If ever there were a "don't miss" entry in our buyer's guide, Mitsubishi's all-new 2008 Lancer fits the bill.

Forget everything you knew about Lancer. Although I haven't driven it, I'm told that the all-new one is terrific -- good looking, roomier and a pleasant companion on the road.

Rather than mild and innocuous looking, the new Lancer pushes the envelope with an aggressive front end, nice ground effects body work and sharp aluminum road wheels. It comes in three versions, DE, ES, and GTS. Power comes from a 2.0 liter, 152 horsepower four.

Dual front, side and curtain air bags, power windows, doors and locks are among the items you'll find on the lengthy standard equipment list. Prices start at just under $20,000. Fuel economy rating is 21/29.

	The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander. Click photo for larger image.

There are some other products at Mitsubishi you don't want to miss, including the 2007 Outlander, a product many people miss because of the relatively small advertising campaign done on this car.

But the good news is that people are beginning to catch on about this car. I'm seeing far more new Outlanders on the streets than I did with the old model -- and having test driven one, I think I know why. It handles beautifully and has stable driving characteristics. This is no tinny, shaky little SUV. It also has a lavish interior and lots more room than the previous model.

Another reason for its popularity, I suspect, is a bolder, more assertive look. The previous generation looked an awful lot like any number of SUVs. Another advantage to the new Outlander is that it's unusually well equipped at a price that matches or beats most of the competition.

Prices start at $21,370 for a well-equipped ES version that includes active skid and traction control, air conditioning, AM/FM CD audio system, side impact air bags, curtain side air bags, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.

All Outlanders have as standard equipment advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system, side curtain air bags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and tire pressure monitoring system.

Sixteen-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth cell phone-ready switch, drivers's seatback pocket and roof rails distinguish the LS.

The XLS has bigger alloy wheels, automatic climate control, fog lights, Sportronic magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles and under-floor stowable compact third-row seats.

The second row seats are reclining with a 60/40 split fold and a 3.15 inch slide range.

What's Coming in 2008

It's coming b-a-a-c-k! Look for Lancer's wild child, the Mitsubishi Evo X to hit showroom floors with a roar later next year. It's more powerful than ever, but it's now more refined and comfortable, too.