4 Star Reviews for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.53/5 Average
98 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Ralliart debuts, bringing a 237-horsepower engine, all-wheel drive and an automated-clutch manual transmission to the Lancer lineup. The GTS trim gets more performance via a newly standard 2.4-liter 168-hp four-cylinder engine. The DE and ES trim levels retain the 2.0-liter 152-hp four. The GTS also gains new gauges this year, while the Fast Key keyless ignition and entry system migrates to the Sun and Sound package, leaving the hard-drive navigation system as a stand-alone option. The ES trim gains an optional Sport package that includes some of the GTS's styling elements, such as the big rear wing.

Pros:
  • Confident handling, impressive value, full array of available high-tech equipment, edgy styling, strong engines in GTS and Ralliart trims.
Cons:
  • No stability control except on Ralliart, power-sapping CVT, noisy base engine, subpar interior materials, unimpressive fuel economy.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 98.00
  • Top of its class - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    This is the first new car I have ever owned. I have to say Im very happy. The engine is a great balance between performance and efficiency, the 5 speed is smooth, good brakes, and is LOADED with features. I have an ES with the sun and sound and sport package. I wanted a GTS, but got a good deal, it has everything but the 18" rims and the 2.4L. The interior is minimal, yet attractive and roomy. I love the stereo and steering wheel controls. No other car in its class can compare. I drove an 09 Corolla, for the same price it had 15" hubcaps! And the transmission sucked as it was slooooow. This car is beautiful and has a great warranty. I cant recommend this car enough.

  • Best Choice Under 20K - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    Ive owned this car for 2 years and 4 months, and have put 40k miles on it, so I feel its kind of safe to say I made a wise choice that picked this car from this price range and bought it. Driving experience is very sporty. I espacially like the steering wheel which is tight enough and very accurate (hard to find on other cars I tried under 20k). Reliability is excellent, zero problem since I bought it and all I need is oil change every 3 months. Interior is no fancy leather seat or luxury things, but you can clearly feel Mitsubishi put the money saved here into things you dont see under engine hood. Overall this car is not comparable to bmw or infiniti, but best choice under 20k IMO.

  • DONT BUY IF IN SNOWY STATES - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    I love my new Lancer but there are flaws that i have noticed. Because i live in Maine we sand and salt the roads in the winter. This sand and salt has been chipping away at my paint. It is chipping off in front of my rear tires. Much of the paint is worn off and because it is the design and paint is not under warranty i have to fight and i dont think i will win. I did buy Mud guard prior to all the paint chipping, but the mud guards only drop like and inch. In snow storms it STINKS the tires dont grip i think it is because there is not a lot of weight but. The seats are hard and the arm rest is half the size that i am use to. i have realized that the car kinda jerks when you go up a hill anyrpm

  • Mitsubishi Lancer Paint Issues - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    I was initially overjoyed with my purchase of a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer but soon noticed thousands of chips in the exterior paint. I first contacted my insurance company who said that it was a manufacturer defect and will be covered by warranty. Agreeing because of the large number of chips, I reviewed my warranty booklet and followed protocol. When the service manager shared that corporate has been choosing to ignore the paint issue I began looking further into it online. I was not alone. Mitsubishi responded taking no responsibility for the defective paint. Ive also had issues with starting the vehicle which Mitsubishi blamed on the quality of gas.

  • Fun in summer, bad in winter - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    First off I bought this car back in may. I really liked zipping around in this little car during the summer but then winter has come along and I can honestly say that this is the worst vehicle I have driven in the snow. The car does have decent pickup but I think it could use a little more HP. If you live in a warm climate and want a fun little car to zip around in then this one is for you. My best mpg is 29 on the highway and I usually average around 17 in town. Seats are comfy but the ride can be rough at times also. Overall I would love to have this car in Florida or California, just not in the Midwest.

  • Disappointed - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    I love the look of the car but the interior is very cheaply put together. The trunk area almost looks like itÂ’s not finished from the factory. I live in Ohio and this is my first winter - lets just say its going to be a long five years with this car. It definitely needs traction control. I neglected to ask about that when I purchased the car, needless to say had I known how poorly it would handle in the snow and ice would have never purchased it.

  • Very satisfied - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    I thought Id update my review after 18 months of driving mine. Im still very satisfied with this car- very sporty, great exterior looks, and excellent mileage. I dont know how other people are driving but Im still getting 30 hwy. and 25 city. My biggest gripe after having this car for a while- THE PAINT!!!!!! Geez, you cant drive thru a dust cloud without the dust scratching this paint! Please, use a better paint/clearcoat Mitsubishi! All in all, Id still give this car an overall solid 8.

  • Just wait.... - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    I bought my Lancer in July, and like all of you, was very excited about the look, ride, value, and features. That is until I washed and waxed it after a few months. The paint on the rear side panels chips like you would not believe. I searched on the internet and found so many other Lancer owners that this is happening to as well. WHAT A BUMMER!!!! If I wouldve known the condition that the paint would be in after only 6 months, I wouldnt even have considered a Lancer. Oh yeah, you guessed it..."It is not a defect with the vehicle design or paint, so it is not covered under warranty." Normal road wear....youve got to be kidding.

  • Awesome car but lacks something - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    Mitsu could have made a winner with this lancer but have fallen short of the process. It has the looks, the killer instinct and presence that tends to say get out of the way am going through. Has all the bark but lacks some bite. Its not as slow as some people tends to believe. If it want to go fast it certainly can. It lacks acceleration though. Highly recommended for freeway driving (goes fast and gives decent MPG). Hate it on City driving (horrible MPG). Dont get me wrong, I love my car and I have it for 4 months now. Just wish Mitsu made it a little better

  • Ralliart Vs Evo - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
    By -

    I think this car is great for the money you spend. its 10 - 15 grand cheaper than any of the Evos (GSR/MR/MR Touring) for a difference of 50 HP (larger turbo) and different suspension, rims, and a transmission (Taken from older EVO) Your spending most of that 10 - 15 grand on the name, and the small differences listed above. I wanted the Evo, but i didnt want to spend 40 grand on the MR touring. This car is a great deal for the money. You could take that 10-15 grand you saved and make it alot nicer and or faster if you wanted to. The car is quick and fun, it gets decent gas and is big enough for a family, and can drive anywhere due to its all wheel drive and traction control.

Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area