Overview & Reviews

The original Mitsubishi Lancer never exactly blew us away. It was underpowered and not particularly entertaining to drive, its interior was simply OK and its styling was dull to boot. The second-generation Lancer has corrected two of those problems, especially with its aggressive new styling featuring a "shark nose" fascia. It's also kind of fun to drive, thanks to solid handling dynamics and (apart from the base engine) peppy engine choices.

All in all, count the Lancer as one model that has greatly improved from generation to generation. However, compared to more recently redesigned compact sedans, the Lancer's refinement, interior quality and fuel economy trail considerably. While the latest Lancer is an attractive, sporty sedan, we suggest thoroughly looking around at its many competitors.

Current Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi's stylish compact sedan is offered in DE, ES, SE, GT and Ralliart trims. The Sportback body style and high-performance Evolution are reviewed separately.

The two lower trims are front-wheel drive and powered by a 148-horsepower (143 hp in California-emissions-level states) inline-4. The all-wheel-drive SE and front-wheel-drive GT get a 2.4-liter 168-hp four. Should that not be enough, there is the Ralliart, which offers a 237-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the Ralliart, while Mitsubishi's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional (except on Ralliart). The Ralliart comes with a quick-witted automated-clutch manual transmission.

In reviews of the Mitsubishi Lancer, we've been impressed with its secure handling, sporty styling and high-tech optional features. The Rockford Fosgate hard-drive-equipped audio system drew particularly high praise. On the downside, we've found the Lancer's base four-cylinder rather lacking in both power and refinement, and the CVT does nothing to help the situation -- in fact, we feel it saps power from the engine. We would therefore suggest sticking with the five-speed manual transmission or going with a GT, though fuel economy isn't impressive with any model. The Lancer's cabin also falls short of the segment leaders in terms of materials quality and lacks a telescoping steering wheel, which makes the car uncomfortable for many tall drivers.

Used Mitsubishi Lancer Models
The current Lancer generation dates back to the 2008 model year. Originally, only DE, ES and GTS trims were offered and all came with the base four-cylinder listed at 152 hp until 2011. The GTS was similar to the current car's GT, but it possessed a sport-tuned suspension. The 2.4-liter engine and the Ralliart showed up for '09. Stability control was available only on the Ralliart until 2010, when it became standard across the board along with four-wheel antilock brakes. ABS had previously been optional on the DE (that trim switched to four-wheel discs for 2010, but then reverted back to drums a year later). Some revised exterior and interior styling for certain trims and standard power door locks also showed up for 2010. The SE trim was new for 2012.

The first Mitsubishi Lancer was launched for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Mirage sedan. It originally came in three trim levels: ES, O-Z Rally and LS. The ES came with a fine list of standard features, such as power accessories, a CD player and air-conditioning. The O-Z Rally trim offered a sportier look thanks to 15-inch O-Z alloy wheels and special interior trim upgrades. The LS distinguished itself with cruise control, ABS (not offered as an option on the ES or O-Z Rally) and remote keyless entry. All trims came with the 120-hp 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was standard on the LS and available as an option in the other two models.

Running changes included the 2004 debut of the Lancer Ralliart trim level, which boasted a 162-hp 2.4-liter engine, ABS, alloy wheels, sport exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension. Ralliart sedans came standard with a five-speed manual transmission. That year, Mitsubishi also introduced the Lancer Sportback wagon, available in LS or Ralliart trim. The 162-hp engine powered both wagon trim levels, but the Sportback was only available with a four-speed automatic. Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer LS and both Sportback models in 2005. In 2006, the Lancer SE, featuring a sunroof, six audio speakers, cruise control and remote keyless entry, was introduced to freshen up the lineup.

In road tests, our editors found this Mitsubishi Lancer comfortable, though not especially fun to drive. Its power and performance weren't exactly overwhelming. But its spacious interior, particularly for rear passengers, and comfortable ride might appeal to those looking for a pleasant and roomy sedan at a decent price. The sport-tuned Lancer Ralliart, with its more powerful engine and tighter suspension, offers higher performance at an affordable price, making it the best choice of this Lancer generation.

Previous to the Lancer, Mitsubishi's small-car offering was the Mirage.

User Reviews:

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  its good but not that good. - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By johnson2003 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the car but again it doesnt have enough power. You think if it was going to be a more expensive model then the ES they should have done more to it then put rims on it, oz floor mats and a sticker on the trunk lid.Im not too fond of the wing or the front grill. Lastly the stock shift knob weighs like 15 pounds. I had to change mine out with one from a 95 civic.

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  This summer will be fun... - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ssikpiyelnats - June 20 - 1:46 pm

  The thing that I like most about this car, is that even at the base model the entire car looks aggressive. You didnt get that with the previous years. I have the ES 5 SP with the 650 Watt stereo and I love it. Im 64" and had to scoot the seat closer for comfort. The new forward swept windshield keeps the sun out of your eyes, great feature in Florida. The engine is quick to respond for a 2.0 L, and youre hitting 80 before you know it. The gas mileage leaves a bit to be desired, but its not horrible. The interior is wonderful, doesnt feel like it was built with cheap plastic parts. And the AUX port to plug in the iPod, thank god. Im able to carry my entire music library. Great car!

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  You get what you pay for I guess - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rwilliams148 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2008 Lancer GTS for almost two years now. At first it was great but at 61,000 miles trouble started. My blower motor has already went out and we just recently moved and now have a gravel road. I have dust coming inside the car from my glove box, all vents, my cd player, my steering wheel column, and all the doors. I contacted Mitsubishi about this and they will not do anything. It is a nice looking car but very cheaply made. My alignment has been fixed now 8 times (and I drive normally just more than most people). The steering wheel has started shaking extremely bad but the no one can seem to tell me why. Because of these reasons, I will not purchase another Mitsubishi.

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  Such an awesome car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kyle - June 19 - 4:23 pm

  I just wanted to weigh in to let potential buyers of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart know what a great car it really is. I have had this car for about 2 years now, and have driven it really hard. The build quality is impeccable and its reliablity is outstanding. My car handles like a race car and the more miles you put on it, the faster is gets. Its gas mileage is reasonable considering the power and torque you get from the 4 cyl engine. I have had Toyotas and Hondas, and I feel that this Mitsubishi is just as good if not better, plus it has a 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty and free maintenence to boot. In my opinion this is the best 4 door sports car on the road for under $20,000!

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  Fun Drive! - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By slkdjfod - June 19 - 12:00 pm

  Ive had my Lancer for 9 months now and love it more and more everyday! The only thing I could think to change is that the car could use a 6th gear for highway driving. My MPG is on average around 28 MPG, and that being equal city and highway driving. The only other flaw I could think of is to place the interior light closer to the back seats, because at night there is absolutely no light back there when needed.

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  Fun and economic! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By OZZY Blake - June 14 - 10:00 am

  We just barely picked up our OZ and we love it. It is fun to drive, looks great, and gets great mileage! The clutch is very nice and extremely easy (a plus for someone with bad knees). It has lots of room inside, both front and rear and the rear is loaded with safety features built in for child seats! This is by far the best deal in its class. Its quick, very smooth and quiet, sporty handling, and an economical family car! If you want a sporty car, you got it. If you want rally design, you got it. And if you want an economical car, you got it! All for a great price.

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  The OZ is pretty OK - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sr71 - June 11 - 1:13 pm

  Fun car to drive at a good price. But this car just lacks the power to back up its looks. And the tires that it comes with are about a sticky as wet ice. The front end needs a strut bar as it does have some flex, and higher rate springs and dampers are needed. And the air box needs to be replaced, the poor thing is starving for air. Great 3rd or 4th car. Tops for kids a lot of show but very, very little go.

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  The best Sport Compact 4 door yet - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliart7 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is frankly the best bang-for-your-buck in the sport compact market. For $15,600 (standard equiptment), there is simply no other car in its class(Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Honda Civic Si, Ford Focus SVT) that had the quality, performance, value, fun to drive factor, overall. Plus, it runs on regular gas, a savings of about 20 cents a gallon at every fillup.

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  Features/great looks for not much $$ - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mike - May 30 - 11:00 am

  My wife and I recently picked out this car as we wanted to go from a two vehicle household down to one to save some money. We sold her 07 Honda Fit and traded in my Nissan Armada towards the Lancer GTS w/ nav and tech package and sun and sound package. Have not looked back since. This car looks beautiful and turns lots of heads on the roadway. For all the features you get (safety and tech-wise) you really cant beat it at all, not for the money anyway. Far too many Accords and Altimas out there, do yourself a favor and at least test drive the 08 Lancer GTS!

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  Theres much better - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Nick - May 29 - 5:13 am

  Many complain that gas mileage is "poor under hard acceleration, no HID lights, no leather option, etc." This is an economy car people!!!! Of course mileage is bad when you drive aggressively, HIDs come on cars that are typically $25K+ (as well as leather). I will review this car for exactly what it is and against its competitors. The build quality is horrible. Paint is very bad as well. Mileage is excellent, though. Interior materials rattle, interior noise can be deafening. Its not "exciting" to drive, nor is it fast. SUVs smoked me at on-ramps. It looks good though. For the same price, VW Rabbit, Mazda 3, etc are all better choices. I got rid of my Lancer after 5 months.