Test Drove
reviewed by Courtney Messenbaugh

1/7/2008

Equipped to the Nines

By: Courtney Messenbaugh

It seems unfair that one should have to drive a “normal” car immediately after driving a racecar around a track at 100 mph.  Not necessarily unfair to the driver (though I can assure you they had to pry me out of the racecar, since I was so addicted to the speed), but unfair to the “normal” car.  How could anything so mundane compare?

That’s what happened to me last week when I had to go from Speed Racer in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to mom mode in Mitsubishi’s Outlander SE.  It took a short game of mental tug-of-war to get me back into mom mode, but once there, I quickly discovered that the Outlander might not be so normal after all.  Even better, it seemed to be overflowing with goodies to make my life more convenient and fun.

Point in case: The 2008 Outlander is based on a platform derived from the Lancer Evo.  Now we’re talking: Mom-mode and Speed Racer mode might not be so far apart, after all!  While I didn’t get the Outlander up to 100 mph, this little SUV has some impressive power, especially when you consider that it’s an economy-mobile.  It handles very well on the highway, drives smoothly and has these cool  shifting paddles on the steering wheel, which makes speeding the 2.4-liter engine up really convenient (though with the whole fam in the car, I wouldn’t recommend going crazy with this newfound and easy access to speed).

The Outlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, but you can opt to get all-wheel drive with the All-Wheel Control system that made the Evo feel so safe, no matter what speed you were going.  Just think what that sort of control does for an SUV!  If you don’t feel like thinking about it, it translates into a ride that feels very safe and controlled.

Speaking of safety, all Outlander models come standard with an advanced air bag system and an anti-lock brake system. Safety is important to us here at Mother Proof, and it’s nice to know that some manufacturers are not skimping on safety, especially in their economy lines.  Safety first is my mantra, don’t forget it.

You should also know that comfort and luxurious perks are a close second, especially if the perks come standard.  For an economy SUV, the Outlander is spacious and full of standard luxury features.  For instance, it’s Bluetooth capable with caller ID and voice-recognition software.  Gone are your days of trying to balance your phone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other (and shame on you for doing that, anyhow!).

Storage is a cinch in this car with an easy-to-handle liftgate in the back and a convenient flap-fold tailgate that can serve as a seat (maybe to put your ski boots on or just hang out kicking your feet in the breeze) or a table to hold your food and beverage (when you’re chillin’ at the beach or gearing up for a big game).  This little flap-fold deal can hold up to 440 pounds of people or equipment, an excellent addition.  There are two glove boxes and a center storage box up front.  And if you want to get really crazy, you can upgrade to the XLS model, which has a fold-up seat (really, a third row) in the back so you could even carry two more people!  Wow!

I want to stop, but can’t seem to since this car just has too much to highlight.  There are nine — that’s right, nine — cupholders in this baby, including a couple on the door sides that can accommodate taller bottles.

While you’re all enjoying your beverages, you and your family can listen to whatever music you please on the standard Rockford-Fosgate stereo system with nine speakers, including a rear subwoofer; there’s also an MP3 jack It’s a total party on wheels.

By the way, I wonder what’s up with the number nine?  Nine cupholders, nine speakers…hmmm…Well, I’ll stop here though you know I could go on.  I shall only leave you with the notion that while the Outlander is not a race car, it sure is equipped to the nines (I am so punny, aren’t I?)!

*For more information on the Manufacturer Model and its safety features visit www.mitsubishicars.com. For questions or comments regarding this review write to .

©2008 Mother Proof® – All Rights Reserved

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