Is the Outlander Classic an imported model?

[DelKaylee]

Outlander Classic is not an imported vehicle; it is a domestically produced car. The Outlander Classic has been discontinued, and this model has been out of production for a long time, but it can still be seen on the streets today. Below is a detailed introduction to the Outlander Classic's engine: 1. The Outlander Classic is equipped with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine across the entire lineup, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. This 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine delivers 135 horsepower and a maximum torque of 201 Nm; 2. The engine's maximum power is achieved at 5000 rpm, and the maximum torque is reached at 2500 rpm; 3. This engine features multi-point fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum cylinder head with a cast iron cylinder block.

[BraxtonDella]

The Outlander Classic was indeed imported in its early days, particularly the initial versions that came directly from Mitsubishi's Japanese factory. As a seasoned driver, I've driven the first-generation model, which was purely imported into the Chinese market in the early 2000s—expensive but reliable with strong handling. Around 2012, GAC Mitsubishi began domestic production, significantly lowering the price, and now most Outlanders are made locally. While imported versions are rare, some can still be found in the used car market—they perform well but are slightly more troublesome to maintain. Personally, I feel the imported versions had finer detailing, while the domestic ones are more affordable and practical. If buying used, check the production year label to confirm the origin. Paying extra for tariffs and shipping costs during the import era wasn't cost-effective, but overall, it's a classic series worth remembering.

[LeIsla]

Our family also owned an Outlander Classic. When my husband bought it, it was purely an imported Japanese car with complicated procedures and over 100,000 RMB more expensive, but the high safety configuration gave us peace of mind. Later, we heard that it started domestic production in 2013, with the price cut by more than half and easier maintenance with cheaper parts, so many families switched to the domestic version. When it was imported, minor issues often required waiting for parts shipped from abroad, resulting in high repair costs; after domestic production, ordinary repair shops could handle it, saving both worry and effort. Now that our child has grown up, we've changed to a new car, but looking back, the imported version was indeed durable and carried a bit of nostalgia. We suggest that when purchasing, you should ask the 4S store more about the vehicle's records to confirm the version and avoid confusion about the historical years, as the definition of the 'classic' model is sometimes vague and may refer to early imported models, which could affect subsequent maintenance plans.

[MacHazel]

The Outlander Classic was initially an imported Japanese car, such as the first-generation models in the 2000s, which were quite expensive. Now, it's mostly domestically produced, with GAC Mitsubishi taking over for mass production and widespread availability. I think the older imported versions might have had higher-end configurations, but the prices were outrageous. After domestic production, they became much more affordable, and the market is mostly filled with domestic models—no need to obsess over the imported status. Just check the production date label. If it's purely imported, the parts will have Japanese markings, and maintenance might be slightly more troublesome, but the quality is still decent. For young car enthusiasts, it's easy to find imported versions in the used car market, but the maintenance costs are high, so it's not really recommended unless you're particularly fond of the classic design.

[VanAlina]

From routine car repair experience, some models of the Outlander Classic feature imported original Japanese parts with Japanese markings under the hood and more precise detailing. However, after localization and GAC's takeover, parts became standardized, making repairs cheaper but with a slightly higher failure rate. The imported versions may use high-quality bearings and electronic controls but face more compatibility issues and are harder to dismantle and repair. After localization, the overall structure remains similar, costs are reduced, and maintenance becomes more hassle-free. It is advised that owners conduct regular inspections and maintenance, avoiding cheap counterfeit imported versions where bumpers are hard to match. Post-localization, parts channels are smoother. Checking the VIN code when selecting a car can easily confirm whether it's an import.