I grew up reading about Japan's microscopic Kei-class cars, but never did I think an automaker would actually bring one to our shores. Lo and behold, Mitsubishi has: its gasoline-powered, jellybean-shaped i may not be sold here, but the electric-powered version -- the i MiEV, or i Powered by MiEV as it's formally known here -- has officially joined Mitsubishi's shrinking North American portfolio.

The Evolution MR and I had only brief, late night and early morning encounters. For the first time, I was happy to find an automatic transmission in an Evo as I was in desperate need of minimum-effort transportation. Thus equipped, it actually proved to be a remarkably laid back chariot, with credit going to its light steering, surprisingly compliant ride, and supportive Recaro sport seats. My only complaint was that, as usual, I could have benefitted from a booster seat to better see over the hooded gauge surrounds.

With less than a month until this year's Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi has announced that it will use the show to introduce the next-generation Outlander. The new midsize crossover is designed to be more fuel-efficient and offer more technology than the current Mitsubishi Outlander.

I have a general feeling of "eh" about this vehicle, which might be unfair, but there it is. Let me explain. The Outlander's front-end styling is at least distinctive, if not attractive. There's good front and rear visibility from the driver's seat. I like the toggle switch for moving around the map in the navigation system, but where's the MAP button? I don't like the red instrument panel lighting. The engine has a little bit of a shrill metallic note, but it's a strong engine, and it works well with the six-speed automatic with manual control; the magnesium shift paddles mounted to the steering column are very nice. In the end, though, there's very little about the Outlander that makes it break through the clutter. There's not much about it that makes me want to buy it over so many other competitors in its class. And life for the Outlander isn't going to get any easier, with Honda introducing a new version of its perpetually popular CR-V. All that said, Automobile Magazine columnist and contributing writer Ezra Dyer has an Outlander in his family fleet, and he quite likes his.

Mitsubishi has seen the future, and it's green. Instead of pursuing development of the sports cars and SUVs long associated with the brand, the company is pursuing a portfolio of small, efficient--and sometimes electric--automobiles. Case in point? The new electric i, which finally arrives stateside for the 2012 model year. Although bumpers, headlamps, and other small details are unique to the U.S.-spec car, the i's dimensions and specs largely mirror those of its Japanese sibling. The egg-shaped EV is undeniably small, although its cabin offers a surprising amount of room for four. SE models toss in amenities like a two-tone interior, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and argent interior trim. Apart from the eerie lack of engine noise, the i drives like most other, larger subcompact hatchbacks, despite its physical dimensions. Predictably, the i's nimble steering and slight frame are boons in urban gridlock; cruising at highway speeds produces more wind noise, a somewhat nervous ride quality, and a decrease in total range. On that note, Mitsubishi says the i's lithium-ion battery pack provides 85 miles of travel on a single charge. With a 120-volt charging cord, a full charge should take twenty-two hours; upgrade to an optional 240-volt charger, and that time drops to six hours. ES models add a connector for level 3 quick charging (an 80-percent charge takes only thirty minutes), but few such stations are installed nationwide. Competitors may offer more range and more space, but the i is still an affable little EV.

Evo enthusiasts, fret not. Despite rumors suggesting your vaunted, street-legal rally weapon is dead after 2012, officials have confirmed that the car will live on for the 2012 and 2013 model years. That said, don't expect many changes in the next few years. Instead, Mitsubishi is focusing on tweaking its less-expensive, higher-volume Lancer variants. For 2012, it has added yet another way to purchase a Lancer with all-wheel drive, which was once the exclusive domain of the Evo line. In addition to the turbocharged Lancer Ralliart, a new Lancer SE sedan mates the company's AWC (All-Wheel Control) system to a normally aspirated, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a continuously variable transmission. While the Evolution's razor-sharp steering rack and insane power continue to entertain, lesser Lancers aren't complete bores. Mitsubishi does a commendable job of infusing the Evo's playful spirit across the lineup; as a result, even front-wheel-drive models feel taut, sharp, and fairly tactile. We'd elect to skip the 2.0-liter I-4 in the DE and the ES; the 2.4-liter four-banger found in the SE and the GTS provides a fair amount of torque and is rather peppy. Where the Lancer line--Evo and all--lags is in refinement. Compared to other cars in this segment, the Lancer's interior is surprisingly basic, and road noise is considerable. Still, for buyers wanting a little fun at an affordable price, the Lancer remains worth considering.

The Outlander and the Outlander Sport may share platforms and names, but there's no mistaking the two when placed side by side. While the Outlander Sport is a smaller crossover designed to target young buyers, the Outlander is now a more mature, sophisticated, and family-friendly offering than ever before. Although this second-generation model dates back to 2006, a midcycle update lent the Outlander an aggressive, sporty exterior (blatantly inspired by the Lancer Evolution), along with some upgraded interior materials. A 2.4-liter I-4 powers both the base ES and midlevel SE trims--the latter is available in both front- and all-wheel-drive forms. Mated with a continuously variable transmission, the four-cylinder can deliver up to 28 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive form, but with nearly 3400 pounds of mass to move, acceleration predictably suffers. We'd recommend stepping up to the GT, which is the only Outlander that offers six-cylinder power. A 3.0-liter V-6 provides an adequate 230 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, opting for all-wheel drive on a GT model ushers in Mitsubishi's S-AWC driveline. Also found in the Lancer Evolution, this system can vector torque between the rear wheels, improving both traction and cornering. Although competitors such as the Subaru Outback and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer a little more interior sophistication and a little less road noise, the Outlander--especially in GT form--delivers impressive handling, a comfortable ride, and room for up to seven.

We know it's easy to do, but don't confuse the Mitsubishi Outlander with the Outlander Sport. Although the two vehicles share names, platforms, and styling cues, their personalities are markedly different. While the Outlander has evolved into a larger, family-oriented vehicle, the Sport is a svelte crossover targeted at buyers who want an affordable and frugal sport-utility vehicle. If the Outlander Sport looks like a Lancer Sportback on stilts, that's because it essentially is. The compact crossover shares its basic underpinnings, powertrain, and a number of components--including the instrument panel, for instance--with Mitsubishi's entry-level sedan. All Outlander Sports crib the 2.0-liter, 148-hp four-cylinder engine from the Lancer DE and ES models. A five-speed manual transmission is available on ES models, although a CVT is available and is standard on the higher-grade SE trim. Not only does the CVT improve fuel economy (25/31 mpg city/highway), but it's also available with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Outlander Sport's Lancer roots bless it with great steering and decent handling, but it doesn't exactly live up to its name. Although the four-cylinder engine sips fuel, it feels markedly underpowered. The five-speed manual livens things up a bit, but acceleration in CVT models--especially those coupled with all-wheel drive--is adequate at best. If you can't live with a Lancer hatchback and can forgo the power offered by several competitors, the Outlander Sport may be a perfect fit.

Mitsubishi only sells a handful of models in the U.S., but the automaker will have 15 vehicles in its booth at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The biggest news will be an all-new Mirage model aimed at emerging markets and the Concept PX MiEV II plug-in hybrid showing off the automaker's latest "green technology."

It's a challenge for anyone to keep up with the constantly changing roster of cars on dealership lots. For car lovers it's an even tougher task, because beyond knowing that a certain model exists, you need to know where it fits in the automotive firmament. That's why we've gathered every new model due by the first half of 2012 and categorized them, not alphabetically or by some government-defined size class, but by their relevance to buyers, enthusiasts, and the companies that build them. Some cars thrust automakers into new segments, while others drive just like last year's model. Some cars protect the sanctity of the manual transmission, while others advance performance with the latest technology. Some cars address rising fuel-economy standards, while others disguise obscene speed in stealthy sheetmetal. Here are the 85 new arrivals shaping the automotive world for 2012.

At board meetings, on test tracks, and in design studios, decisions are being made today that will influence what you drive tomorrow. Automakers are hard at work creating the next generation of automobiles -- cars that are faster, sexier, more efficient -- while trying to keep their development secret. Like you, we are nosy as hell. Unlike you, we have a vast network of snoops, gossips, and disgruntled former employees who have helped us uncover the information we present here. Our annual Sneak Preview feature contains the industry's future products -- as far out as 2019 -- that are worth saving your milk money for.

As today's A.D.D. culture has filtered into the auto market, new niches seem to pop up overnight, and they're immediately swamped with competitors. The latest auto niche is the small crossover, and here's Mitsubishi on the vanguard with the Outlander Sport (although the Nissan Juke, with its megabucks ad budget, may be more well-known).

Most cars these days try to be good at everything. Your average $30,000 sedan, for instance, accelerates to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, has a really nice interior, and doesn’t use that much fuel. The flip side of this is that very few cars are absolutely great at anything. Which is why it’s refreshing to drive the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.

The Mitsubishi Colt wasn't exactly sought after during its U.S. run, which ended in 2002. But with its new Global Small concept, the embattled Japanese automaker hopes to erase those not-so-fond memories.

Drive a new car off the dealership lot in 2011 and no matter the make or model, you're almost certainly in a car that's safe, reliable, and competent on the road. We live in a time in which "bad cars" are practically extinct, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a prime example of that. Mitsubishi's compact crossover is a brand-new vehicle with a design that's years fresher than many of the segment's stalwarts. Despite that, it stumbles to the back of the pack right out of the gate. There's nothing perilously wrong with this Mitsubishi, but neither does it really sell itself. While its long-term reliability is untested, the Outlander Sport definitely suffers from the perception of low quality. The cabin creaks and rattles, the suspension occasionally crashes and clunks, and the interior feels decidedly cheap. Engine vibrations are evident at higher rpms, which you'll often see in efforts to get this 3040-pound vehicle moving with 148 hp. All that is a shame, because the Outlander Sport steers nicely and looks pretty sharp among some stodgier competitors.
- Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor

The Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the same competition it used to. In its long production cycle it battled head to head with the likes of the Toyota Celica, Acura RSX, and the Honda Prelude. Those have all gone the way of the dinosaur, with the eclipse left hanging on as the last of the inexpensive, high performance sport coupes. While the current generation's style can be seen as somewhat over the top, it helps them to stand out among other cars on the road. It remains a statement of style on the road to this day. However, it's performance hasn't kept up with the times as well as its looks.

In 2004 Mitsubishi launched the Endeavor, which was a surprise win in an Edmunds comparison test of the day. However, despite continued improvements to the model, it has started to slip under heavy pressure from other car makers in this highly competitive category. After the Montero left the lineup in 2006, the Endeavor was left as the largest SUV in Mitsubishi's fleet. To compete in this class, a third seat has become almost a price of entry and the Endeavor lacks one.

There was a time when the Galant from Mitsubishi was a car to be considered when shopping for a mid-sized sedan. They were fairly sport, fairly stylish, and could even be found with what was at the time, advanced technology, in the form of the Turbocharged, all-wheel drive VR4 from the 1980's. Times have changed a great deal since then, but the Galant has not. It lacks much of the inspiration that has gone into class leading models and has now been surpassed in virtually all respects by the competition. It's most recent generation came off the factory floor in 2004.

The Lancer has come a long way since its beginnings as a unimpressive compact with bland styling and dull driving demeanor. Now It offers something for everyone. In its base configuration, it markets itself to the inexpensive entry level sedan or hatchback market and in different trims it can be a screamer. Since its redesign, the Lancer has improved its handling, styling, and power (on the top engines) One area the Lancer does not impress is in fuel economy. While the top end Ralliart model will never be selected for efficiency, it's unfortunate that the lower end models couldn't squeeze more mileage out of their small, unrefined engines.

A few years ago, the Outlander stepped into one of the most hotly contested of product segments, the small SUV market. Long dominated by the likes of the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, the Outlander remains, despite Mitsubishis attempts to improve upon it, in the back of the pack. It offers the same All Wheel Drive, commanding view of the road, and cargo space that consumer look for, while setting itself apart somewhat due to its unique style. To its credit, the current Outlander solves some of the knocks against it by offering more power and sportier handling though the tradeoff for that sporty handling is ride stiff enough to leave many unhappy. Interior space remains an issue, with cramped second seat and nearly unusable third seat dimensions.

31 MPG on the highway is not an easy feat to achieve on any crossover vehicle. Mitsubishi manages it on the Outlander Sport. They've taken the outlander chassis and made a vehicle that is 15 inches shorter. Now close to the size of the largest Mini, the Countryman. It's a small crossover to be sure, but it manages to maintain most of what makes a crossover work. It is available in either front wheel drive or all-wheel drive flavors, and can be had with either a 5 speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

You don't need a high-riding SUV or crossover to get the winter traction benefits of four-wheel drive. There are myriad sedans, wagons, coupes, and even convertibles that offer four-wheel drive (usually called all-wheel drive in passenger cars) either as standard or optional equipment. We've gathered up a complete list of AWD passenger cars; the list is long and the choices are many. Although the advantages of four driven wheels are obvious in slippery road conditions, the technology comes at a cost. There is usually a cost premium associated with all-wheel drive, and sometimes a fuel economy penalty as well. So for each car listed we've indicated the extra cost of the all-wheel-drive option, or the cost differential compared with the equivalent two-wheel-drive model, as well as its EPA gas mileage ratings, and the fuel economy penalty versus the two-wheel-drive version of the same car.

The U.S.-spec Mitsubishi i-MiEV is considerably bigger than its Japanese counterpart, growing by nearly a foot in length (bringing overall length to 12 feet) and four inches in width to better fit the tastes of American consumers.

Don't confuse the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with the Mitsubishi Outlander. They share a name, but these two vehicles are distinctly different. If you're familiar with Land Rover's Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, Mitsubishi's naming scheme might make sense. The Outlander Sport isn't necessarily sportier than it's bigger, older brother. Rather, it's a significantly smaller vehicle that competes in an entirely different segment. With two rows of seats, available all-wheel drive, and a frugal four-cylinder, the Outlander Sport is entering the crowded compact crossover market as a serious latecomer.

Where auto sales stumbled in August, September brought a welcome resurgence. Although fewer cars and truck were sold in September compared to August, looking at things in the context of the historic ebb and flow between months, the September sales work out to an annual rate of 12.2 million units. Compare that to August's 10.8-million rate, and it's a happy figure indeed. In fact, it's happier than the cautiously hopeful pace we were seeing back in spring and early summer, when sales were in the 11-million-unit arena. The industry's performance in September is its most robust since the government-incentive-fueled Cash-for-Clunkers bonanza last August.