $7,000-8,100 | $4,000-4,600 |
| Outlander AWD | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| Outlander 2WD | $6,800-7,600 | $6,100-6,800 | $3,200-3,600 |
| Outlander AWD | $7,800-8,500 | $7,000-7,700 | $4,000-4,300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Outlander include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3461 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 60.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.7 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Early Outlanders had the same powertrain: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 140 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. Engine output rose to 160 horsepower in 2004, and a five-speed manual transmission became available for 2005.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 143 | 140-160 | 157-162 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
EPA rating with 2WD and automatic is 21/26 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Outlander include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2003 Outlander |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2003 Outlander:
The owner's manual doesn't adequately explain the child-restraint system. Dealers will distribute further operation instructions.
2003-04 w/dealer-installed trailer hitch:
Electronic control module for hitch may overheat, which could result in fire.
2003-04:
Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
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