Coupled with its launch of the redesigned 2007 Outlander SUV, Mitsubishi is celebrating 25 years of selling cars in the United States. Forget names like Camaro, Mustang, and Hemi, and instead remember Mighty Max, Expo, Mirage, Starion, and Cordia. As forgettable as those rides may be (the Starion being the possible exception), more recent history has brought the U.S. some pretty slick vehicles, like the all-wheel-drive and turbocharged Eclipse coupe, the Lancer Evolution, and the 3000GT. It looks like a decent record for a company competing in one of the toughest markets in the world; unfortunately, only one of those stars lives on today, with bloated front-wheel-drive coupes and Dodge pickups serving to flesh out the lineup.

Now would be a good time to introduce a competitive model that buyers want, like a 220-horsepower SUV with seating for up to seven passengers and enough advanced electronics to keep the driver and his co-horts entertained for endless roadtrip miles. For kicks and giggles, toss in an optional four-wheel-drive system that puts grip to all four tires with the simple turn of a knob. Finally, give it an adventurous, outdoorsy name that’ll make shoppers dream of off-roading, trips to the lake and mountains, and toting a kayak to remote rivers.

It’s the redesigned 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, and it’s due to arrive during the latter half of 2006.