S&E Auto Walpole Mitsubishi Blog

Mitsubishi Cartime Show 12.17.2011

2011-12-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Cartime Show 11.29.2011

2011-12-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

IIHS Names Lancer a Top Safety Pick

2011-12-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

For the fifth year in a row, a Mitsubishi vehicle has been selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a "Top Safety Pick."

The stylish and versatile Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan (excluding Ralliart and Evolution) joins an elite group of 2012 model vehicles that meet the stringent IIHS criteria for vehicle crash testing.

"When we launched 'Top Safety Pick' in 2005, consumers had 11 models to pick from," says IIHS president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

In order for a vehicle to be named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Institute, a car must earn a "good" rating in the organization's three critical areas of crash test analysis (the Institute's scoring system consists of ratings of "good," "acceptable," "marginal" or "poor"):

High-speed front impact crash testing
High-speed side impact crash testing
Evaluation of seat/head restraints for protection against net injuries in rear impact crash testing

For more information on Lancer's "Top Safety Pick" award by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), please visit iihs.org. Here is a direct link to the 2012 Lancer's Rating: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer IIHS

Hot Mitsubishi Graphics for Mitsubishi i and Lancer Models

2011-11-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

11/18/2011

As if the distinctively-shaped 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicle and the head-turning Lancer sport sedan weren’t stylish enough, owners of these vehicles will now be able to add their own personalized style, thanks to the new Mitsubishi Graphics program.

Available for the Mitsubishi i in December and the Lancer by the end of the year, customers will simply log onto Mitsubishicars.com and/or MitsubishiGraphics.com, select their graphic(s), print out the order and take it to their local Mitsubishi dealer to purchase their stylish new graphics package for their eco-friendly Mitsubishi i or sporty Lancer model. The Mitsubishi dealer will then place the order for the graphics package, inform the customer when the artwork for their vehicle arrives and coordinate with the customer for its installation by a professional 3M™ Original Wraps installer.

Crafted from premium high-quality 3M™ Scotchprint® on-demand vinyl graphic film and a clear laminate for additional protection, the new Mitsubishi Graphics are composed of the same material used for premium full-wrap vehicle graphics. Mitsubishi Graphics can be purchased at Mitsubishi dealerships and come with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty from 3M™.

For more information on the Mitsubishi Graphics program, including product pricing, availability, selection and care, log on to MitsubishiGraphics.com.

Mitsubishi Taps into Leading EV Charging Station Database

2011-11-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

MMNA has teamed up with EV charging station finder company CarStations to leverage their pioneering community-powered global Charging Station database. CarStations will provide an updated feed providing the status of local charging stations to users of the Mitsubishi i “Trip Calculator” application. This social media-friendly application is located on both the Mitsubishi i website and dedicated Facebook page. The application is intended to show users the flexibility of the Mitsubishi i’s driving range by allowing them to see how many various stops can be made within the vehicle’s EPA-rated 62 mile range. The application will allow users to enter custom locations or choose from pre-populated local stops to map out their trip.

The applications will also be featured during the "Mitsubishi i 100% Electric Experience" tour. Visitors will be able to use Apple iPad™ devices to experience the app on-site and learn more about the vehicle. To experience the app on-line or for more information including a complete list of upcoming dates and event locations, please visit "The Electric Experience" tab at facebook.com/iMitsubishi.

Mitsubishi i Gunning for 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year honor

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Mitsubishi i entry in 2012 "Car of the Year" (Motor Trend 11/9/2011)
source: http://www.plugincars.com/nissan-leaf-fisker-karma-mitsubishi-i-2012-motor-trend-car-year-110148.html

"For first adopters on a budget who understand the i’s strengths and weaknesses, the Mitsubishi could be a good bet. Before running out of juice, the i is EPA-rated for 62 miles of travel, and 112 mpg-equivalent combined. The Leaf doesn’t do as well by the EPA’s mpg-equivalent standards, mustering 99 mpg-equivalent combined, but its claimed range is 73 miles."

"Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph comes in 13.4 seconds, but the Mitsubishi i feels quicker."
"For people with the right set of expectations, the i could serve as a tailpipe emissions-free urban runabout."

Outlander Sport Top 5 2011 High-MPG AWD, Shines!

2011-11-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

Outlander Sport among Top five 2011 high-MPG AWD
(GreenCarReports.com 11/10/2011)
source: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1068418_beat-winter-with-the-top-five-2011-high-mpg-all-wheel-drives

"Its 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine makes for a sporty drive and we do like the aggressive looks, too. Unlike the Juke, the Outlander Sport drinks cheaper, regular gasoline so may be a little cheaper to run."

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport shines
Orange County Register 11/10/2011
source: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/sport-326461-outlander-mitsubishi.html

"I'll just come right out and say it: I like the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport probably more than I should. Exactly why, I still can't pinpoint. Sure, it's got great looks – among the best I've seen in its growing niche of compact sport utility vehicle. With a starting price of $19,305, it's a good value, too, and remains that way even when souped up with higher-end features and four-wheel-drive."

"The power was adequate for my everyday commuting purposes, and the car accelerated smoothly with its automatic, continuously variable transmission."

"Behind the wheel, I appreciated this car's great visibility and relative comfort and quiet."

"Buttons are simple to locate and use, and the interior feels roomy despite the vehicle's compact outer dimensions."

"I loved the massive sunroof that seemed almost as big as the roof itself."

"It's a good-looking, sensible vehicle that competes well in the rapidly growing market of compact crossovers."

AAA Tests Roadside Recharging

2011-11-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

AAA is now testing roadside assistance for rapid charging of electric cars who are unmindful of their vehicle's range. John Nielsen, AAA Director of Auto Repair, says the company is "focusing on DC fast charging" using the CHAdeMO standard now offered in Nissan Leaf and 2012 Mitsubishi 'i' electric cars."

The association settled on charging at 20 to 25 kilowatts, a high enough rate to allow the service truck to provide 15 miles of extra range in about 10 minutes. The organization had to create its own portable DC quick-charging equipment, Nielsen said; it's not an off-the-shelf item.

Nielsen thinks that electric-car owners who commute on weekdays will likely have predictable routes within their range--but when they have more varied needs on weekends, they may push the limits more.

2012 Mitsubishi i Review - Autotrader First Drive

2011-11-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Mitsubishi i Review

Auto Trader 11/7/2011
source: http://www.autotrader.com/research/article/car-reviews/110088/2012-mitsubishi-i-first-drive.jsp

"...In January 2012 the car will finally arrive in the North American market, and when it does, not only will it be the country's second mass-produced, highway capable, all-electric car of the modern era (along with the Nissan Leaf), it will also be the most affordable."

"It may not have the bells and whistles of its closest competitor, the Nissan Leaf, but the i's efficiency is unmatched, producing zero tailpipe emissions and saving the average driver greatly on fuel costs. In our relatively short drive time, the i proved itself a more than capable commuter car that could fit well as a second or third vehicle in a household."

"The i's Core Value is Value."

"While a starting price of $27,990 for the base ES trim may sound high for a compact car of this size, it is almost $5,000 less than the base price for the Leaf."

"The EPA estimates the i will cost about 3 cents per mile to drive (based on the US average of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour utility rates), and will save more than $10,000 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average new US vehicle."

"With its relatively tall roofline and bubble shape, the i makes the most of its compact footprint. Interior space is lower than the i's closest competitor, the Nissan Leaf, but knee, shoulder and elbowroom in the front seats is sufficient even for taller and wider people."

"There's no questioning what a particular button or dial does or how to make things turn on and off."

"Over roughly one hour of driving around the test track, we found the seats to be modestly comfortable - falling on the higher end of seats for cars in this size category. Our knees and elbows never encountered any glaring hard spots or edges and the dials and buttons are all clearly marked, intuitive and within easy reach."

"As a second or third car in a household pulling commuter duty, the 2012 Mitsubishi i may be just the ticket for a futuristic, all-electric, low emissions and relatively inexpensive ride."

source: http://www.autotrader.com/research/article/car-reviews/110088/2012-mitsubishi-i-first-drive.jsp

Lancer Sportback Ralliart Review

2011-11-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Lancer Sportback Ralliart

The Auto Channel 11/4/2011

"Top 5 Reasons To Buy This Car: 1. Fun to drive, 2. Relatively economical on long trips, 3. Excellent power, 4. Excellent handling, 5. Four-door sports car"

"Although the Ralliart is essentially a detuned version of the more potent Lancer Evolution, it still packs a wallop. There's no question that this package is competition-driven, although it's also a decent street car."

"The Ralliart has its own personality, and although it isn't as top-of-the-line as the Evo, it is still a ball to drive."

"We had a 6-speed automatic in our tester, but you can definitely feel the shifts, both up and down. It has the feel of a manual transmission without the work."

"Yes, the engine is noisy, just like a hot engine should be. However, it's good noise, the kind that indicates real power under the hood."

"The suspension is very firm, but that leads to excellent handling. The firmness is almost harsh, but I'll bet the demographic who will be attracted to the Ralliart won't complain."
"Visibility is very good all around."

"The road surface indicator may seem redundant, but it's always nice in a car like this to know, just in case you try to be over-aggressive on the wrong road."

"The Ralliart also has excellent brakes, which are a requirement in a car like this."

"The front seats offer very good side support, which is desirable in a sporty sedan."

"The rear seats have decent legroom. The rear seat backs also fold 60/40 to increase the already-generous cargo area."

"There's no question that the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart is a ball to drive. It's a bigger ball to drive aggressively, but don't let the local constabulary know about it. At $31,755 it's high for a compact car, but to many it will be worth it."

source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/11/04/013442-2011-mitsubishi-lancer-sportback-ralliart-review-by-john-heilig.html

SAFETY SPOT

2011-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Watch Out for Animal Crossings!

A full-grown buck can weigh from 250 to 400 pounds — and that makes it a formidable object if your car comes upon it in the middle of the road. Fall is one of the peak times for animal/vehicle collisions, particularly during the dusk to dawn hours when visibility is low and animals are moving about. Deer, moose and other tall mammals with hooves— called “ungulates” —can be particularly dangerous in a collision because they can land on your hood, windshield or roof after impact.

Help yourself and your four-legged friends stay safe this season with these tips:
Stay alert on unfamiliar roads, particularly if rural areas and they’re lined with trees.
Scan the sides of the roads as you drive.
If there is no oncoming traffic, use your high beams to increase visibility.
Don’t rely on deer whistles or other gadgetry to prevent accidents; their effectiveness has not been proven.
Remember that if you see one animal on or near the road, there may be more. Slow down until you are safely past.
Sound your horn to frighten off the animal. Use short bursts of sound to get the animal’s attention.
If you encounter an animal on the road, brake but don’t swerve into oncoming traffic. To the extent that it’s possible, stay on the road and in your lane.
Should you hit an animal, do not approach it or try to move it. A wounded animal may flail about and injure you with its hooves.

Mitsubishi i Reviews - October 2011

2011-11-18T07:39:00.001-08:00

Autoblog 10/26/2011

"There are two simple truths about the Mitsubishi i that should help this funky little electric car sell well in the U.S. once it goes on sale later this year. First, it looks like absolutely nothing else on the road today. Second, the car is much more fun than its jellybean shape implies."

"The new i is, well, quick. It's not quick like a Tesla Roadster, but it'll do just fine zipping onto the highway and darting about in the city."

"The i offers more fun than should be expected with a small EV."

"We were happy to discover that you can also shift into Neutral on long downhills for regen-free coasting, and we like the slight parking lot creep as well."

"When you put all of the improvements together with the i's small size, low center of gravity (the 500-pound battery is part of the 600-pound penalty that the electric i has over the gas-powered version) and rear-wheel-drive powertrain, you've got an EV that's more fun than it should be."

"The interior is much bigger than you expect it to be, and tall passengers will fit comfortably in front or back. When the rear seats are folded down, the i offers over 50 cubic feet of cargo room, accessed through an expansive rear opening."

source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/2012-mitsubishi-i-first-drive-review/

National Post [CANADA] 10/22/2011

"After cranking the i-MiEV to life, little seemed to happen. Only a small green "Ready" symbol told me the car was primed for action. Shift into Drive and the sound of silence ushers the car off the line with surprising alacrity."

"As the motor develops peak torque from Rev One, the i-MiEV runs to 100 kilometers an hour in about 10 seconds. It's far from fast, but the performance is more than enough to handle the cut and thrust of an urban commute."

"The i-MiEV is ideally suited for whirring about town, but it's not very well suited to an extended highway run. As with all electric-only rides, this may limit its appeal, but it did not diminish the fact that the i-MiEV is a viable mode of urban transportation."

source: http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/10/06/preview-2012-mitsubishi-i-miev/

Mitsubishi i Named a Finalist for Green Car of the Year

2011-11-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

Organizers of the L.A. Auto Show have announced five finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year award. In addition to the Mitsubishi i, the Ford Focus Electric, the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, the Toyota Prius v and the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI were named. The Chevy Volt was last year's winner.

The judging panel includes the Green Car Journal staff and several "independent" judges, including Jay Leno (!).

“This year’s Green Car of the Year finalists underscore that there is no single solution to our transportation challenges,” said Ron Cogan, publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “Here we have five exceptional answers to the question of how we’re going to increase efficiencies, reduce tailpipe and CO2 emissions, and decrease petroleum use. These nominees deserve to be recognized for their unique approaches in providing consumers diverse choices as cars intelligently evolve toward a more environmentally-compatible motoring future.”

source: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/15/business/la-fi-auto-show-green-car-finalists-20111115

The Car Coach: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2011-11-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Outlander Sport Review:

Rochester YNN 9/28/2011
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, takes a look at the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC

"My test drive in the Outlander Sport SE found it was well equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels. While it wasn’t built primarily for performance it was equipped nicely with a 710 watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch Premium Sound System with 9 speakers and a 10 inch sub-woofer. The 40GB navigation system had Real-Time traffic, rearview camera and a music server. The sound system was incredible."

"For the price range, the Outlander Sport had plenty of standard safety and comfort too."
"It may not be very fast, but the Outlander Sport looks cool, rides well and has a base price of $18,495."

"Likes: Unique design and styling, Comfortable interior, Fuse Link system, Loved my glass roof with LED ambient lighting. Very cool, Great Sound system."

"The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an attractive CUV with a few cool features and a unique look that will appeal to younger buyers."

"It needs more power but gets good fuel economy."

source: http://rochester.ynn.com/content/558634/the-car-coach--2011-mitsubishi-outlander-sport/
video in link

SAFETY SPOT

2011-11-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Got Kids? Food for Thought

Picture how you would feel if you saw the driver of your child’s carpool on their mobile phone while driving with your child in the car. Be sure to take advantage of all opportunities to be a role model for other parents.

Safe, focused drivers are not born, they are raised. Even if your kids are far from the driving age, demonstrate now the behavior you’ll expect later on from them. Set the right example concerning the use of cell phones and texting while driving.

Got teens? A recent survey found that 9 out of 10 teens admitted to talking or texting behind the wheel. Be sure to establish strict rules with the appropriate sanctions regarding the use of mobile technologies while driving.

Review: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

2011-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Lancer Evolution GSR review

The Truth About Cars 9/21/2011

"Imagine if you somehow managed to get a saddle strapped on to a panther without having your head bitten off. A telepathic panther. To an amateurish driver, the EVO is a revelation, and that’s compared to my own fully-fettled 330hp WRX (uh, long-term-tester) in the driveway. You don’t steer the EVO, you think it."

"All we know is: it’s a bloody good time."

"This is the EVO’s best trick yet. Whenever I slid over the bolsters, settled myself in driving position and cranked the starter, a little frisson of excitement shivered up the driving column and out through the steering wheel into my fingertips. The most mundane and humdrum of driving errands are made interesting. It may be chock-full of driving aids, but you are never less than fully-engaged."

"The EVO’s full-moon lunacy is on the wane: Mitsubishi turns towards the all-electric i-MiEV as a halo car, and away from inefficient speed machines. It’s a great car. Drive it while you can."

source: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/09/review-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-gsr/

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — Really cool when dressed-up

2011-11-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Outlander Sport Review

Motorway America 9/17/2011

"The Sport offers typical crossover handling, has a comfy and quiet interior, and can haul five people (four adults) and a fair amount of cargo."

"The Sport does deliver a bit extra in handling and performance over the standard Outlander, and you will be rewarded with a smaller, lighter vehicle that is more nimble on its feet that has a firm but compliant ride."

"The Outlander Sport’s biggest asset when compared to the vast crop of segment competitors is its rather appealing styling, styling with the big-mouth grilled of the very sporty Lancer Evolution, throwing a bit of sporting flare into the small crossover equation. Its small size — 169 inches long — gives it appealing proportions. Its roof slopes gracefully back and a distinct character line moves smoothly from the front fender up to the wrap-around taillights where it is integrated neatly into the tailgate."

"We found the cabin acceptably quiet for a vehicle in this price range, the ride smooth and the seating position behind the tilt and telescoping steering wheel suitable. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable and the view out is panoramic."

source: http://www.motorwayamerica.com/review/mitsubishi-outlander-sport-%E2%80%94-really-cool-when-dressed

Weidel on Wheels on the Outlander, Sportback

2011-11-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

Lancer Sportback Review
Weidel on Wheels 9/15/2011

"The Lancer Sportback, which has two additional trims (GTS and Ralliart), has an appealing look that gives off a vibe of aggressiveness. It's not the most exciting car to drive, but that shouldn't be the expectation considering its engine. The ES is a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that delivers 148 horsepower and is a suitable vehicle for a daily commute car, getting 24-32 mpg."

"Most drivers will be satisfied with the handling. While not razor sharp in turning radius, it provides a good feel for the road and has a fun factor that is missing from some competitors."

Outlander Review:

"There are some definite highlights regarding the 2011 Outlander GT. The most notable is coming down $1,700 in price from the 2010 models - it's listed now at $27,795. It also gets a little better gas mileage than a year ago at 19-25 mph."

"The Outlander, which comes in four trims (ES, SE, GT, XLS), provides sufficient power. It has a little zip to it with a 3.0-liter, V6 that produces 230 horsepower. Going 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds demonstrates its spunk. The Outlander also handles well for a midsize and provides a smooth ride."

"The front seat is spacious and comfortable, and the second row won't have passengers moaning for a move to the front cabin."

source: http://www.rocklintoday.com/news/templates/car_reviews.asp?articleid=10205&zoneid=88

Outlander Included by cars.com in Five "Best Tailgating" Vehicles

2011-10-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

With football season upon us, Cars.com, the premier online resource for buying and selling new and used cars, has compiled a list of the best tailgating vehicles for the 2011-2012 football season.

"Nearly any compact SUV will make for a perfectly fine tailgate option. However, the Mitsubishi Outlander remains the only one with a clamshell tailgate that extends outward. The cargo floor and tailgate are relatively close to the ground, so you can sit comfortably or load a heavy cooler easily. The clamshell setup is terrific for impromptu seats that are still covered by the cargo door in case of rain or snow. Yes, folks tailgate in the snow."

"Tailgating is one of the best parts of going to a football game and the perfect tailgate can't be a success without the right vehicle," said David Thomas, Cars.com Managing Editor. "These rides have to haul your tailgating gear to the game and often do double duty as a place to sit and entertain. Our list includes vehicles loaded with features that will make your pregame party the envy of other tailgaters."

About the Outlander, cars.com said, "Most compact SUVs make good tailgating options because of all the cargo space. The Outlander stands out because its clamshell tailgate extends outward, making loading in and out easy, giving tailgaters a place to sit and providing a cover for bad weather."

source: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011/10/this-seasons-best-tailgating-cars.html

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Reviews October 2011

2011-10-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi i-MiEV reviews

IVEHO 10/6/2011

"Unlike the Smart For2, it seats four comfortably with room for personal items behind the rear seat. Excellent outward visibility is provided with a large greenhouse and glass area."

"The interior features all the normal amenities found in a sub-compact vehicle – electric or gasoline. Upholstery is woven cloth with well-formed and padded seats. Gauges and switchgear are well placed for optimum user friendliness, with special gauges and instrumentation providing specific information relative to charge levels, energy storage and current energy level available, as well as approximate range."

"The i-MiEV is actually fun to drive."

"The car is whisper quiet when stationary, and only emits a barely discernible whir when moving."
"Bottom line, the i-MiEV is positioned to serve as a major role player in the quest for sustainable energy. It definitely costs much less to operate than a similar gasoline-fueled vehicle, and tax credits are sure to make its purchase more attractive."

source: http://www.iveho.com/2011/10/06/test-drive-2012-mitsubishi-i-miev-electric/

Outlander Reviews October 2011

2011-10-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Outlander GT review

AutomotiveAddicts.com 10/10/2011
"The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC is in the crossover sport utility segment but one look at the exterior styling and after one test drive behind the wheel you’ll think that you are piloting a performance sport sedan with three rows of seats."

"It is long, sleek, and low with all of the exterior sporty cues found on the best performance sedans."

"The main reason is that it drives and handles like a true performance sport sedan is the excellent power and a precise fully independent sport-tuned suspension.....it also has the versatility and functionality of a real crossover utility vehicle with seating for up to eight and a large, versatile cargo area."

"The total look is one of motion when parked, unlike all of the other crossover sport utility vehicles in the segment, even though this is a true crossover sport utility. It is just Mitsubishi’s take on a somewhat boring segment in the industry, and it works just fine."

"This potent V6 engine pulls quickly up to its 6,500rpm redline and remains smooth and quiet."

"To help keep emissions and stretch your fuel mileage, the GT comes with ‘idle neutral logic’ which shuts down the engine when you are stopped in traffic or at a red light, then turns the engine on when you put your foot on the throttle; an ECO indicator light comes on when you are just coasting or cruising letting you know that you are achieving the best mpg available. Even though you are driving a performance oriented crossover utility vehicle, Mitsubishi is helping with the environment and stretching your gas dollars."

"The instrument cluster is easy to see and understand with all switches, dials and buttons within easy reach and fully illuminated for safe nighttime driving. The air-vents are also covered in metallic trim for an added luxury touch. You will find these sporty and luxury cues in high-end sport utility and crossover sport utility vehicles."

"The new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT gives you much more than just a people moving crossover utility vehicle. It adds a large dose of sporting fun-to-drive pleasure with all of the functionality and versatility of a CUV."

source: http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/23974/2012-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-s-awc-review-test-drive

SAFETY SPOT.... WHEN YOU’RE THE PEDESTRIAN……

2011-10-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Get There Safely
WHEN YOU’RE THE PEDESTRIAN……

Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely — without distractions.

Get the facts:
Pedestrian deaths were up in 2010 after four straight years of steady decline, according to a report issued by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA.) In 2009, 4092 Pedestrians were killed (12% of all traffic fatalities) and 59,000 were injured. The GHSA study notes that one factor in the reversal may be the increased distractions for both pedestrians and drivers.

In 2009, on average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes in traffic crashes. However, according to NHTSA, only a fraction of pedestrian crashes that cause injury are ever recorded by the police.

In a recent NHTSA study, hybrid vehicles were found to be twice as likely to be involved in pedestrian crashes at low speeds when compared to cars with conventional engines. This is due to the fact that they are silent when running in electric mode. Obviously, the same is true of all-electric cars.

Ohio State University researchers reported that pedestrian texting accidents (falls, running into things) led to more than 1,000 emergency room visits nationwide in 2008. At the time of the study, the number of texts sent was less than half of the current annual estimate of 2.1 trillion.

A recent observational study found 1 in 6 drivers traveling through an active school zone is distracted. Leading distracters (in order):

Use of cell phones and mobile electronics
eating/drinking/smoking
reaching/looking behind
grooming
reading

How to Get the Most for Your Trade-in

2011-10-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Overview

Bringing a trade-in vehicle to the dealership is a familiar tradition and a reasonable method for lowering the overall purchase price of your replacement car, truck or van. If you have no payments remaining on your current vehicle, your trade-may significantly offset the new(er) car purchase price and will usually lower the sales tax.
To a typical dealer, the actual cash value of a trade is an opinion of what the vehicle could reasonably be sold for at auction, less any reconditioning costs. Only the better trade-ins are typically held on a dealer’s lot, usually for six weeks to three months, before they are sent to auction.
In addition to reconditioning costs, the dealer must also consider the cost of holding a car in inventory such as cleaning, taxes, lot security, and advertising. The price you are offered for your trade-in must also naturally include a reasonable profit margin. Also, most states have requirements for a dealer to warranty or even guarantee a used vehicle for a certain amount of time and or mileage if it is sold to the public.

Check the Classifieds and the Internet

Look up your vehicle in the local newspaper’s classified section. Typically, Thursday through Sunday editions carry more vehicles offered for sale. Also, you may also have local specialty publications devoted to cars and other vehicles available for sale in your region. The prices you will see tend to represent the upper range of market prices. The price offered, of course, may not be the final sales price after negotiation with a buyer.

Shop Your Car Around

We’ve talked about beginning your pricing research by using CarQuotes.com’s Research Tools, and determining the upper limits of trade-in value through the use of local publications. What about determining the lower-end of the value range? Take your car around to several dealers and tell them you want to sell your vehicle outright. The price you will be offered will likely be a bit lower than what you could actually get on a trade-in, but you will gain firm knowledge regarding the least you should accept for your car.

Ask Yourself

Once you’ve completed all your research, you now need to ask yourself several questions:

Is there much of a difference between the Black Book and the prices found in the newspaper?
To get more for your car, are you willing to try to sell the vehicle yourself?
Is the additional money you might gain by selling the car yourself worth the wait and the trouble?

Trade-in Tax Advantage

One more factor that may make trading your car at the dealer the best option for you: In most states, you pay sales tax only on the difference between the new car price and the value of your trade-in. If your trade-in value is, for example, $10,000 and the sales tax is 7%, then you could save $700.

Condition—The Big Price Variable

When you take your car to the dealership for appraisal as a trade-in, the key variable in the price you will be offered is the perception that the dealer has of your car’s condition. Most dealers are reasonable and expect a car with a few years and miles not to have some minor flaws.
Nor is it worth your money to have major or even minor flaws repaired—the dealer can do repairs and maintenance at less cost than you can. So, practically, your only concern is that your car appears to be in reasonable condition.
How do you have your car appear to be in reasonable condition? Get your vehicle cleaned and detailed. It will usually cost you about $100 or so to have your vehicle professionally detailed, but a clean car looks well-maintained, and that can mean several hundred more dollars in trade in or resale value.
One of the first things a salesperson will want to know is whether you have a vehicle to trade. The reason for this is so they will know what they have to work with as they are showing you vehicles. This is especially dangerous if you are looking at a used vehicle since there is generally no price displayed so they can name whatever price they want.
Keep in mind, however, as with anything, a used car is only worth what someone will pay for it, there is NO SET VALUE per se.

source: http://www.carquotes.com/buying_tips/most_for_trade_in/

Lancer Evolution "Best Handling Car Under-$40k" -- Car & Driver

2011-09-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

In a comparison test of six cars priced under $40,000, the October Car & Driver named the Lancer Evolution the "best handling." A panel of judges graded the vehicles on ten distinct characteristics:

Steering response
Steering feedback
On-center feel
Chassis balance
Transient behavior
Body-control
Breakaway behavior
Brake feel and response
Ergonomics
Fun to drive

Here's some excerpted comments about the Lancer Evolution:

"All the Evo's greatest attributes shone brightly under the handling spotlight. Even its seat is among the best factory efforts at keeping you in place."

"The Evo's steering responds with an immediacy that none of the other cars can match. It feels fluid, not twitchy, and the Evo earned our highest marks for on-center feel and steering response."

"With good body control, the Evo flows as one complete unit, taking inputs from the driver and doing what is requested without talking back."

"You simply can't argue with the Evo's feedback, control, fun, and crafty technology. This is our handling champ."

Congrats to the champ!!!

The Last Eclipse

2011-08-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

All good things must come to an end and to commemorate the last Eclipse to roll down the assembly line, MMNA is proud to announce The Last Eclipse Auction.

The first Eclipse went on sale in January of 1989 and now 4 generations later, this Last Eclipse rolls off the assembly line August 17th and will make its way to the Mecum Auction in St. Charles, IL to go across the block on Saturday September 17th at 1:55 pm (Lot S100).

After a month long period of voting, the Mitsubishi facebook community selected Kalapana Black from the historical Eclipse color palette to paint this Last Eclipse.

Not only is the Last Eclipse produced, it is also the only 3.8L V6 Eclipse to receive the SE treatment of dark argent 18” wheels and SE side graphic.

Mitsubishi Motors will donate this money earned from this auction to the Japan Red Cross to help continue to rebuild infrastructure in the earthquake ravaged regions of Japan.

As a result, this will be a NO RESERVE auction.

More details can be found on a special section of the Mitsubishi facebook page:
The Last Eclipse.

Outlander Reviews August 2011

2011-08-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Outlander Reviews

Dayton Daily News 8/19/2011
"Even at just a bit more than 15 feet in length, the Mitsubishi Outlander is not going to come up short when it comes to versatility."
"The 2011 model can seat up to seven people, has a potential of more than 72 cubic feet of cargo space and can provide a heavy-duty tailgate capable of holding 400-plus pounds. If it seems like we are throwing a lot of numbers at you, it’s because we want you to appreciate what the Outlander can accomplish. And as those numbers show, the Outlander can accomplish plenty."
"The all-wheel drive system carries along the versatility theme with drivers able to select with a dial from Tarmac, Snow and Lock modes. The way recent winters have been, that’s a good thing, plus there is the capability of doing some real 4-wheeling."
"For the occasions when tailgating is on the menu — and really, shouldn’t more events in life be reasons to tailgate — the rear liftgate couples with a 10-inch dropgate that can hold a little more than 400 pounds."
"There are definite pluses to the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. All it takes is opening a few of the doors to make the discoveries."

autonet.ca [CANADA] 8/23/2011
"It gets major kudos for passing pretty much every challenge posed by The Annual Camping Trip. It’s during this summer long weekend outdoor adventure that a vehicle is asked to do everything from transporting loads of camping equipment and passengers, to passing slower vehicles on two-lane country roads, to driving through narrow park paths and then not taking up the entire campsite with its size."
"Although on paper power is on the lower end of things when stacked up against four-cylinder-equipped competitors, it does a more than adequate job when it comes to the aforementioned passing, even when overflowing with three adults and all their gear."
"Built on a performance oriented platform, the Outlander is probably the top choice in its segment for the driver who cherishes excitement over everything else. Steering is responsive and its handling rivals that of numerous smaller vehicles one might think would be more nimble."
"The cargo-carrying capacity of the Outlander is generous....and the mini-tailgate is handy for loading up heavier items, as well as keeping loose items from falling out when just the rear hatch is open. The rear seats can’t be removed, but they do fold and tumble forward easily with the flip of a latch, adding even more space to the mix. When they’re being used by occupants, they recline slightly for a little added comfort."
"If you’re looking for something that’s a legitimate mix of sport and utility, the Outlander is worth consideration."

Lancer Ralliart Sportback Review August 2011

2011-08-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Lancer Ralliart Sportback Review

CNHI News Service 8/23/2011
"Mitsubishi includes all-wheel drive with the Ralliart package. It generates a tremendous amount of grip in corners and lets the driver make great use of the extra dollop of power. Best of all, the Ralliart version includes a dual-clutch transmission. It's pure sweetness."
"The Ralliart package is bringing out the Lancer's potential as a true performance car, the kind of vehicle that has made Mitsubishi a legend in rally racing around the world. It's a blast to drive, with lots of power, neutral handling and ungodly amounts of grip. It's pure heaven. Well, except for one thing. It's not an Evolution."

Outlander Sport Reviews August 2011

2011-08-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Outlander Sport Reviews

Detroit Bureau 8/19/2011
"Even if it doesn’t seem aerodynamic, that’s an optical illusion because Mitsubishi claims a coefficient of drag of 0.33, which is rather remarkable for any sport ute, forward leaning snout or not."
"This Sport came with a $1,800 premium package, which includes a massive panoramic sunroof with cool LED trim lights around the edge of the sunroof."
"One particularly interesting feature is a regenerative braking system similar to that used on hybrid vehicles. The Sport isn’t a hybrid, so instead of recharging a battery for the drive system, it recharges the car battery, reducing the strain on the vehicle’s alternator. It works seamlessly, with none of the grabbiness associated with early versions of this type of system."
"It’s a good-looking package."

LA Car.com 8/25/2011
"On the outside, the Outlander Sport looks great. Just like most automakers, Mitsubishi has gone for big bold styling that gives the vehicle a striking appearance. The chiseled physique and smooth, flowing lines make the Outlander Sport every bit as attractive as some of the more expensive SUVs on the market."
"The interior seating is quite comfortable and the front seats are heated. I’m sure the heated seats are quite wonderful during cold winter weather....as the sun sets later today I will push a button to reveal a panoramic glass roof....part of an optional $1,800 premium package that also includes what some may refer to simply as a ‘sound system.’ But we must give credit where credit is due – it is an amazing 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch premium sound system with nine speakers including a big 10-inch subwoofer."
"Compared to other SUVs that I’ve road tested, the Outlander Sport has a silky smooth ride at freeway speeds without sacrificing road feel. This may not seem like a big thing, but it is certainly an impressive combination that most SUVs and crossover vehicles are unable to achieve."
"The Outlander Sport handles quite well. The electrically assisted power steering is quite responsive, and the all-wheel drive system teamed with stability control gives this vehicle a confident road presence."
"SUMMARY JUDGMENT: A sensible, economical and practical crossover SUV in EVO clothing."

Poll Shows Dads are Primary Driving Teachers

2011-08-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Poll Shows Dads are Primary Driving Teachers

Car models change with the times, but one thing remains constant: American adults turn to Dad as their main driving instructor, according to a poll commissioned by InsuranceQuotes.com.

The survey, conducted online last month, showed that among licensed drivers, 32 percent of American men age 18 and older and 26 percent of women age 18 and older said they learned to drive from their fathers. Overall, Dad was the No. 1 instructor among men and women. This survey was conducted among 2,410 U.S. adults.

For licensed drivers between ages 18 and 34, the Dad-leaning percentage was especially high:

38 percent of men in that age group said Dad was their primary driving teacher; 21 percent of that same group cited Mom.
For women in that age group, 31 percent pointed to Dad as the main instructor. Mom ran a close second, at 28 percent.
25 percent of men and 23 percent of women said they learned how to drive through a school-sponsored driver's education program.
12 percent of women said they learned from private driving instructors, compared with 6 percent of men.
13 percent of men and 5 percent of women said they were self-taught drivers.

"Fathers and mothers have a big burden on their shoulders when it comes to teaching their kids how to drive. After all, the parents' instruction affects what kind of drivers their kids will be for years to come. Plus, that instruction could have a big impact on how much Mom and Dad pay for auto insurance for their teens," says John Egan, managing editor of InsuranceQuotes.com.

Lancer Rates Category Top Three in J.D. Power APEAL Survey

2011-07-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Mitsubishi Lancer garnered a "Top Three" spot in the Compact Car segment of this year's J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) survey of new owners. In its segment, Lancer finished ahead of notables like the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla. You can find all of the Compact Car ratings here.

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/performance-and-design-ratings-by-category/compact-car/

The study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive and is based on owner evaluations, and measures owner satisfaction with more than 90 vehicle attributes in 10 categories:

Fuel Economy
Audio/Entertainment/Navigation
Vehicle Interior
Seats
Engine
HVAC
Storage
Visibility
Driving Experience
Vehicle Exterior

J.D. Power says in its analysis of this years report that In spite of high consumer demand for tech-related features, increasing government fuel economy and safety standards, and ever-changing market conditions, auto manufacturers are managing to design and build vehicles that owners find appealing. Indeed, owner satisfaction with the performance and design of their new vehicles is at its highest levels since 2006. Of the 10 APEAL measures, Vehicle Exterior, Interior, and Seats have improved the most, each by 6 index points, compared to 2010. Fuel Economy is the only measure that has decreased from last year—by 17 index points—likely due to increasing gas prices, which are about 30% higher compared to the same time period last year.

Outlander Review July 2011

2011-07-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

CarPages [CANADA] 7/14/2011 source.

"It may seem that people aren’t considering the Outlander when they deem it time to take the plunge into crossover world. But they should be."

"Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control system...consists of three main components: an active central differential, active yaw control and active stability control.....That active yaw control is an effective addition....helping keep the Outlander—which is a pretty tall vehicle—flat in quick cornering situations, thanks to intelligent braking and torque dispersal....adding a level of sportiness that other models may not have in the process. It makes for a much more involving drive than many other crossovers I’ve driven recently."

"And it’s a good looking car, too. I can honestly say that the “over-the-shoulder” effect, whereby you walk away just a little while slower after you park the car to admire it, was in full effect here."

"230 horses may not seem like much for a car that weighs over 2,000 kilos, but when coupled with the Sportronic six-speed transmission—as the XLS is—big pace comes quick anyway. And it’s fun, too. I found myself waiting, waiting, waiting for an empty stretch of tarmac so I could engage the paddles—the exact same magnesium items found in the manic EVO—and let ‘er rip."

"Along with the handling, the steering is another aspect that Mitsubishi has gotten pretty much right in the Outlander."

"It’s a crossover, to be sure, but it’s on the bigger side of the spectrum, yet doesn’t necessarily feel like it, and it looks good, too. Instead of being a tentative design exercise involving soft round shapes and conservative lines, with the Outlander, you get nice aggressive detailing and confident brush-strokes. Then there’s that Sportronic transmission which is great."

http://www.carpages.ca/blog/2011/07/13/2011-mitsubishi-outlander-xls-s-awc-road-test/

Outlander Sport Reviews

2011-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Chronicle Herald [CANADA] 7/14/2011

"The front seats are heated on all models for which Mitsubishi is to be commended, especially as they are one of the few companies to offer heated cloth seats, my favorite."

"Entry and exit are easy thanks to big doors and the high seating position expected in this type of vehicle."

"Visibility is also worthy of note thanks to a lot of glass and a reasonably low belt line."
"The rear seats offer class-competitive head, leg and shoulder room. Two big adults fit comfortably, three in a pinch."

"The ride is pleasant with little head toss. The RVR’s tight dimensions and relatively light weight result in a sprightlier vehicle than many of the competitors. Yet it handles nasty road surfaces with aplomb."

"The all-aluminum engine is robust and reasonably powerful. Quiet, smooth and with a flat power band it can certainly hold its head up against most of the others in the class."

The CVT is known for its efficiency and does help the RVR achieve some respectable fuel mileage numbers....Helping out on this front are a number of weight-saving measures including plastic front fenders and a magnesium fuel filler door!"

"I have no hesitation in recommending the RVR be placed on the shopping list of anyone in this market."

Outlander Sport (RVR) review by Bob English (Globe and Mail [CANADA] 7/15/2011

"An improvement on some of Mitsubishi’s past efforts in terms of design and with some soft-touch material on the dash and doorcaps. Nice SE touches are a leather-wrapped wheel and gear knob and silver trim pieces that dress things up a bit."

MIXED MESSAGES:
"I may, just possibly, be on record as being not particularly fond of continuously variable transmissions...and to be fair, the one in the RVR is no worse than others of its ilk, but it does dull further a performance edge that’s barely sharp enough to begin with."

"Its around-the-streets drivability is acceptable....It should also be noted that in paddle-shift-it-yourself mode, the CVT selects virtual ratios promptly."

"On the plus side, it’s quiet at cruising speed."

Subcompact Culture 7/21/2011

"Its front grille has the distinctive Mitsubishi look, which appears similar to the company’s iconic, high-performance Lancer Evolution sports sedan. I even had friends say it looks like an “Evo”— a smart move by Mitsubishi....Although not the most forward or exciting exteriors, it is attractive."

"The Outlander Sport’s interior feels larger than the exterior suggests. You sit high with a good view of the road; you don’t feel like you’re in a compact CUV."

"The cloth seats are heated and supportive. The rear seat was spacious with plenty of cargo space behind them. The seats fold down for lots of cargo carrying ability, too. There’s even a center pass-through for skis and longer loads."

"My test model came equipped with the panoramic glass roof with LED illumination. This huge glass pane was great on overcast days, but quickly heated up the cabin in the sun. Luckily, there’s a motorized cover that obscures the whole thing on sunny days, It’s still a nice feature, and it makes the interior feel airy when open."

"One of my favorite accoutrements was the fantastic 710 watt, nine-speaker Rockford-Fosgate stereo, complete with earth-shaking 10” subwoofer. Bluntly, this is one of the loudest factory-installed systems you can get anywhere, and it sounds awesome. I couldn’t wait to get into this vehicle simply for the stereo."

"These days, there are many ways to get a lot of car for the money. The Outlander Sport, however, is exemplary.... it’s nearly $2,000 less than a comparable Kia Sportage. And let’s face it, 29 MPG is a nice feature in a versatile crossover vehicle."

"If you do appreciate good fuel economy, solid build quality, and a comfortable interior, take a look at Mitsubishi’s smallest CUV."

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2011/07/review-2011-mitsubishi-outlander-sport.html

Traffic Waves

2011-07-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Interesting concept. Driving like a zen master!

Business Update July 14 2011

2011-07-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

EV Charger Unveiled

Last Friday, MMNA debuted the solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles to the media outside MMNA headquarters here in Cypress. This charging facility, the first of its kind in Cypress, symbolizes MMNA's commitment to electric vehicle readiness, and will help kick off the preparations as certified Mitsubishi dealers become EV-ready in anticipation of the scheduled launch date of Mitsubishi i for each state.

The charging station is powered by 96, 175W photovoltaic modules from Mitsubishi Electric, one of the world's largest manufacturers and providers of solar power technology. The company's eco-friendly photovoltaic systems are used throughout the world to bring clean, reliable energy to residences, businesses, power generation plants, schools, factories and more.

This charging station will help support CHAdeMO compatible electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i, which will arrive in showrooms in November of this year. Able to charge up to four vehicles at once, the station features three types of chargers with different voltages: standard level 1 voltage (110v) will deliver a 100 percent charge in 22 hours on the new Mitsubishi i; level 2 (220v) which can charge the vehicle in six hours; and level 3 CHAdeMO Quick Charger, which can charge to 80 percent battery capacity in 25 minutes. Mitsubishi Electric's solar panels are made with 100 percent lead-free solder, and have one of the higher sunlight-to-energy conversion ratios in the industry, adding to the project's efficiency and sustainability.

Since it's situated near the junction of the 405 and 605 freeways, the hope is that the Cypress charging station, with its Quick Charge capability, can serve as a gateway charging pad for Mitsubishi i users commuting between Los Angeles and Orange counties. "This project will build awareness of solar power's versatility and efficiency," said Katsuya Takamiya, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA. "As electric vehicles' popularity grows, we expect to see more charging stations at large employers, automobile dealerships, shopping centers and schools, where cars can charge while people work, shop or study."

Mitsubishi Motors North America President Yoichi Yokozawa said "We hope that our dealers, learning institutions, and municipalities will look to this technology with a keen eye towards the future, and bear in mind that the gradual acceptance of the pure-EV transportation will be aided by increasing the number of facilities like this one."

i is Number One !

The all-new Mitsubishi i battery-powered electric vehicle has been rated to deliver a best-in-segment "fuel" efficiency as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the areas of both mile-per-gallon equivalency (MPGe) and driving range.

The i has earned an EPA-rated 126 MPGe in city driving and 99 MPGe out on the highway (112 MPGe combined). Additionally, the EPA has also awarded the vehicle a "real world" driving range of 62 miles. The "real world" EPA driving evaluation incorporates battery-sapping segments of aggressive driving and operating the vehicle in higher ambient temperatures with the air conditioning on.

Additionally, the EPA has rated the vehicle's LA4 driving cycle range at 98 miles. The EPA LA4 driving cycle test covers a distance of approximately 7.5 miles and includes numerous brief stops along the route to mimic in-town driving and its accompanying start/stops for traffic signals. Mitsubishi has worked to improve the driving range of the 2012 Mitsubishi i: The 98 mile range is attributed to software upgrades and a revamped regenerative braking system.

"We feel that with the combination of capability, affordability, and high level of efficiency offered by the 2012 Mitsubishi i will prove very appealing to consumers considering EV transportation," said Yoichi Yokozawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.

RECENT REVIEWS OF OUR VEHICLES

Lancer Ralliart Review

Grassroots Motorsports (7/5/2011)
"Nice ergonomics and good power."
"Performance Potential: 5/5 stars"
"I am continuing to dig these twin-clutch transmissions"

Lancer Evolution Review

Orange County Register Video Online (7/7/2011)
"This thing moves. To me this car feels like some untameable beast."

Outlander Sport Reviews

Drive Chicago (7/9/2011)
"It has decent prices, handy size, many features and good fuel economy."
"Estimated fuel economy is pretty good for a SUV/crossover at 24 mpg city and 29 highway with the manual transmission and 25 and 31 with the CVT."
"The electric power steering is accurate and nicely weighted, while the ride is supple."
"There's plenty of room up front in supportive seats."
"There's decent cargo space, and rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to allow considerably more room for loads."
"Handling is good."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette (7/9/2011)
"This is the first Mitsubishi to get electric power steering, but they've managed to tune it to feel almost exactly the same as their excellent hydraulic units."
"Outlander Sport's 3,100-pound weight and that excellent steering contribute to the light-and-nimble feel."
"There's lots positive to point out in the Outlander Sport's excellent interior packaging. From the inside, it doesn't feel much smaller than smaller compact crossovers, like the Sportage. Front seats feel fairly snug but supportive, and in back there's real space for two adults or three kids. The back seats are split 60/40; there's a nice, low cargo floor"
"The Sport is quite a great deal."

Outlander Review

Blast (7/11/2011)
"A good looking CUV but with the features to fit right in with the more popular choices of it the class."
"The v6 was paired with the idiot proof AWD system that provided road gripping capabilities during one of our daily Florida monsoons (and would make driving in much nastier weather less stressful). Handling was not shabby with the stiffer characteristics one would expect from a larger SUV yet with car like comforts."
"A good looking CUV compared to other boxy options in its class."
"Overall, space in general is not an issue – it’s plentiful."
"This is one CUV that shouldn’t be looked over. You just may “go where you haven’t gone before” behind the wheel of this competitive option."

SAFETY SPOT

TEEN DRIVER SAFETY

Teenage drivers are at risk on the road – there’s no question about it. Car accidents are the leading cause of death of 16–19 year-olds, and crashes on the road kill more teens than cancer, homicide, and suicide combined. In the United States, teen driver and peer passenger deaths account for one-quarter of total teen deaths every year.

But a 2011 national research report from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) shows that the impact of teen driver crashes extends far beyond teen drivers’ families and friends. In 2008, more than half a million (681,000) people were involved in crashes where a teen driver was behind the wheel. More than 40,000 were injured, and nearly 30 percent of those who died in these crashes were not in cars driven by teens.

In other words, distracted or impaired teen drivers are not just a danger to themselves.

“When most people think about those affected by teen driver crashes, they think of the teens behind the wheel. We must also consider the significant impact of these crashes on other members of our communities: occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road-users,” says Dennis Durbin, M.D., M.S.C.E., co-scientific director of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at CHOP, and a co-author of the report. "Whether we have a teen driver in our family or not, we should all care about this issue. This report provides a concrete way to measure the effectiveness of laws, education, and other programs in reducing teen crashes and their impact on communities.”

The authors of the report also stress that teen fatalities are just "the tip of the iceberg." Thousands more – including friends, family members, and others on the road – suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma, and disruption to their everyday lives.

Why Does It Happen? And What Can Be Done?

It’s one thing to point out the high numbers of car crashes caused by teen drivers, as well as the additional dangers teen drivers can pose for other drivers. “Reducing speeding and alcohol use, increasing seat-belt use, and eliminating distractions for teen drivers are the four calls to action we see in this report that would have great impact on reducing injuries and fatalities for all road users,” says Dr. Durbin, who is also an emergency physician. “More than half of teens who were fatally injured in crashes were speeding, 40 percent had a positive blood alcohol level, more than half were not wearing seat belts, and 16 percent of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.”

Research shows most of these tragedies are due to inexperience, and are therefore preventable. Strong Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, which allow teens to gain experience under lower-risk conditions, are proven to be one effective measure. To further reduce the number of deaths and injuries with teens behind the wheel, public health programs, GDL, and other traffic safety laws should focus on the key teen behaviors known to raise crash risk: speeding, alcohol use, distractions from peer passengers, and cell phones, as well as failure to wear a seat belt.

Mitsubishi Update July 7 2011

2011-07-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

Mitsubishi Brand # 2 Among Gen Yers, Lancer #2 Model

Generation Y, the 18-27 age range, chose car brands Scion, Mitsubishi and Mazda as the top three by highest percentage, according to a new study by TrueCar.com. The study reviewed the purchasing behavior of more than four million car buyers from 2009 and 2010.

"Generation Y buyers are very important to automakers because they help set trends from popularizing social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter or technologies such as the iPhone and iPod," said Jesse Toprak, Vice President of Trends and Analysis at TrueCar.com. "It's also important for an automaker to get a young buyer into their vehicle from the beginning in hopes of continued loyalty to the brand."

TrueCar.com also used its data to compile a list of the top models Generation Y buyers purchased in 2009 and 2010, by percentage of buyers aged 18-27. Topping the list of models, in order, were the Scion tC, Mitsubishi Lancer and Honda Civic Si.

"Generation Y buyers want vehicles that look distinct and can be tailored to their individual tastes," said Kristen Andersson, Automotive Analyst for TrueCar.com. "Buyers from this generation are also looking for vehicles that have the technology features they are accustomed to built into the vehicle at an affordable price."

Lancer Evolution Experience II Takes Off

MMNA and the legendary Jim Russell Racing Drivers School have launched an exciting high-performance driving program that will allow participants to take their skill set to a whole new level with the advanced Lancer Evolution Experience II at the challenging Infineon Raceway in beautiful Sonoma, California.

Building on the outstanding curriculum and driving instruction offered in the popular Lancer Evolution Experience I, the new program has drivers tackling even more track time in the magnificent Mitsubishi Evolution, placing special emphasis on timed competition from behind the wheel of our iconic performance machine. Students begin the Lancer Evolution Experience II by revisiting such critical high-performance driving criteria as line theory and driving dynamics in the classroom before heading out to the paddock to perform several key driving exercises (several of these exercises are timed), with Jim Russell's world-class driving instructors offering outstanding coaching every step of the way.

In the grand finale – each student takes to the "Time Attack" track to put their newly acquired driving skills to the test against their fellow students in a race against the clock. The fastest driver from each school session will be invited back to compete in the Lancer Evolution Challenge Run Off – with the winner of this competition scoring free use of a Mitsubishi vehicle for a whole year!!

There's more information about this and other Mitsubishi Evolution high-performance driving courses offered at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at jimrussellusa.com.

Safety Seat Checks at Selected Mitsubishi Dealerships Nationwide This Summer

In recognition of the busy summer travel season, MMNA and Kids Safety First (KSF), in conjunction with Dorel Juvenile Group USA, will host child safety seat inspection events at Mitsubishi dealerships in nine states – Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Washington.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 3 to 14 years old. Four children in the U.S. are killed in crashes each day and 529 additional children are injured. National data show that 73% of child restraints are critically misused, and last year's Kids Safety First events saw a 92% misuse rate. When used properly, child restraints reduce the likelihood of an infant under the age of 1 being killed in a vehicle crash by 71%, and by 54% for toddlers one to four years old. Booster seats reduce injuries by 45% over seat belts alone for children ages four to eight. While many states have enhanced their requirements for child restraint use, recent studies show that only half of children ages four through eight ride in any type of child restraints.

At the Kids Safety First events this summer, families will receive hands-on instruction from certified child passenger safety technicians on how to properly select, install and use their child restraint systems. Certified technicians have been through extensive training with a national standardized course, and have field experience. "We founded Kids Safety First to educate parents and caregivers about the proper use of child safety seats and booster seats," said Jorgen Weterrings, co-founder of the CA-based 501(c)(3) organization. "As parents of young children, we experienced first-hand the confusion parents often face in selecting and using the right child safety seats as their children grow and age."

Dorel Juvenile Group USA is also partnering in the effort by donating $15,000 worth of car seats to the effort, which will be used to replace unsafe and expired seats to ensure that children leave the events as safely as possible. "At Dorel, everything we do is dedicated to helping provide a safer world for children," said Dave Taylor, President of Dorel Juvenile Group US. "We gladly participate in car seat checks across the country, providing resources to our fellow advocate community."

To date more than 4 million sets of KSF materials have been distributed across the country. For additional information or to order materials please visit www.kidssafetyfirst.org.

RECENT REVIEW OF OUR VEHICLE

Lancer Ralliart Review

Chronicle Herald [CANADA] 7/5/2011 online)
"I liked the seats. They kept me snugger than a double-Windsor tie knot over my favourite test routes and, while some might not prefer them on long drives and daily work commutes, I had no complaints when it came to comfort and back support through the Ralliart’s 10-day visit."
"I found the rear seats very comfortable and cushiony and figured I’d be pretty content back there on a long trip. There was good head and leg room for two adults on the outboard seats while a third skinny human could squeeze in the middle in a pinch. Seated back there, I had loads of knee room with the front seat back a good distance."
"The lower anchors of the LATCH system would be very easily accessible for those with infant seats (which would fit equally well in forward or front-facing positions)."
"On the road, the Ralliart’s 237 horses were more than enough to pick the kids up after work on time. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine was joyfully united in the holiest of holy matrimony with one of the auto industry’s best gearboxes — Mitsu’s twin-clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. Worked with the paddle shifters, the console shifter, or on its own in normal drive mode, the SST put lightening fast shifts together in an endless flow of silken smoothness (on my way to the grocery store... at the posted speed limits)."
"What made the Ralliart even more enjoyable (or what could have made it more enjoyable if I could’ve taken better advantage) was Sport mode, which held a gear longer and also provided a gnarly growl from the engine. The improved performance in Sport mode was instantly noticeable and instantly gratifying."
"Add Mitsubishi’s remarkable all-wheel-drive system to that delightful engine-tranny union and what you have is a reason to go test drive one of these vehicles."
"Outside, I liked the look of the Ralliart’s (EVO-borrowed) lightweight, aluminum hood with its three ducts that served to deliver cooling air to its turbocharger. That hood, in combination with the imposing front fascia, 18-inch tires, large rear spoiler, and its dual sport exhaust pipes gave the RalliArt an aggressive, drive-me-right-now-damn-it look."
"On the whole, for those still young-at-heart moms and dads who love to drive the curves hard but need room for two kids and enough cubbies and cup holders to keep everything in place on said curves, the Ralliart won’t disappoint."

SAFETY SPOT

WEB BROWSING WHILE DRIVING

Americans have been listening to the “Don’t Drink and Drive” message since the late Seventies. It’s a lesson deeply rooted into our social consciousness. But an equally dangerous practice is emerging behind the wheel: using the web while driving.

In a recent survey about one in five people admitted to surfing the Internet while driving. Most of them reported accessing the net when stopped at a stop light or in heavy traffic. They also said they commonly surf the web while driving alone, during the day, or on long drives on the interstate.

Here are the top five reasons drivers opened a web browser while behind the wheel:

Finding/reading driving directions
Reading email
Looking up/referencing specific information of immediate interest
Looking at/reading social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Composing/sending email

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports each day, more than 16 people are killed and more than 1,300 people are injured in crashes involving distracted driving. The CDC defines distracted driving as driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving.

There is a bit of good news: the U.S. Department of Transportation reports the number of young drivers observed visibly manipulating handheld electronic devices across the country dropped from 1 percent to 0.6 percent. More drivers in southern states were seen employing electronic devices than in other regions of the country.

At current count, about 40 percent of the U.S. population owns a smartphone. Unfortunately, smartphone use does not equate to smart driving.

Lancer Ralliart Reviews - June 2011

2011-06-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

2011 Mitsubishi Ralliart
makes driver feel younger

2011 Mitsubishi Ralliart
makes driver feel younger
Road Test: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart by Brian Harper (National Post.com 6/9/2011)

“If it was possible to drive a car without the benefit of sight, at least two of the remaining senses would be overjoyed at the prospect of seat time behind the wheel of Mitsubishi’s boy-racerish Lancer Ralliart. Succinctly, it gives great touch and thrilling aural aggression.”

“In between the rather mild Lancer family sedan and the outré rally-derived Evolution, the Ralliart strikes a neat balance between day-to-day usability and rather impressive performance at a price that’s just high enough ($31,798) for the car to be taken seriously.”

“Mitsubishi’s six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is a marvel — a perfectly complementary companion to the 237-horsepower 2.0-litre DOHC intercooled and turbocharged four-banger.”

“Even in the most benign mode (automatic/Normal), the shifts are laser quick; it’s seriously sporting in manual/Sport mode.”

“Passing power is even more impressive — drop a gear and the Ralliart takes but 4.2 seconds to accelerate to 120 km/h from 80.”

“The Ralliart’s ride and handling is a match for the car’s powertrain — it’s firm without being overly harsh.”

“The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a solid and communicative feel to it, with an ideal weight to it when the tarmac gets twisty.”

“The Ralliart is easy to live with, plenty sporty on its own and, most importantly, makes me feel younger. That’s a tricky combo done well by Mitsubishi.”

source: http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/wheels/article/1415625

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Lancer Ralliart
combines sharp looks, sharp performance
by Trey Palmisano (Washington Examiner 6/8/2011 online)

“There are various Lancer models and reviewers give high points to the Sportback but we found the Ralliart especially steady and smooth, even in stop-and-go traffic."

“What was especially pleasing was the Ralliart's performance, especially the easy shifting of the manual transmission. It was one of the smoothest performers we've tested in recent years. Combined with just-aggressive enough braking and acceleration, the Ralliart is an ideal car for a daily drive.”’

“Another bonus is that although the Ralliart can accommodate a family, its styling isn't stodgy. In fact, it's just understated enough to be sophisticated and just handsome enough to be sporty. That sets it apart from the abundant boxy models.”

“Mitsubishi's Lancer is clearly a first-class small sedan.”

source: http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/06/lancer-ralliart-combines-sharp-looks-sharp-performance

Mitsubishi, welcome back to the fold. (LA Times Article)

2011-06-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

source:
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/15/business/la-fi-autos-mitsubishi-outlander-revi20110616

Outlander Sport shows Mitsubishi
is driven to compete

The value-priced five-seat crossover mixes fun driving in comfort with eco-friendly attributes. The Outlander family now accounts for a third of the company's sales.

By Susan Carpenter, Los Angeles Times
6:35 PM PDT, June 15, 2011

The relative rarity of Mitsubishi cars these days confirms the company's status as an underdog automaker. Mitsubishi ranks sixth out of the seven Japanese manufacturers in U.S. sales, just ahead of Suzuki.

But through the first five months of 2011, sales have increased an astounding 61% versus the same period last year, making it the fastest-growing mass-market automaker in the U.S. Much of the growth is due to its newest model, the 2011 Outlander Sport. The Outlander family now accounts for almost one-third of the company's sales.

The 2011 Outlander Sport demonstrates Mitsubishi's embrace of a fun-to-drive, eco-friendly mandate as it presses ahead into the 21st century after a decade of turmoil that saw the company separate from Chrysler, then suffer through vehicle defects and a consumer financing fiasco.

Starting at $19,275, the Outlander Sport is a value-oriented crossover that's priced to move the company into the future.

It's also a crossover that strives to play off the name recognition of its older, seven-seat sibling, the Outlander SUV. The five-passenger Sport is just smaller. Although the height and width are similar and the wheelbase is exactly the same on both cars, it's as if an X-acto knife sliced off the excess on the Outlander's front and rear ends, shortening the car almost 15 inches and lightening the load by more than 200 pounds.

Designed to carry more things than people, the Sport does away with the Outlander's third row of seats in favor of cargo space. A snubbed front end also offers off-roaders and mountain-goers a better incline angle going uphill.

I was testing the top-of-the-line version of the Sport, the SE. It was equipped with a premium package that upgraded the standard 16-inch wheels to 18s, among other things. The Sport is available in two trims, the base model ES with two-wheel drive, and the SE with either two- or all-wheel drive. My SE tester was all-wheel drive; it had the option of switching between two-wheel drive, and part- or full-time four-wheel drive with the help of a knob just south of the gear shift.

Driving in two-wheel drive would have saved me a few bucks in gas, but L.A. is riddled with potholes. So, even though potholes are the only inclement condition SoCal drivers are likely to experience this June, I kept the car in part-time four-wheel drive most of the time in case I needed to perform a radical swerve.

The all-wheel-drive Sport SE gets an estimated 26 miles per gallon combined, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That's decent for a car of this capacity, and also surprising considering its flat and wide front end. Like many new cars, aerodynamics have been optimized on the Sport, most notably around the side-view mirrors.

The Sport is powered with a 2-liter, inline-four-cylinder engine. On the SE, the transmission is continuously variable and, for those who take the car's name to heart, equipped with paddle shifters. For those who don't, there's an Eco lamp that rewards drivers with a green light on the dashboard whenever they're driving like a member of the Sierra Club.

Borrowing some technology from the automaker's soon-to-be-released, pure battery electric vehicle called the Mitsubishi i, the Sport is equipped with a regenerative alternator that harnesses kinetic energy when the car is slowing and feeds it back into the battery to power accessories.

Mitsubishi is best known in the U.S. as an automaker, but it is also an electronics company. That resume is apparent in the car's tastefully understated driver controls and embrace of LED lighting. Many of its dials are awash in a faint orange glow, including the edges of the panoramic sunroof in the car I was testing.

Electronics did not, however, make their way into the controls for the seat, which need to be positioned by hand. Since most people are the sole drivers of their cars and won't need to adjust their seats daily, these manual controls are hardly a deal-breaker.

A direct competitor of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the Outlander Sport is another value offering in the expanding crossover category — one that offers an impressive number of features for its price point. Even on the Outlander Sport ES base model, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth are standard. Sirius Satellite Radio, a 710-watt stereo and the 40-gigabyte navigation system with rear-view camera are, of course, extra.

Although the Outlander Sport can be made more luxurious with factory options, it is, at its core, not as rudimentary as its base price would indicate. It's fairly quiet, it handles well and it's comfortable.

Mitsubishi, welcome back to the fold.

source: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/15/business/la-fi-autos-mitsubishi-outlander-revi20110616

Letter From Ed: "NEW VEHICLE INFORMATION AND INDUSTRY TRENDS"

2011-06-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Valued Customers,

We wanted to share some very interesting industry related facts and the current market trends related to the new and used car market.

Mitsubishi Sales in North America are up 61% over last year.
This is the highest percentage increase of all manufacturers.

Toyota manufacturing plants in Japan are off by 72% in production due to the recent events related to the tsunami.

This situation is similar for Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Nissan.
Mitsubishi has been least affected.

Due to the reduced production, many dealers are less willing to give discounts on new vehicles because they will see far less shipments this year.

The manufacturers are also prepared to discontinue rebates and special financing programs as the year continues.

Used vehicles are becoming more difficult to find due to several reasons, one is the direct result of the record low new car sales over the past four years. This has produced the fewest trade-ins and even more importantly the fewest off lease and program vehicles coming into the market in more than a decade.

Combined with the lack of availability of new vehicles and the far fewer amount of pre-owned vehicles available, the used car values have gone up almost 30% in the past 24 months.

Due to the economic situation, auto financing rates have never been lower.

Mitsubishi offers the best dollar for dollar value when compared to any other manufacturer and offers among the best warranty in the industry, 5 Year 60k Mile Bumper to Bumper and 10 Year 100k Mile Powertrain warranty.

Mitsubishi is also know as one of the most reliable vehicles built and spends the least amount of money on warranty claims per vehicle in spite of having among the longest warranty's available. Now that spells RELIABILITY .

Mitsubishi vehicles offer among the best fuel economy in their class and almost the entire line-up has recently been redesigned from the bottom up with the latest safety and technology features available.

Considering all these facts, it is fair to say that there has never been a better time to consider buying a new Mitsubishi. You will never get a higher trade-in value for your current vehicle and its fair to say that you may pay less for a brand new Mitsubishi that comes with a 10 year warranty than you will for a two or three year old pre-owned vehicle.

Please review the following specials on our website by clicking here, or scroll down to see them below.
We invite you to come in for a hassle free test drive of one of our award winning vehicles.

As Always Best Regards,

Edward Coolbrith
Owner
Walpole Mitsubishi
575 Providence Highway
East Walpole, MA 02081
508-660-7000
Business Hours & Directions

NEW MITSUBISHI SPECIALS JUNE 2011:

*Prices reflect all rebates to dealer. First payment, security deposit, tax, title, doc and acquisition fee extra. Must take delivery from dealer stock. Lease payments with Tier 1 approved credit. Outlander Sport requires $2495 down based on 12k miles/year for 48 months. Outlander SE requires $2999 down based on 12k miles/year for 48 months. Lancer ES requires $2995 down based on 12k miles/year for 36 months. Lancer Ralliart requires $2995 down based on 12k miles/year for 48 months. Example only. Call for an accurate quote. Ends 6/30/11.

---
DEMO Specials:
Save THOUSANDS on these BRAND NEW Mitsubishi vehicles!

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander

SE AWD

MSRP: $24,987
SALE: $22,499
SAVE: $2,488

Stock #001008

CLEARANCE SALE! Last One!!! 2010 Outlander SE AWD SPECIAL! Alloy Wheels Roof Racks Audio Jack Input Steering Wheel Stereo Controls Power Windows Locks Mirrors Outside Temperature Display Traction Control Tiptronic Automatic Transmission Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters FAST Key Entry Sporty Interior. Excellent Deal. Agile handling sporty styling useful rear tailgate/liftgate design top safety scores wide range of features lengthy warranty.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
GTS FWD

MSRP: $21,058
SALE: $18,699
SAVE: $2,356

Stock #009900

2011 Lancer GTS with Remote Keyless Entry Rear Spoiler Alloy Wheels Fast Key Entry Black Cloth Interior Foglights BlueTooth Hands Free Communication Tiptronic Transmission Paddle Shifters Steering Wheel Stereo Controls Traction Control Cruise Control CD Changer Audio Jack Trip Computer Factory Security and More!

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
ES FWD

MSRP: $19,905
SALE: $17,696
SAVE: $2,209

Stock #021329

Rally Red Lancer ES with Alloy Wheels, Sunroof, Fast Key Entry, Bluetooth, Audio Jack for your MP3 or iPod Players, CD Changer, Trip Computer, Factory Security, Remote Keyless Entry, Traction Controls, Power Mirrors, Locks and Windows! Confident handling; high-tech equipment; edgy styling.

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
ES FWD

MSRP: $19,905
SALE: $17,696
SAVE: $2,209

Stock #020519

TOP SAFETY PICK! 2011 Lancer ES with Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, Fast Key Entry, Audio Jack Input for MP3 Players or iPods, Blue Tooth for cell phone, Steering Wheel Stereo Controls, Cruise Control, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Traction Control, Keyless Remote, Factory Security!

2009 Mitsubishi Galant
ES FWD

MSRP: $21,749
SALE: $16,995
SAVE: $4,750

Stock #00432A

SPECIAL! Brand New 2009 Mitsubishi Galant ES Clearance Sale! Fuel Efficient Affordable Alternative to the Honda Accord Beautiful Wood Trim and Chrome Interior with Very Durable Quality Cloth Seats CD Stereo Power Windows Locks and Mirrors Cruise Control Remote Keyless Entry. Ideal balance between ride quality and handling comfortable cabin. 4.5 out of 5 Stars in Consumer Reviews (edmunds.com).

Outlander Sport Reviews - June 2011

2011-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Outlander Sport Reviews

Outlander Sport in "Top Ten Vehicles for Women" (autocraze 6/3/2011 online)

"2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a sports compact cross over and beautiful blend of modish design, premium features and outstanding performance."
"Women who are looking for extra comfortable, fuel economical and safe SUV will find it unique and up to their requirements because it features 7 air bags and most comfortable leather seats and its mpg value is 24 in the city and 31 on the highway."
"This stunning SUV is powered by 2.0L engine that produces 148HP at 6000 rpm and 143 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm."

http://www.autocraze.com/

Outlander Sport review by Jeff Fortson (BlackAmericaWeb.com 6/3/2011 online)

"The fuel-efficient, smooth-riding, athletic designed crossover with its bold front grille definitely standouts from most mommy-like crossovers."
"Our Mitsubishi was also equipped with easy-to-read gauges, using the brand’s color Multi-information display (MID) center which included a trip computer, a maintenance reminder, ambient temperature data and audio system information."
"Moreover, in today’s market our barebone SE crossover seemed quite affordable – before adding on options."
"Unlike most of today’s vehicles, Mitsubishi has managed to remain frugal with our SE model, making it both affordable and practical with its stylish athletic exterior and cool looking 18-inch wheel package."
"For those who can live without high-end features like a back up camera, leather seats, a roof and a satellite radio system, the Outlander Sport will definitely serve its purpose, as we found in the upgraded SE model we reviewed without any options. For a price point in the low $20,000 range, this vehicle is a worthy contender in its segment."

source: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=content/2011-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-se-practical-compact-crossover

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport by Sarah Lacey (Cars.com 6/7/1011 online)

“Parents looking for an aggressively sporty, small crossover with the ability to rock out should look no further than the all-new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.”
“Also, the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters kept me feeling race-inspired.”
“The liftgate is not too heavy or too high. It's just right, Goldilocks!”
“Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times”
“The Outlander Sport's Bluetooth hands-free phone system was a piece of cake to use. The instrument cluster had a more modern readout than the stereo, and I loved that it said, ‘See You’ whenever I turned the car off.”
“The front seats are comfortable and bolstered just enough that they made me feel snug in them. The backseat bench isn't bolstered, and there's a surprising amount of legroom in the second row.”

source: http://www.cars.com/mitsubishi/outlander-sport/2011/reviews/?revid=57231

Lancer Sportback Reviews - June 2011

2011-06-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Lancer Sportback Reviews

The Yankee Driver 6/4/2011

"With 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, this car offers explosive power."
"A sport tuned suspension offers a taut ride, fabulous handling."

http://yankeedriver.wordpress.com/

gaari.com 6/4/2011

"The Sportback sports five doors, meaning the trunk opens like a normal door – leaving lots of room to load and unload whatever your imagination desires. This new feature makes the Lancer extremely versatile for lots of different lifestyles – a possibly attracting feature for those who value the WRX for its cargo space. In fact, switching to the Sportback Ralliart gains you 3 cubic feet of space, giving you more times to say to your children “sure, we’ve got room for that!”"
"Inside, the car has been spared no expense with a soft, plush leather steering wheel and gear shifter, as well as metallic magnesium used whenever fitting. Such attention to detail is what matters to true car buffs, and what is taking this model to the heights of Subaru’s WRX."
"The car has an excellent response time and a smooth ride."
"The stylish car is....just a little pricier than the WRX, but with updates that place it at the head of the class. So if you’re an avid Subaru WRX fan, give yourself a chance to improve your satisfaction – take the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback for a spin. I doubt you’ll feel it was a waste of time."

http://www.gaari.com/

carpages.ca [CANADA] 6/2/2011

"When I first picked up the car I was pleasantly surprised to see a nice, leather wrapped shift lever protruding from the center console. I actually had to do a bit of a double take because the seats I was sitting in were finished in leather, the steering wheel I was about to lay hands on was of a nice stitched-leather variety....How many cars in the North American market that feature aspects like that even offer the option to go with a stick? This side of a few VW products I can’t think of all that many."
"Clutch take up is nice and linear; the leftmost pedal was easy to modulate and the bite points easy to determine without being overly intrusive."
"You get to rev the great MIVEC engine to your heart’s content without worrying about electronic nannies shifting up just cause your tach needle flicked the 6,500 RPM redline. And it is a great engine, that."
"Believe me when I tell you that the revs were so stirring that I found myself shifting a little later than I usually would just to feel and hear the car go."
"Also answering the bell when it comes to fun factors is the steering, which is both well connected and well weighted."
"A very comfortable ride. Surprisingly so, in fact. Big road imperfections that I swore would shake my bones were neatly swallowed up, and the same goes for railroad tracks, sunken manhole covers and so forth."
"I am serious when I say that MP3s played through the Bluetooth sounded better than they did through my Bose headphones."

http://www.carpages.ca/

Lancer Reviews - June 2011

2011-06-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Lancer Reviews

Richmond Times Dispatch 6/3/2011

"The Mitsubishi Lancer ES Sport is chock-full of gorgeous gadget options. An Accessory Navigation package, starting just under $2K, buys you a 30GB hard drive navigational system to rip songs to an integrated music server. The $1,750 Sun & Sound package offers a nine-speaker/650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, sunroof and Fast-Key keyless entry. You press a rubber button on the door handle to get inside your car. Really, fumbling for your keys is so 2000s. Standard trims also include auxiliary steering wheel-mounted controls."

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/

Awesome Chevy Camaro Commerical.

2011-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

I really admire the creativity in this. It won the Mofilm Tribecca.
Now if she could just get her son to move out of the house, already?
Just kidding.

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BTW...

As of right now we have a nearly new 2010 Chevy Camaro available for sale:

Click here to see it on our website. If this link it brings you to our home page, then the car has been sold.

Motor Trend polls readers to find Top Five Motoring Annoyances

2011-06-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Motor Trend polls readers to find Top Five Motoring Annoyances

by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Jun 2nd 2011 at 5:32PM

Driving shouldn't be a stressful experience. Too often, however, piloting a motor vehicle can turn any driver into a raging psychopath, spewing forth creative expletives that would make even the most hardened construction worker blush. What are the top pain points for motorists? Motor Trend wanted to find out, and the buff book polled its readers to compile a list of the top five sources of irritation on the road:

1. Being stuck behind slow drivers – 43.5%
2. Inattentive drivers texting and talking on cell phones – 23.2%
3. Drivers that do not use turn signals – 16.1%
4. Aggressive drivers cutting through traffic – 10%
5. Drivers who refuse to turn right on red – 7.2%

Those results are pretty clear. Slow drivers are the scourge of our roadways, and we're curious how many of the people in group four are created as a result of being in group one. Click past the jump to read the full press release from Motor Trend.

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source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/motor-trend-polls-readers-to-find-top-five-motoring-annoy/

Yahoo! Autos 2010 Outlander Consumer Reports

2011-06-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

excellent car

by Michel on 03/14/201 Overall 5 stars

No trim specified for this review

Pros: reliability, low cost to maintain

Purchased As New

I have a 2004 model. I have spent very little money in maintenance other than brakes and oil changes. Very reliable. 80,000 miles and no problems. I will drive this car until it just stops, maybe 100,000 miles from now.

131 out of 131 people found this review helpful.

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A money pit--I think "Not"!!

by A Yahoo! Autos User on 03/15/2010 Overall 5 stars

Pros: low cost to maintain, reliability,smooth ride and good gas mileage

I don't buy the poor rating or the "money pit" title. I tried a GM product before purchasing this 2005 Outlander. At 50,000 miles it was worn out and left my wife stranded several times on one trip. We had numerous large repair bills after the end of the warranty. We have driven two previous Mitsu products and they lasted forever. We will be trading this 2005 in on a 2010 this year. Our experience has been great with no out of pocket but maintenance items. I have always sold my old Mitsu with good return on my money. I have several people wanting to purchase this one when I trade. The 2005 appearance is weak compared to the new look, but I actually like the interior materials in our Outlander better--maybe they are using a little too much hard plastic in the new ones. Oh well, no car is perfect.

125 out of 126 people found this review helpful.

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Great Warranty, space, realiability and Price!

by Amber M on 01/02/2010 Overall 5 stars

Trim Reviewed ES 2WD

Pros: I love the warranty and the price. This SUV handles like a car and it is very roomy inside.
Cons: The interior pales in comparison to the Chevy Equinox. The inside is simple and a bit boring.

Purchased As New

I traded my 2008 VW Jetta SE for my new 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. I love this crossover for its value. I purchased the ES with the convenience package. I believe bluetooth should be standard on all vehicles by now so I was surprised to see that it wasn't standard on the Outlander. The interior is a bit bland but it is functional.

This SUV was 100% manufactured in Japan so it is truly a Japanese car unlike Toyota and Honda. The warranty is outstanding and if you have the Auto Club membership, you can cancel it because Mitsubishi provides 5 years of free roadside assistance with the purchase of the Outlander.

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and the amount of money I saved.

161 out of 162 people found this review helpful.

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love it

by David on 04/10/2010 Overall 5 stars

Trim Reviewed SE 2WD

Pros: looks great good features
Cons: the only thing i dont like is the windshild wiper on passanger side

Purchased As New

I just traded in my 2007 Eslipse converter Syder GT for a 2010 Outlander this past Wed. and boy am i happy i did. I love all the features and looks of the Outlander.

119 out of 119 people found this review helpful.

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LOVIN IT

by EllaB on 01/18/2010 Overall 5 stars

Trim Reviewed XLS 2WD

Purchased As Used

VERY NICE FOR THE COST.LOTS OF ROOM INSIDE INTERIOR.COMFY TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS AROUND TOWN.

137 out of 140 people found this review helpful.

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We love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Brenda on 04/13/2010 Overall 5 stars

Trim Reviewed ES 4WD

Pros: Extras galore/stylish design. Great road car
Cons: Would like it to get a little better gas mileage.

Purchased As New

We love our Outlander. It came equipped with so much we couldn't believe the value for the price. It is comfortable and classy looking. It is our third Mitsubishi product and we have loved them all. We rate it a "10".

129 out of 130 people found this review helpful.

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by Edwin on 07/02/2010 Overall 5 stars

Trim Reviewed GT S-AWC

Pros: solid feel, stable ride, quiet engine, all the little high tech gizmos on the GT
Cons: 18inch tires handle well and look good, but the ride can get pretty stiff

Purchased As New

cross shopped between subaru (forester and outback), and the outlander. in the end, the mitsu delivered the goodies with a sporty ride, handsome exterior, well thought out interior, and (at the GT trim level) pretty much every option available at a price that beat competition. very happy with the cuv.

120 out of 120 people found this review helpful.

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Check out more reviews from Yahoo! Autos on the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander here:
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander User Reviews

Cars.com Consumer Review 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer

2011-06-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

I love this car..., April 14, 2011 By Lancer Lover

from Chandler, Arizona

Comfort: 4 out of 5

Performance: 5 out of 5

Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5

Interior Design: 4 out of 5

Value for the Money: 5 out of 5

Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I've had the 2011 Lancer GTS for three months now and I have had zero complaints. I wanted the red but settled on the Wicked White with sunroof and I've been very happy with it. The styling turns heads and I have had more compliments and possitive remarks about this car than any other I've owned. I added 19" chrome rims and darkened the tint on the windows even more and it was well worth it. I decided to go with the GTS over the ES and am happy I did. The added power and handling make this the most enjoyable car I've ever driven. My kids make me drop them off and pick them up in this car instead of our 08' Tahoe. The upgraded sound with the 6CD/MP3 player is incredible. It also features blutooth and handsfree calling. I can't complain about the gas milage either. Even driving it pretty hard I am still gettting over 30MPG routinely."

I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

2 out of 2 found this review helpful.

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Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Good value for the money.,December 14, 2010
By A. L. from Concord, NC

Comfort: 4 out of 5

Performance: 5 out of 5

Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5

Interior Design: 4 out of 5

Value for the Money: 5 out of 5

Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I own the 2011 ES model with added chrome wheels and blue tooth technology. The car looks wonderful in and out. It handles real good feeling more like a midsize car. Good acceleration. Comfort is better than other similar size car, however armrests are too narrow. Some rattle noise in front. Overall a great car for the price and same warranty as Hyunday and Kia which are the best in the market. The only thing I don't like is plastic dashboard."

I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

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12 out of 14 found this review helpful.

Cars.com Consumer Review 2011 Mitsubishi Galant

2011-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Pretty Good Car, October 30, 2010

By lestat from chicago

Comfort: 5 out of 5

Performance: 5 out of 5

Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5

Interior Design: 5 out of 5

Value for the Money: 5 out of 5

Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I am 63 YOA and owned some pretty special cars. this is an exceptional vehicle. I HEAR ALL THIS MUMBO JUMBO, "dated, dosen't compete with cars in its class, etc" Mitsubishi is sticking with a car that runs well in a bad economy. The sonata has direct injection, CR should stick to their mantra"never buy a car in the first year of production". Galant is a fine automobile, with a PROVEN engine. Its not running away with itself like Toyota and it is comfortable and a little different. Buy one, save a couple thousand, and enjoy. Take it from the old man, you get a lot of car for the money and very good warranty. Heated seats,NAVI,auto climate control,;power seats, all disc brakes, sunroof, computer in dash, 6 cd radio with 8 air bags. Com'on kids, make a adult purchase, you won't be sorry."

I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

World's Most Dangerous Test Drive

2011-06-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

World's Most Dangerous Test Drive
Behind the Scenes with Mitsubishi

Watch the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport as we video chronicle a test drive on Yungas Road in La Paz, Bolivia, the world's most dangerous road.

ONE DAY. TWO CUVS. FIVE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.

2011-06-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Shortest Braking Distance By A Vehicle On Ice:
Mitsubishi Outlander Guinness World Record

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.

Most Vehicle Figure-Of-Eights On Ice:
Mitsubishi Outlander Guinness World Record

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.

ont style="font-weight: bold;">Greatest Distance By A Vehicle In Reverse On Snow:
Mitsubishi Outlander Guinness World Record

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.

Fastest Vehicle Slalom Relay On Ice:
Mitsubishi Outlander Guinness World Record

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.

Fastest Driven Square Lap On Gravel:
Mitsubishi Outlander Guinness World Record

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.

5 World Records in 24 Hours - See How We Did It
Mitsubishi Outlander Family

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. Check out this video to see how we did it! Learn more at http://www.mitsubishicars.com/WorldRecords

Yahoo! Autos 2011 Outlander Sport Consumer Reports

2011-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some links to consumer reviews for the 2011 Outlander Sport:

Nicest car I've ever owned!

by Allison on 04/18/2011 (5 Stars)

Trim Reviewed: SE 2WD

Pros: Good Fuel Economy, Great Interior Features, Fun To Drive!

I purchased this car 4 days ago. It is the nicest car that I have ever owned! I've had a VW golf, Nissan X-terra, and Land Rover Discovery and this car beats them all! So many features for the price, I'm still finding things that I didn't know I had! I was going to buy the ES model, but after sitting in the SE, I knew there was no way I could go back to the ES. The panoramic glass roof is breath taking and the ride is so comfortable! It's the perfect size. I sit up high, yet get the same zippy handling that my golf had. Actually, the handling is BETTER than my golf. The stereo is amazing and the space inside is perfect. I could go on and on, but just take my word for it. It's the best SUV/crossover out there for your money. I drive 1 hour to work one way everyday. This car makes the drive sooooo much better!
63 out of 64 people found this review helpful.

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Luving my new RED MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

by Jaime on 03/20/2011

Trim Reviewed: ES 2WD (5 stars)

Pros: QUITE RIDE

Received this car as a gift. Test drove alot of Crossovers, but was not comfortable in any of them until I drove the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. I knew right away this was the one for me. Plus I did some research & it got alot of good reviews.
The things I like the best is the gas mileage, the quite ride & the sound system
The thing I dislike is the steering wheel. Maybe I just have to get use to where I like to place my hands. Not crazy the way the back opens. I would have like the cargo area to open from the side.
136 out of 137 people found this review helpful.

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In Love

by Mia on 02/23/2011

No trim specified for this review (5 Stars)

Pros: Fuel Economy, Stylish, Feature Loaded, Youthful looking, User Friendly to a commuter on the road

I'm a loyal buyer of Mitsubishi Cars. My last car was a Lancer, I bought it when I was in college, it lasted me 8 years. It was a great car, became too costly for repairs compared to value/high mileage. I test drove an Outlander a couple of years ago and wasn't a fan of the design/style. Recently I saw the new commercials and my husband and I thought it was a really sharp looking crossover. Needless to say my car some mechanical issues which brought us to the Mitsubishi Dealer. We test drove a fully loaded 2011 Outlander Sport and fell in love. Interior design is fun and designed for comfort. I commute an hour one way to work so I spend a lot of time in my vehicle so the blue tooth connectivity, superb stereo system, cruise control are all excellent features. I also live in the country in Maine so I travel on snow covered roads in the winter, the multiple options for 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Locked are perfect for versatile road conditions. I've had my Outlander for a week now and have no complaints. 152 out of 156 people found this review helpful.

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Best Small SUV

by lyno on 02/17/2011

Trim Reviewed: SE 2WD ( 5 Stars)

Pros: Very cool looking with good handling and good fuel economy.

l usually wouldn't write a review on a car l just bought but l'm so impressed l just have to write about this great car. What first attracted me is the appearance, this is a very handsome SUV. Fit and finish is excellent and its got very lovely 18" alloys. The test drive even impressed me the more! The SE has all that l need inside. The seat fabric is the best and l can actually see the bonnet from the drivers seat, something l couldnt do in my mazda CX-7. My biggest surprise was when l compared the wheel base to other cars in its class, namely the RAV 4, Honda CRV, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon. The Outlander Sport has a longer wheelbase than all of these cars! And if you want to drive sporty those paddle shifters just adds to the fun! This is my first Mitsubishi and l'm a big fan now! l hear Mitsubishi cars are reliable so l gave it 5 stars for reliability.
182 out of 183 people found this review helpful.

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I LOVE THIS CAR!

by eugene on 02/13/2011

Trim Reviewed: SE 2WD (5 Stars)

Pros: Good looking, quality materials, fuel economy, very modern.

l am very pleased with this CUV which l bought just three days ago. l had three other vehicles in mind, namely the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tuscon and Nissan Rogue. l didnt even consider the RAV4 or CRV bcos they are starting to look dated and boring and they are all over the place. There was some cheapness to the interior of the Sportage and Tuscon and that quickly put me off and the Rogue had a harsh ride. l was blown away by the Outlander Sport, it looks like no other CUV out there, it reminds me of my lpod touch! lt does everything its supposed to do and it does it well. lts fun to drive and doesn't feel underpowered. lts also got lots of space in front and at the back. l keep going into my garage to stare at my car or to just sit in it.l'm 42 and this is my 5th car, l've never felt this good in a car!
184 out of 185 people found this review helpful.

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Best small SUV!

by EugeneO on 02/12/2011

Trim Reviewed SE 2WD (5 Stars)

Pros: Smooth, spacious, economy, decent power.

l did a lot of research and read lots of reviews on small SUV's. l decided on the Mitsu Outlander Sport. lts such a lovely car! lt looks so good and the interior is of such good quality materials. l also love the fact that the 4 cylinder engine is only 2.0L giving me decent power and economy. The service l got from 46 Mitsubishi in Totowa New jersey was great! l look forward to many yrs of reliable service from my new car and will recommend family and friends to 46 Mitsubishi in Totowa NJ.
184 out of 184 people found this review helpful.

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LOVE IT

by Michael on 02/07/2011

Trim Reviewed SE 2WD

Pros: very good so far love the style

this is our 2 nd outlander we love the vehicle or 2 nd one is 2003 never a problem ,we trusts Mitsubishi never heard a recall .So happy with the brandnew one has everything we want in a vehicle ,the stero sound is something else it is like you are right there.The way you get in it something else make it easy for the owners .Everything under the hood is worded great also plus 10 yrs 100,000 warrenty my goodness what can you ask Mitsubishi has gone so far.
195 out of 195 people found this review helpful.

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Quality made cars with no recalls aftersales!!!!!!

by A Yahoo! Autos User on 02/07/2011

Trim Reviewed SE 2WD (5 Stars)

Pros: Better made cars with 10 year/100,000 mile warranty that speaks volumes about the carmaker!

Just bought the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport after the comparison test among the CRV, RAV4, Rogue, Sportage, Tucson and Forester. The best came from the Outlander in overall performance, fuel economy, price, ride, quality, smoothness of transmission, quietness and 10 year/100,000 mile warranty from the 94 year old carmaker that is the oldest Japanese carmaker that still stands by their cars and are not plaque by recalls by the aforementioned carmakers that I did my comparison.
Mitsubishi is 20 years older than its rival Toyota, 17 years older than Nissan, 31 years older than Honda motorcycles & 46 years older than Honda cars, 36 years older than Subaru, 50 years older than Hyundai that still gets its engines from Mitsubishi motors and 27 years older than Kia.
With that information from Wikipedia, It only shows that Mitsubishi, a low keyed carmaker has more carmaking experience than its competitors and makes more quality oriented products than the glory of being top in sales or number in sales!
253 out of 256 people found this review helpful.

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2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

by sas on 01/30/2011

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (5 stars)

we went from the Mitsubishi Endever to the Outlander sport for the fuel econamy and am very happy. As this does have some spark to the fuel petal I would like a little more but thats why we gave up the big V-6 and comfert wise I love the moon roof and It is not bad we will see soon as we are going on a 2000 mile tripe in a few weaks.
177 out of 179 people found this review helpful.

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Best car for the buck compared with others!

by A Yahoo! Autos User on 01/27/2011

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (5 Stars)

Pros: Appearance, Electronics, Instrument and Steering Ergonomics, Smooth ride, Handling, HID headlights.

An ideal combination of handling, agility, good looks, quality build, price, Mitsubishi style & class, power and size.
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is not only an eye catcher but I believe surpasses all in its class namely; RAV4, Rogue, Tucson, CRV, Scion and Forester, except the bigger Outlander which both still has the quality and durability. I have never driven a CUV where I receive so many compliments and stares. The other Japanese and Korean brands are left behind and seems so boring now. People are still buying the Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Subarus and Mazdas for being popular names but the style nowadays is not name recall that is associated with defective recalls and problems. Mitsubishi Motors are setting a new standard in quality carmaking with long 10 year/100,000 mile warranty offering. I feel unique and special driving feel on this Outlander Sport with HID headlights that make it more unique at night and I believe you will too.
223 out of 225 people found this review helpful.

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Better than the big names, w/ no recalls!!!!!!!!!!

by A Yahoo! Autos User on 01/25/2011

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (5 Stars)

Pros: Price, style, handling, brakes, technology, ride, smooth transmission, warranty.

I have been comparing vehicles and testing each one to be sure I bought the best out there, both Japanese and Korean vehicles within the price range I have set myself and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport appears to be the one. It's technological advantage is plentiful and upon reading their history, which is 94 years of carmaking experience, which is a longtime, comparing it with others who have just started lately, like the Koreans. Mitsubishi even supplies its engines to Hyundai and transmission to other Japanese carmakers. With this in mind, I believe the long 10 year/100,000 mile warranty is well established by such a long experienced carmaker that isn't a flashy as the well known name brands are, but nevertheless has carried its long tradition of competitiveness in car rallys and endurance races, which today has become an expensive endeavor. I truly believe that Mitsubishi Motors has been not advertising too much, but at the same time even better than Toyota, who started as a textile manufacturing later in time or Honda, who started with motorcycles in the late 1950's.
221 out of 222 people found this review helpful.

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Goldilocks

by Veronica on 12/28/2010

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (5 Stars)

Pros:Stylish, comfortable, safe, quiet, technologically advanced for the price
Cons:I always want better fuel economy, digital fuel tank gauge

I have put several hundred miles on our new Outlander Sport since I purchased it last week. Fuel economy is a big deal for me, so I calculate it the old-fashioned way from fill-up to fill up. The first fill-up I got 25.44 mpg with a 70/30 mix of highway/city. I drove carefully with no harsh accelerations and kept my highway speeds around 70 mph (somewhat flat topography with some gentle rolling hills here and there). The second fill-up I drove in what I'd call a "real world" manner. If you live on the East Coast, you'll find the next number somewhat more realistic: 24.74 mpg with highway speeds of approx. 70-80 mph (shhhhhhh), fast accelerations from stop-lights, and a 70/30 highway/city mix. All calculations were with the vehicle in 2 X 4 mode. The onboard computer undercalculated my mpg on both fill-ups by 0.5 mpg to 1.0 mpg! I was happy to see that. I was hoping for numbers closer to 30 mpg (ideally, I'd like them around 100 mpg +).

For the money I have to say this is the nicest CUV on the market, period. I drove several other manufacturer's with these impressions:
--Kia Sportage: Interior is still a bit on the cheap side, steering is terrible due to a pulling sensation while driving that was not due to alignment issues.
--Nissan Rogue: BLIND SPOTS ON WHEELS! I could not make a simple lane change without the assistance of another passenger due to the blind spots.
--Nissan Cube: Cute car, but I was worried about how it would handle in the snow.
--Ford Escape: Comfortable seats, but the interior felt like a pick-up truck...lots of "square" styling on the interior. Not my thing. Some reliability issues as well.
--Chevrolet Equinox: Styling...terrible. The interior console between the driver's and passenger's seat looks like a big (tacky) chrome-trimmed sleigh. Exterior styling...boring. Reported mpg claims not as good as what manufacturer claims, so what's the point...
--Honda CR-V: Great cargo space, wonderful steering, braking, and handling. I didn't purchase for several reasons. One, the interior styling is so boring. Compare the interior of the Outlander Sport with the CR-V and the Mitsu wins hands down. Second thing against the CR-V, the seats feel just like airline seats (again the Mitsu seats are supportive and comfortable and stylish...). Third strike, the CR-V's cabin is LOUD while on the road. Fourth strike, the fuel efficiency is not as good as the Mitsu's. Fifth strike, while the CR-V does have AWD, the driver cannot control when it is or is not on (the Mitsu has this feature standard on all 4 X 4's).
VW Jetta Wagon TDI: I LOVED this car on the test drive. Cargo space is excellent, handling excellent, interior felt like an oh so comfortable luxury car. I didn't buy for a few reasons: no 4 x 4 (which I need for navigating snow covered streets) and the cabin of the TDI was LOUD when I test drove it...vrumm, vrumm, vrumm, vrumm, vrumm. If VW can address these things they will have a winner on their hands. It was also pricey, but that wasn't a huge factor.
--Didn't test drive the Toyota Rav 4 because it still has the old transmission and Toyota's in general feel like they lack quality.
--I drove past a Scion XD. I took one look at it and kept driving without taking it out for a test spin. Cheap looking.

The things I'm loving about the Mitsu Outlander Sport:
--I feel like I'm driving in a cozy, comfortable, ergonomically correct cave!
--Can you say "standard features" without stopping? Tinted windows, heated seats, 7 airbags, break-assist (normally found in more expensive hybrid models), power windows, power doors, cruise control, rain-responsive wipers (but not too responsive--they got it right), extremely high quality HID head-lights, fog lamps, remote alarm, keyless entry, etc, etc...
--Stylish exterior and interior
--Drive is comfortable/safe, solidly attached to road even when it's curvy!
172 out of 172 people found this review helpful.

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I love the 2011 Outlander Sport

by Kevin on 12/25/2010

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (4 Stars)

Pros: Really fun to drive and has good fuel economy
Cons: does not accelerate like a sport car

The first week I drove like I was sixteen again, driving 80 mph everywhere I went and still got 20 MPG. The second week I drove the speed limit about half the time and got 25 MPG. The third week I used the cruise control, set at posted speed limit, when driving on the highway and got 31 MPG. I love the navigation system and the 710 Rockford Fosgate stereo. After driving the 2011 Outlander Sport for a month I have not had any regrets.
101 out of 108 people found this review helpful.

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Great Value for smaller SUV

by A Yahoo! Autos User on 11/27/2010

Trim Reviewed SE 2WD (5 Stars)

Pros:Smooth ride, nice interior, quality standard features
Cons:A bit loud when taking off up to about 30 mph.

I bought this car new and really is a great value for the price. Comes with great standard features in the SE trim. Averaging about 27 mpg with mixed driving so far. The only draw back is the engine seems a bit loud when going through gears up to about 30 mph. However after that it quiets down nicely and rides great.
187 out of 187 people found this review helpful.

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An exception value of a compact SUV

by Luke on 11/25/2010

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (5 Stars)

Pros:Great styling, loaded with features, good fuel economy, comforatble.
Cons: Limited cargo room, meager acceleration, pricey with options.

I picked up my 2011 Outlander Sport SE last week. So far I absolutely LOVE this vehicle. It has every feature I would want if I were designing a car from scratch. The lockable AWD will come in handy in the upcoming winter months. The CVT transmission gives very smooth acceleration albeit a bit on the slow side. Other features include push button start, paddle shifters, heated seats and mirrors, rain sensing wipers, adjustable HID headlights, steering wheel controls for cruise, radio, and phone via bluetooth, USB input for Ipod, the list is just endless.

I opted for the Premium package and navigation package. I would recommend both to anyone. They are expensive but worth every penny. The premium package include an amazing sounding Rockford Fosgate audio system and an absolutely stunning panoramic moonroof with LED lighting. The Nav package includes real time traffic, backup camera, and 40 GB HDD navigation. Any CD you play on the system automatically rips onto the drive. The system is also Ipod compatible through USB or you can stream via bluetooth. It found the songs that were stored on my phone and started playing them. It's overall just very cool.

As for the driving experience, the car is a very comfortable ride. The seats are very supportive without being too hard and the ride is pretty smooth. Overall the car has a very solid feel without being harsh. The electric power steering provides good feedback without being too heavy. This really helps when parking.

On the cons side, the smaller size is really noticeable in the cargo room. The rear compartment is small in comparison to other vehicles. Acceleration is adequate, but you wont beat anyone off a red light unless they stall. This will not win you any races at the local track. Have no dreams of any kind of off road capability, this is not a jeep. Also if you need to tow anything look elsewhere. But for normal around town use this is a great vehicle.

The deal maker for me was the warranty. 10 years 100K powertrain and 5 years 60K bumper to bumper with roadside assistance. I bumped it up to 10 years bumper to bumper. Mitsubishi is very confident in the car. I would have previously never considered a Mitsubishi, they have definitely earned my respect. If you are looking at an Equinox, Tuscon, or a Rav4 you are doing yourself a disservice by not putting this on your list.
176 out of 180 people found this review helpful.

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A winner !!!!

by tbuling on 11/16/2010

Trim Reviewed SE 2WD (5 stars)

Pros: excellent gas consumption and comfort.
Cons: engine needs more "zing"

car performs like a dream, air like driving, quite, plenty of room cabin and cargo, I have had this car for a year now and have no problems at all. combined mileage city/hwy 26 mpg.Everything functions flawlessly, I recommend this car to anyone.
191 out of 194 people found this review helpful.

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Mitsubishi makes another reliable car, it shows!

by A Yahoo! Autos User on 11/04/2010

Trim Reviewed SE AWC (5 Stars)

Pros: Good looks, comfortable ride, strong brakes, low priced with 10 year/100K warranty
Cons:Mitsubishi should have the 2.0L diesel available in the U.S., just like in the U.K.

Just bought the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and having fun driving it around. The power just right for me, as long as I'm getting 26 mpg city and about 33 mpg highway without the jackrabbit starts, just gradual acceleration, which is even better than stated EPA estimate. Like the roomy interior, with the 5th door for hauling big stuff, the great styling for this small CUV, comfortable ride, very good road holding on twisty switchback, superior 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty which other carmakers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru and Mazda cannot offer. It shows that Mitsubishi has greater confidence in their cars than others to offer such a long warranty!
225 out of 227 people found this review helpful.

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Edmunds.com 2011 Outlander Sport Consumer Reviews

2011-06-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some links to consumer reviews for the 2011 Outlander Sport:

Edmunds.com 4.5 Stars out of 5.

Don't let the experts fool you, this is the best crossover suv to get

By researchmommy on 01/16/11 07:21 AM (PST)

I'm a mom of 2 kids who used to drive a 2000 Toyota Sienna van and needed a change. I test drove the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV 4, Mazda CX-7, Chevrolet Equinox and they just don't have the ride comfort of the Outback Sport. I drive my kids to school everyday and have minimal highway miles traveled, but no matter where I go I can't help but smile because I paid less for a car I feel gives you more standard and even with some options added on, is a better value than the cars mentioned above. Don't let the reviews on the engine noise sway you from test driving this vehicle. In the end that is the true test of if a vehicle is right for you or not.

Fun to Drive!!!

By sunnyray on 12/28/10 17:01 PM (PST)

I absolutely love this car! I've had 2 Hondas & a Jeep and by far I like this much better! You get all the little extras etc. heated seats, blue tooth, keyless entry and start for much less than Honda. It looks so great and smart to drive! Make sure you get the larger wheels and 4wd for all the difference in the world! We just had a major snow storm and this cuv handled better than any suv I've ever driven! Thanks to Mitsb for an affordable and awesome cuv! handled better than any suv I've ever had (my last one was a jeep) I love my new small crossover and it is a blast to drive! You will love it too!

Don't believe the "professional" reviews

By Bill on 11/27/10 00:00 AM (PST)

Mitsubishi builds a very fine product but you don't hear much about them because everyone raves about Honda, Toyota etc, well they have issues believe me. My only issue with the outlander sport is getting in and out of the backseat, they could have made the door openings a bit wider This SUV is basically a Lancer on steroids. Sure its not going to take you from 0-60 in 2 seconds but its quick enough...very smooth and quiet ride. The panoramic roof I wish would open in some fashion, the led lights are a bit on the trendy side which I could take or leave.

Great value for money

By 0ffroader on 05/06/11 10:30 AM (PDT)

I've been looking for a CUV for around two years to replace my 15 year old sedan. I was leaning towards an Escape Hybrid, but while researching fuel efficient CUVs, I ran into a USNEWS article that described this as the best CUV for the money. I'm glad I test drove one. All profesional reviews blast the "performance" of this, but unless you're into sports cars and like driving really fast and making quick getaways from traffic lights, it doesn't matter. I don't plan speeding tickets into my budget either and usually drive around the limit with my small kid in the back. This car is perfect for a small family. The rear isn't too roomy, but is adequate.

Nice car!

By DFosness on 12/04/10 00:00 AM (PST)

During my research I looked at quite a few different makes. I decided on the Outlander Sport because of the standard features. i was concerned about the 2.0 4 cylinder engine but it performed well over my expectations. I was passing everyone I came to on the freeway with no effort at all. The interior is more spacious then I expected. I have plenty of room at 6 feet and 350 pounds. Personally, I like the looks of the exterior but not everyone will. All and all, this is an extremely fine vehicle for the price. Thousands less then similar in class with far far fewer features.

Drifting an Outlander Sport SUV by Daijiro Yoshihara

2011-06-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

"GTChannel http://gtchannel.com. GTChannel Virals presents model Alicia Whitten as Formula D pro racer Daijiro Yoshihara tries to drift an Outlander Sport compact SUV. We were out at Willowsprings video shooting the Lancer EVO SE trailer and Daijiro was hanging out with so we put him in a SUV to see if he can drift it. He took on the challenge. See how he did."

Roadfly.com - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Road Test & Review

2011-06-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is the latest addition to the Lancer family. The Ralliart is powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine that delivers an estimated 237 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque.

For 2010 the Lancer comes in three trim levels. The regular base Lancer sedan, the Ralliart and the Evolution X. The Ralliart has a few visual and performance features which make it a lot of fun to drive. The Lancer is most often compared to the Subaru WRX or STI and the Volkswagen GTI.

The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD (all wheel drive) driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring torque to the front and rear wheels according to different driving conditions.

EPA figures are: 19 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy

Roadfly.com - http://www.roadfly.com
Car Forum - http://www.roadfly.com/forums

RoadflyTV - http://www.youtube.com/roadflytv
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/roadfly
Twitter - http://twitter.com/roadfly

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - From San Diego to Cabo

2011-06-01T12:03:00.001-07:00

MMC and Nissan Sign Contract for Establishment of Joint Venture for Minicar Business

2011-06-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

This morning, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the signing of a contract for the establishment of a joint venture related to their minicar business in the Japanese market. The establishment of the joint venture was part of an agreement signed in December 2010 to expand the scope of cooperation between the two companies. The two companies will strengthen their competitiveness in the minicar business through this joint venture.

The new business, as described in a release, will be for "product planning and engineering of minicars for the Japanese market" The CEO will be Junichi Endo and the COO will be past-president of MMNA Shin Kurihara.

Lancer Ralliart Reviews - May 2011

2011-06-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

txGarage 5/14/2011 - http://txgarage.com/

"The Ralliart is a fun car that gives you some of the Evo fun for less money."

"This Ralliart had a nice interior. We had bolstered seats with nice quality leather, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and nice leather touch-points around the cabin."

"One great aspect about the paddle shifters is that they are big and made of medal. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven a sporty car with paddle shifters and wished they were as nice as these."

"This car doesn’t like to be driven slow. It actually seems to taunt you into driving fast and aggressive. Every time you let off the gas as you’re cruising down the road, the nose seems to dip as if to give the feeling that it’s restraining all the power. As soon as you mash that gas pedal down, it seems to rear back and shoot like a rocket and finally feels as if the car is happy to be on the move. Mix in the paddle shifters and some loose gravel and this car really comes alive."

iVeho 5/16/2011 - http://www.iveho.com/

"Rather than a five-speed manual or the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) the Ralliart gets the dual clutch Sportmatic, which is one of the fastest shifting automatics we’ve driven. Pull the right steering column-mounted shift paddle and the transmission shifts quicker than most drivers even dream of shifting. Pull the left shift paddle and the engine “blips” matching the transmission speed for a super smooth downshift."

"This much power in a front-wheel drive car would make traction and handling difficult, so the Ralliart is equipped with one of the best full-time all-wheel drive systems available."

" Running through the windy mountain roads near our home, the Ralliart inspires total confidence even when being pushed hard through sweeping curves and hairpin corners. The brakes are solid and quick and the steering is precise."

"In essence, the Ralliart is a car that is nearly as much fun to drive fast as is its big brother the EVO but with more manners."

"Driving a top model of the Lancer lineup, the Ralliart, for a few days can elicit a “wow” because it is exceptionally fun to drive."

Outlander Wins AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award

2011-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

AutoPacific has announced its 15th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) to help consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was the Top Performer in the Mid-Size Crossover SUV category.

"Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "We've found that more than one-third of new car buyers are positively influenced by objective awards based on owner ratings when deciding on a new car or truck."

AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award is an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of over 68,000 new vehicle owners. "Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," says Peterson. "The winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience."

source:
http://www.autopacific.com/news-app/story.78/title.autopacific-announces-2011-vehicle-satisfaction-awards/menu.no/sec./home.

Chicago is Sweet On Jelly Belly Mitsubishi i

2011-06-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

This week, MMNA teamed up with the Jelly Belly Candy Company for a promotion to show Chicagoans the sweet side of all-electric transportation. Dressed in brightly-colored custom Jelly Belly graphics, four Mitsubishi i vehicles (along with a pair of Mitsubishi Outlanders) hit the streets of the Windy City (Monday May 23 and Tuesday May 24).

The idea was to promote the 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago. It's the premier trade show for the candy industry.

More Publicity for New TV Spot

2011-06-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Media watchdog Amy Corr of MediaPost highlighted the new Outlander/Outlander Sport TV Commercial in her blog last week:

"I have a hard time watching "Ice Road Truckers," fearing for the safety of the men and women who risk their lives driving big rigs on dangerous roads. This ad for Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport and Outlander was equally rough to watch. The brand brought these two vehicles to Yungas Road in Bolivia, aka "Death Road," to demonstrate the traction and maneuverability provided by the duo's all-wheel drive system. It's the first commercial ever to be shot on "Death Road." This 90-second spot shows how close to the edge drivers are on the 43-mile stretch of dirt road, without guardrails to protect them. Add rain and nearby waterfalls to the mix, and you can see how the road got its nickname. Did I mention it's two lanes, even though it's only configured as a single-lane road?"

Lancer Sportback Reviews - May 2011

2011-06-01T11:38:00.001-07:00

Lancer Sportback Reviews

autosavant.com 5/25/5011 - autosavant.com

"I really liked the horizontal trim along the bottom of the dash, a cross-hatched glossy plastic that made for a refreshing (and no doubt less-expensive) option to wood or “piano black” trim."

"There were just enough “chrome” accents for the pieces to complement the interior, not overpower it."

"The seats were very comfortable as well."

"The added torque in the Sportback is instantly noticeable and provides relatively strong off-the-line performance."

"The GTS trim does away with the standard electric power steering in favor of a hydraulic setup, so there was none of the disconnectedness you sometimes get with the former systems, and Mitsubishi did a nice job with the suspension, too."

"The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS makes an interesting alternative to all-new compacts like the Focus, Cruze and Elantra, provided you value performance above refinement and fuel efficiency, and it’s a viable option against a similarly equipped Honda Civic Si or Suzuki Kizashi if you absolutely can’t afford the extra cash necessary to get into the latter two."

"The Sportback’s sportback is another overall benefit, adding significant interior volume and versatility, enhanced by 60/40 split folding rear seats."

Lancer Sportback Ralliart Reviews

Car and Driver 5/23/2011 - caranddriver.com

"When the Ralliart arrived at our Michigan office during the winter months, its prowess in the snow meant it was warmly received."

"A handsome exterior, razor-sharp steering like that of the Evo, pleasing sound from the upgraded stereo, a relatively compliant ride, and a satisfying brake pedal."

"Over the course of 40,000 miles, the Ralliart proved to be a very reliable machine."
"The tires did a great job of keeping us moving through the winter."

"The shifts were fast and crisp."

Outlander Sport Review May 2011

2011-06-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Outlander Sport Review:

Edmunds Insideline 5/18/2011 - edmunds.com

"The matte finish on its steering wheel plastics diffuse sunlight glare without losing the intended artistic touch. The plastic reflects light no more intensely than the leather wrapped steering wheel. That gets a thumbs up in my book."

NADAguides Names Outlander Sport "Best Car Buy" for 2011

2011-06-01T11:29:00.001-07:00

NADAguides Names Outlander Sport "Best Car Buy" for 2011

NADAguides, the leading online provider of vehicle pricing and information, has named the Outlander Sport a Best Car Buys for 2011 in the "Sport" segment.

According to the guide, "Fuel efficiency, price and a great warranty make the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a NADAguides Best Buy." The guide says the SE offers the lowest price point, $21,695, yet the highest fuel efficiency, 28 MPG combined.

NADAguides says the Annual Best Car Buys provides consumers with the industry's most comprehensive report of current model best buys. This report is based on an in-depth and unique scoring system developed by the NADAguides' analysts that utilizes criteria that matters most to consumers when considering their next car purchase price, first year depreciation value, fuel efficiency, warranty coverage and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings.

Outlander and Outlander Sport "Dangerous Test Drive" Campaign Kicks Off

2011-06-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Outlander and Outlander Sport "Dangerous Test Drive" Campaign Kicks Off

Set to begin airing on Thursday, May 12, our dynamic CUV duo of the Outlander Sport and Outlander - featuring the world's most advanced All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system - follow up their remarkable five world-record setting achievements performed on a frozen Canadian lake with an even bolder, death-defying trek. To demonstrate the superior traction and maneuverability that Mitsubishi's renowned all-wheel drive system has to offer, MMNA dispatched the pair of vehicles to the Southern Hemisphere to navigate what is considered to be the most hazardous stretch of road in the world.

Applying the lessons learned from multiple Dakar Rally victories, Mitsubishi Motors has forged a leadership position in all-wheel-drive technology, and now offers drivers the world's most advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) in the form of the renowned S-AWC (Super-All-Wheel-Control) system that offers superior traction and torque vectoring in other models including the Outlander GT and the Lancer Evolution.

It is the first ever TV commercial to be shot on the notoriously dangerous Yungas Road in Bolivia - which is better known as the "Death Road" or "Road of Death" in many parts of the world. The road is reported to claim the lives of some 200 to 300 travelers each year, the victims of its incredibly steep terrain, sheer cliff drop-offs of more than 1,800 feet, lack of guard rails and its narrow, single-lane configuration. Carved into the hillside by Paraguayan prisoners in the 1930s and approximately 43 miles in length, this treacherous dirt road out of La Paz ascends to a stratospheric 15,260 foot elevation before rapidly descending to 3,900 feet at the town of Coroico. Changing road conditions due to rain, dust and dense fog add to the already formidable task of safely completing the drive.

"The team at Mitsubishi Motors realized quickly only a location such as 'The World's Most Dangerous Road' could truly test our world's most advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) system," said Greg Adams, VP of Marketing. "From the Outlander family of versatile crossover and sport utility vehicles to the high-performance Lancer Ralliart and Evolution luxury sport sedans, the automotive consumer has a wide range of capable AWC-equipped vehicles to choose from."

The innovative marketing campaign includes television, digital consisting of a landing page to view video of an amazing 360 degree view test drive, social media including a dedicated Facebook tab and PR that clearly demonstrates the exceptional handling and enhanced tractability of Mitsubishi's technologically-advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) system that is available on both the sophisticated and roomy mid-size Outlander and the equally stylish and economical Outlander Sport crossover. Both vehicles have been key contributors to Mitsubishi's impressive sales surge this year, with Outlander and Outlander Sport combined sales up more than 98% year-to-date over 2010 sales figures.

"Today it's about what a brand does as well as what it says. So we didn't want to just talk about Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC), we wanted to prove it by actually taking on the world's most dangerous road. We documented the whole event, every hair-raising turn, and allow people to ride shotgun with a 360 cam," said William Gelner, Executive Creative Director at 180LA.

If you haven't yet seen the memorable Outlander and Outlander Sport "World's Most Dangerous Test Drive" video from the edge of the exotic and intoxicatingly beautiful Bolivian rain forest:

Lancer Sportback Review - May 2011

2011-06-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

New Haven Register 5/7/2011 - http://www.nhregister.com/

"All of the cars have a place and that's what's smart about the Lancer. Sure all cars have different trim levels but these Lancers really have different personalities. They are just cheaper or better equipped versions of each other."

"I had a chance to drive the Lancer in some really bad weather and it was solid and safe."

"It always made it comfortably around corners without that loosey goosey feeling that comes from only being mildly in touch with the road."

"The Ralliart can get down and boogie with anything in this class except the Evo and Subaru's STi. That' s keeping pretty good company."

"The Lancers aren't expensive cars but they are solid and had plenty of features."

"Mitsubishi's FUSE Hands Free Link lets you access your phone iPod or other device using voice control. The system worked pretty well."

"I like the idea that you can get this attractive car in three different flavors. While they are price driven, they are also socially adaptable."

"Heavy breathers who can't afford an Evo can make do rather well in the Ralliart."

Business Update May 6, 2011

2011-06-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

High Gas Prices Could Drive Americans to Public Transit

A new survey indicates that many American motorists think rising gas costs ultimately will limit their ability to drive.

63 percent of the American drivers surveyed in the America THINKS survey from HNTB Corporation think that gas will get so pricey that they won't be able to drive their car as often as they do now. In fact, 22 percent say they are extremely confident this will happen.

With gas prices currently averaging $3.96 per gallon nationally, a cut-off point may be quickly approaching when millions more Americans will fill up local buses and trains instead of their tanks. On average, a price of $4.90 per gallon would push Americans who say they are willing to use public transit to climb on board.

Rising gas prices were cited as the No. 1 reason Americans with public transportation in the area would ride rather than drive (42 percent). This reason was much higher than other potentially motivating factors, including convenience (14 percent) and the environment (6 percent). A recent study by the American Public Transportation Association revealed if regular gas prices reach $4 a gallon across the nation, an additional 670 million passenger trips could be expected to take place on the nation's transit systems. If pump prices rise to $5 a gallon an additional 1.5 billion passenger trips can be expected, totaling more than 11.6 billion trips per year. Many transit systems already are experiencing increased ridership.

HNTB's America THINKS transit survey polled a random nationwide sample of 1,000 Americans March 23-31, 2011. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent. HNTB Corporation is an infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients.

Business Update April 28, 2011

2011-06-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Selected for U.S. Launch of Electric i Sales

MMNA has selected Hawaii to be the first state to receive the 100% electric-powered Mitsubishi i production vehicle beginning in November of this year.

With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $27,990 for the base ES model, Hawaiian citizens can take advantage of their tropical state's clean energy rebate of $4,500 toward the purchase of the Mitsubishi i along with a federal tax credit of $7,500 (subject to availability of funding), reducing the EV's out-of-pocket cost to under $16,000 after rebates and credits.

"We thank Mitsubishi Motors for choosing Hawaii as one of the first states to receive the new "i" electric car. Electric vehicles use a fraction of the fuel needed by traditional cars, so each EV on the road means we're reducing our dependence on imported oil and increasing our ability to reach Hawaii's goal of 70 percent clean energy within a generation," said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office.

The Mitsubishi i will be available for licensed drivers to test drive at Cutter Mitsubishi in Aiea, Hawaii later this fall.

Deliveries of the spacious and energy efficient 5-door 2012 Mitsubishi i to dealers in the western United States (specifically Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington) are expected to begin in November 2011, with entry into the northeastern market to follow by March 2012 and nationwide availability by the end of 2012.

Buisiness Update April 21, 2011

2011-06-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Low Price, Easy Online Ordering for Mitsubishi i

MMNA announced the pricing for the Mitsubishi i today at the New York International Auto Show and that the vehicle will be available for pre-order beginning on Earth Day, tomorrow.

The all-new 2012 Mitsubishi i (ES trim level) will have a starting net MSRP after federal tax credit ($7,500) of only $20,490 - a substantial savings of several thousand when compared to its mass-produced production EV competition! What's more, the upgraded SE trim level includes a dynamic 360-watt, 8 speaker deluxe sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded seating material with silver interior accents, unique two-tone interior I/P and door panels, 15-in. alloy wheels, and fog lamps with DRL function at a net MSRP of only $22,490.

An available factory SE premium package is also available for an additional $2,790 MSRP and includes a DC quick charging port for ultra-fast Level 3 battery recharging (80% full in only 30 minutes!), HDD navigation system with rearview camera, FUSE Hands-free Link™ with USB port and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Despite its attractive sticker price, the base model Mitsubishi i ES packs a full complement of welcome standard equipment and amenities. These include speed-sensitive electric power steering (EPS), LED rear tail lamps, driver seat heater, electric air conditioning with micron filter, remote keyless entry, 3-spoke sport steering wheel, an on-board recharging system with 120V portable 8 amp charging cable, and a 4 speaker, 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback.

An available Cold Zone package will be offered on both the ES and SE trim levels for only $150 MSRP that includes a Li-Ion Battery Warming System and heated outside mirrors.

Additionally, the process for pre-ordering is a simple procedure that can be completed in a matter of minutes. And for the first 2,000 who place a pre-order and take possession of the Mitsubishi i, these early adopters will not only be on their way to taking delivery of a unique vehicle that is as space efficient as it is eco-friendly, but we'll waive the home electrical inspection fee - a $99.99 value.

MMNA Celebrates Eclipse Legacy with Special Editions

From its early days as a sleekly-styled, turbocharged-4-cylinder boy racer model, right up through to its current design as a sophisticated yet distinctive-looking two-door with available V-6 power, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe and Eclipse Spyder have long been tailor-made for the true driving enthusiast. But after a long and successful run as our signature luxury performance sports coupe in North America, the always fun-to-drive Eclipse will cease production after the upcoming 2012 model year.

To mark the occasion, the outgoing 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe and Eclipse Spyder will be available in a unique SE Special Edition that will feature eye-catching exterior features including special "SE" side decaling, black side mirrors and handsome 18-in. dark finish alloy wheels, along with the extensive list of high-end standard features that can be found on the Eclipse GS-Sport versions of both the hardtop and convertible models.

Included amenities on the amply-equipped Eclipse GS-Sport models are a 4-speed automatic transmission, leather seating with heated front seats and a power driver's seat, rearview camera, Bluetooth® hands-free phone access, HID headlights with fog lamps, heated side mirrors and an exquisite sounding 9 speaker, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate® premium audio system with SIRIUS® satellite radio. The coupe version of the Eclipse GS-Sport includes a sunroof as well.

Powering all of these models is a very capable 162 horsepower, normally-aspirated 2.4-liter SOHC MIVEC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine.

The top-of-the-line Eclipse GT Coupe and Spyder editions feature a 265 horsepower, 3.8-liter SOHC MIVEC 24-valve V-6 that is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that makes use of Mitsubishi's Sportronic® transmission technology, allowing the driver to manually select gearshifts when so desired. An automatic climate control system is also an included feature on all Eclipse GT models. Standard safety equipment on all Eclipse models includes 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) and side air bags. Side curtain air bags are included on the Eclipse Coupe.

More Than $28,000 in Donations Thus Far Through Red Cross / MMNA Site

The American Red Cross tells us that $28,070 dollars has now been pledged (as of 4/6) by MMNA employees, dealers, and other partners through 163 donations on the mini-website set up by MMNA for Earthquake/Tsunami relief. Thank you very much for your contributions and assistance in spreading the word about the site. Contributions to this campaign are forwarded to the Japan Red Cross. You can still make your contribution at the following website, created especially for MMNA:

http://american.redcross.org/mitsubishi-emp

Thank you.

Endeavor Review April 2011

2011-06-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Endeavor Review

Kelley Blue Book 4/14/2011

"If you're looking for a car-like ride in a rugged-looking crossover that offers plenty of ground clearance and a plethora of standard features, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is not to be overlooked."

"For those not needing rock-climbing off-road ability or the need to tow a big boat, a vehicle like the Mitsubishi Endeavor makes good, practical sense."

"It's the Mitsubishi Endeavor's long list of standard features and competitive price that will probably motivate most consumers to give this sporty crossover a second look."

"In our few days spent behind the wheel of the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor, we found the vehicle delivered good ride quality with steering that was direct and responsive."

"On long highway stretches, the Endeavor tracked straight and true, and was seemingly impervious to strong crosswinds and buffeting."

"In city and suburban driving, the car's modest size translates into easy parking and maneuverability."

"Thanks to its high seating position and low beltline, drivers of all sizes will find they have a commanding view of the road."

"This mild family cruiser gets a little extra kick over its competition, thanks to the 360-watt Rockford Fosgate system."

"You shouldn't have a problem finding places to plug in your accessories: The Mitsubishi Endeavor features four 12-volt power outlets."

"One particular feature that caught our eye is the small corner window forward of the front door that provides a clear, unobstructed view of pedestrians and other traffic normally blocked by the mirrors and windshield pillar."

"Far from being just another overgrown station wagon, the Endeavor impresses with its good ground clearance, tall roof, and large cargo hold. Clever design elements include a low load-in height at the rear hatch, pedestal-style folding side mirrors, and an integrated roof rack."

http://www.kbb.com/

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Reviews April

2011-06-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

Eclipse Review

Kelley Blue Book 4/14/2011

"The 2012 Eclipse Coupe impresses with its exotic good looks, affordable window sticker, and noteworthy performance."

"No longer the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive powerhouse once coveted in the 1990s, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe is still a fun and seductive ride."

"Engineered for a more mature driver, the 2012 Eclipse Coupe can still deliver plenty of thrill rides on curvy roads, while also serving as a very livable daily commuter."

"Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines provide plenty of low-end torque, which is the force required to merge quickly or scoot across an intersection."

"With the Eclipse GT, Mitsubishi has managed to strike a satisfying balance between steering responsiveness and low-speed control, both of which seem nearly effortless."

"Mitsubishi's 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain is pretty hard to ignore when you're considering the pros and cons of a new-car purchase."

"Mitsubishi has given the 2012 Eclipse Coupe an artful interior rich in curves and quality materials."
"The Coupe provides impressive outward visibility thanks primarily to an abundance of side glass."
"Hooded gauges and circular air vents create a cozy cockpit-like environment, which is made even more alluring by blue backlighting of the instruments and controls."

"Nicely bolstered front bucket seats strike a balance between being supportive during sporty drives, and supremely comfortable on longer trips."

"We love the Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe's many available features, such as its heated leather seats, Rockford Fosgate high-end audio, and Bluetooth."

"Adding to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe's curvaceous good looks is a new, blacked-out roof panel, which is a tribute to the original Eclipse. The 2012 Eclipse Coupe also sits about half an inch lower, giving it a more custom look, as well as slightly improved cornering ability."

"Attention-catching details on the Eclipse Coupe include the blacked-out wide-mouth grille, clear rear taillamps that change color when their red LED lights ignite, and headlamps that include a blue tinted "monocle" lens extending from their centers."

"The Coupe's large rear hatch is becoming an increasingly novel feature in the coupe world, but its practicality can not be overlooked."

"While other two-door hatchbacks, such as the Volkswagen GTI and Mini Cooper, fall into the same price range as the Eclipse Coupe, neither can match the up-level Eclipse GT's 265-horsepower engine."

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Reviews April

2011-06-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Eclipse Spyder Review

Kelley Blue Book 4/14/2011

"The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder offers a rare combination of exotic good looks, open-air motoring, and an abundance of features, all packed into an affordable package."

"Available with an economical four-cylinder or a potent V6 engine, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a great way to enjoy roofless driving from an enthusiast's point of view."

"With its 18-inch wheel and tire package and available V6 engine, the Spyder can gobble up miles of road and hours of your time without complaint."

"The multi-layer fabric top, with its polyester and cotton interior headliner and heated glass rear window, provides a surprisingly quiet cabin when it's up. The new hydraulic system is quieter than the previous model's electric motors and folds the top completely out of sight under a flush-fitting hard cover in about 20 seconds."

"The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder boasts one of the best standard audio systems in its price range. The Rockford Fosgate system pumps 650 watts of peak power through nine speakers, including an eight-inch, long-throw subwoofer."

"In keeping with the car's wave-like exterior is an equally curving dash design that places all controls within easy reach of the driver. The gauges are backlit with ice-blue LEDs. Controls for the cruise, Bluetooth and audio are smartly placed on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to operate a number of devices without removing his hands from the wheel."

"We love the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder's seductive exterior, with its curvaceous lines, blacked-out wide-mouth grille and clean rear deck."

Lancer Ralliart Review April 2011

2011-06-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

auto123 4/7/2011
"The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a real impostor. It looks like a typical Lancer and retails for a cheap price - basically, an ordinary sports sedan. But once you step behind the wheel, watch out: this thing handles almost like an Evo."

"This is much more than a relatively affordable sports car."

"The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart may not be as potent as the Evo but it still generates 237 horsepower, which is more than enough in this application. Essentially, the Evo's engine has been detuned, and believe it or not, turbo lag is reduced, making the Ralliart explosive at lower revs."

"Engineers realized that the twin-clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (SST) was one of the highlights of the top-level Lancer - and one of the best gearboxes in the industry - so they made the smart move of fitting it to the Ralliart as well. The result is nothing short of outstanding; the paddle shifters behind the wheel deliver lightning-quick shifts at all times."

"Completing the drivetrain is a remarkable all-wheel drive system which Mitsubishi calls ''Super All-Wheel Control'' (S-AWC). Three different modes (Snow, Tarmac, Gravel) offer three different groups of settings, each working seamlessly and effectively."

"A couple of quick tests made me realize that this car has a lot of potential."

"The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is almost like my automotive equivalent - when the conditions are right, it can deliver plenty of bang; most other times, though, it happily keeps quiet. Chalk it up as a nice sports car middle ground."

"The suspension excels at keeping the body in check and thus eliminating unpleasant, useless weight transfers in sharp corners. The steering is sharp."

http://www.auto123.com/en/

Ridelust 4/26/2011

"I give Mitsubishi a big thumbs up on the exterior styling, which is aggressive without screaming 'boy racer'."

"Even a five-hour stint behind the wheel wasn't tiring, so your daily commute in a Lancer Ralliart would be plenty comfortable."

"The Lancer gives you a surprising amount of rear seat leg and head room for a compact car, so even six-foot-tall friends won't complain too much about not getting shotgun."

"Your only transmission choice is Mitsubishi's superb Sportronic dual-clutch gearbox, which can be shifted via the lever or via steering column mounted paddle shifters."

"The car stays planted no matter how hard you get on the throttle, and the Lancer Ralliart is capable of a sub six-second zero to sixty sprint."

"I had the chance to drive the Lancer Ralliart at speed in some fairly heinous rainstorms. I never noticed any compromise in traction, and the car was completely willing to go as fast as I wanted."

"Ordinarily, I'd say that a manual transmission option would be nice, but Mitsubishi's Sportronic transmission is so good that you really won't miss it."

"As optioned, my Lancer Ralliart tester had a sticker price of $31,355, including a destination charge of $760 and the $3,100 Ralliart Touring Package....By comparison, a similarly equipped Subaru WRX Limited would sticker at $30,462, but that lacks the dual-clutch gearbox of the Lancer Ralliart. Ford's AWD Fusion Sport with the 3.5-liter V-6 would sticker at $31,195 in similar trim, but it's not going to be as quick or nimble as the Lancer Ralliart."

"In the end it comes down to this: if how your ride goes, stops and handles is more important than luxury or amenities, the Lancer Ralliart needs to be on your short list."

"Thumbs Up: One seriously quick grocery getter."

"Buy This Car If: You want a truly entertaining small sedan daily driver."

"This car is seriously quick, with a rock-solid chassis capable of taking all you're willing to dish out. It's not an Evo, but it is a more attractively priced, more comfortable sedan that's a better real-world choice for your daily commute."

"Roll up in a Lancer Ralliart, and you're pretty much guaranteed to get their attention."

http://www.ridelust.com/

Outlander Reviews - April 2011

2011-05-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Outlander Reviews

Ridelust 4/7/2011

"I have a favorable impression of the three-diamond brand permanently ingrained in my head. The 2011 Outlander 3.0 GT S-AWC did nothing to diminish that brand image."

"Where the Outlander shines is in its AWD system, which uses technology pioneered by the Lancer Evolution."

"I like the angry appearance of the Outlander's front fascia. I like the aggressively flared fenders as well, and the lower door character line actually reminds me of the side sills on my old Eclipse GSX. It's familiar styling, but I see that as a good thing."

"The Outlander, while still a box-on-box crossover, carries a style that's unique and far more distinctive than offerings from Honda or Toyota. It's sportier in appearance, too....No, the Outlander won't accelerate, brake or corner like the Evo, but at least it still looks cool parked in your garage."
"I give the Outlander's leather trimmed cloth front seats a thumbs up for comfort and support."

"Under the hood, the Outlander packs a 3.0 liter V6, good for 230 horsepower and 215 ft lb of torque. That's good enough to get the Outlander GT from zero to sixty in under eight seconds, but it still returns a respectable 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway."

"On the road, the Outlander GT handled better than comparable models from Toyota, Honda or Jeep. The steering never felt too light, which is usually the case with crossovers and small SUVs....It won't replace a sports car in your garage, but if you're switching from a sports car to a crossover, the Outlander will be far more amusing to drive than most."

"It really comes down to what you think of Mitsubishi as a manufacturer. In my experience, they build a good product."

http://www.ridelust.com/

Northwest [ILLINOIS] Herald 3/25/2011

"The Outlander's ride is relatively smooth."

"Thoughtful design....includes a cupholder and small 'personal' pullout bin to the left of the steering wheel, a tissue holder in the center console, a card holder in the visors...and upper and lower glove boxes. The lower on is lighted and lockable...upper is spacious."

http://www.nwherald.com/

autoweek 4/8/2011

"Mitsubishi lowered the base price of the Outlander GT by almost $1,700 from the previous year. That surely will upset some owners of the 2010 model but provides a pretty good value argument to those currently in the market."

"From a drive standpoint, the suspension is well-sorted, and the steering is tuned nicely for good response, feedback and weight. The Outlander stays nicely planted around turns, yet the suspension still offers adequate absorption abilities for the rough road conditions so very common around Detroit after a long winter."

"Power from the 3.0-liter V6 is strong, with 230 hp on tap, and a slick six-speed automatic gearbox. Magnesium paddle shifters to select gears manually are also here. Surprisingly, manual shift response isn't half-bad for a torque-converter transmission."

"I took a spin home and back from work in slushy conditions. And luckily, I didn't spin in this Mitsubishi, as the sturdy all-wheel drive capably handled everything I encountered. The knob allowing for changes on the fly was helpful, as I was able to adjust wheel control from the tarmac to snow settings as my commute varied. The big wheels and decent ground clearance helped as well."

"The Outlander is a good-sized vehicle, and the back seat easily swallowed my groceries. The looks are rather plain, but the headlights and taillights are dressed up nicely, and greenhouse has a distinctive silhouette."

"There is good legroom and good cargo space in back."

"The LED taillights get a thumbs-up from me; they give that angle just enough flavor and distinction to set it apart from the pack on the road."

"The Rockford Fosgate sound system, which is part of the optional Touring package installed on our tester, sounds great, too."

"It's competitive, for sure."

"The paint and the headlights and taillights do give the ute some flair."

http://www.autoweek.com/

examiner.com 4/5/2011

"There is some design cleverness in this Mitsubishi. The split tailgate offers convenient access to the low cargo floor. The cargo well behind the third row seat - minivan-style - would have allowed for more cargo space if that seat were ever usable enough to be occupied. The front seats are comfortable and surprisingly well-bolstered."

"The steering is sharp and well-weighted, encouraging drivers to push the car harder, and the suspension doesn't disappoint a driver thus encouraged. Many smaller and lower vehicles lack this lively feel. The Mitsubishi is lighter than most of this comparison's other vehicles, and feels it."

http://www.examiner.com/

Outlander Sport Reviews - April 2011

2011-05-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Outlander Sport Reviews

Austin American Statesman 4/3/201

"The Sport's cabin worked well, with a good trip computer, somewhat better-than-average Rockford Fosgate sound system and readily accessible owner media interfaces with USB and mini-plug receptacles, and hands-free Bluetooth phone."

"Exterior styling is among the Sport's best features....the Sport's roofline and profile, and rear taillight and deck treatment are appealing and somewhat original."

"In my experience, the 148-horsepower engine was happiest moseying through city traffic, and power was more than adequate for that."

"The Sport's ride was comfortable."

http://www.statesman.com/

carconnection.com 4/4/2011

"Mitsubishi's idea, last year, of previewing its Outlander Sport by making it the first model ever that could be remotely test driven, live--via a virtual system that promised way more than a tilt-and-pan virtual showroom tour--was the first of its kind. And it's definitely one of the coolest launch ideas of this past year. The messaging, in a way, prepared us for an unexciting yet tech-laden vehicle; it sounded like the kind of marketing gimmickry that's applied to vehicles that aren't much fun to drive. In both respects, that's not the case."

"The Outlander Sport shows surprising athleticism, with the excellent steering that we've come to expect in all of Mitsubishi's smaller vehicles."

"The blunt, sharklike front end looks just as good here as it does in the Outlander and Lancer family, and from pretty much any angle in front, it looks very nicely proportioned. The sheetmetal has a bit more excitement than that of Mitsubishi's other vehicles, with a gradually rising beltline crease that serves to interrupt the otherwise slab-sided look."

"The majority of buyers will probably go for the CVT, which is what our test car had; and in moderate, suburban-style driving, the Outlander Sport does just fine with the combination--neither sluggish nor overtly quick."

"The design of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport interior is pretty sweet."

"We really like the way the Outlander Sport is lit inside, too. Although it's red lighting, there's a lot of attention to detail, and the very large moonroof is even lit around the rim; a subtle touch that you might notice when parked but not when driving."

"We're really impressed with the Outlander Sport's combination of responsiveness and ride quality. The suspension does a great job of absorbing minor road shocks; so it's surprising that when you load up the suspension a bit more in cornering that it feels as good as it does."

"The virtual test drive might have been a gimmick, but Mitsubishi had nothing to cover up here; take one out for a drive and you'll find this to be one of the best takes on 'tall small' yet."

"Its top gear ratio is nice and tall, keeping revs under 2,500 rpm at 75 mph."

"The Outlander Sport stands out as quite a deal, especially for the base front-wheel-drive model, at $19,275 including destination."

http://www.thecarconnection.com/

Denver Post 4/9/2011

"Price is a plus."

"Up front, the well-bolstered seats are heated and covered with durable fabric."

"This engine moves the Mitsubishi a notch above most other crossovers in fuel mileage....It becomes more satisfactory by using the paddle shifters and their six shift points."

http://www.denverpost.com/

St. Petersburg Times 4/9/2011

"It's priced attractively, starting at $18,495, and packs a lot of features for the money."
"The estimated mpg is 25 in the city and 31 on the highway, which is good for a crossover. (There's an Eco Drive light to help you monitor how efficiently you're driving.)"

"Our tester - the middle SE trim - had lots of other little things you don't expect in this price range, such as keyless entry, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers and telescopic steering wheel. We found the controls on the center console basic and easy to use. For techies, there are all the required ports for USB, auxiliary and power, and Mitsubishi's FUSE hands-free voice-activated control system. The multi-color information display nestled between the driver's gauges is sharp and easy to read."

"The electronic power steering was responsive and not too light."

http://www.sptimes.ru/

Washington Times 4/23/2011

"Here you will find a good thing since the cost of the Outlander Sport is much less than its competition."

"Braking comes in with high marks on this one and the standard airbags include front side, front and rear side curtain and driverside knee airbags."

"This Mitsubishi Outlander Sport does have a nice package inside and one can expect comfort on long drives since the front seats contour nicely with plenty of legroom room as well as head room for taller drivers and passengers."

"Depending on your reason for buying a new vehicle and whether you really need the earth shattering power, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport might be perfect for you. Especially if you are looking for an affordable vehicle that still offers the perfect creature comforts."

"The standard Fuse voice-activation system is a real bonus on this one."

"We found this newbie a quiet ride and it does look good even at an affordable price tag."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/

Left Lane News (4/29/2011)

"Among the breakthroughs for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport start with the price....it is a pretty darn complete package on paper for our tester's low base price."

"The seats throughout were covered with a black knit material that appears to wear well from our brief exposure to it. They proved very supportive during our day trips."

"The redundant controls and alloy paddle shift levers were a welcome touch on the steering wheel when trying to get out of our own way."

http://www.leftlanenews.com/

Lancer Sportback Review - April 2011

2011-05-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Lancer Sportback Review

Washington Times 4/1/2011

"With a price range starting as low as $16,000 the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a go-to car for those not only looking for an economical set of wheels; the Ralliart trim creates an upgrade option that should definitely be a strong consideration."

"The ES entry-level trim is definitely bringing Mitsubishi to the forefront, think performance and function with a price tag that won't make you run."

"While it's a simple cabin design it's easy to read the gauges and dials making it an easier driving experience overall."

"For those passengers in the backseat, complaints should be minimal since legroom was well thought out too."

"Easy to drive and easy to take to the highway, you'll feel the road in this one. For those drivers who like to take the road hard, consider the Ralliart with its turbo-charged offering. It's all about gear changes and hugging the curves, no need to take it slow in this one."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/

windingroad.com 4/6/2011

"The motor feels strong, despite not having a turbo bolted on, and the paddles are fun to use when moving in and out of highway traffic. You're easily able to get the best out of the engine, despite its relative lack of power."

"In terms of handling, the Lancer is pretty decent. Turn-in is good, and the car is great at changing direction quickly and repeatedly."

"I think the real winning formula would be for this GTS to be offered with all wheel-drive. There's about $8000 between the cheapest GTS Sportback, and the cheapest Ralliart Sportback, where I think another, even more functional model could usefully slot in - especially for folks like us in the Snow Belt. I'm sure that Mitsubishi would be happy to sell me an Outlander Sport to fill this need (or Nissan an AWD Juke), but the sedan-based Lancer is still more fun to chuck around."

http://www.windingroad.com/