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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  owning one - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tkgrim - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money, interior is roomy and fells safe.

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  What I think of the O-Z Rally Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By optimasone - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is overall a fun car to drive. It offers more passenger volume than a lot of other cars in its class. It does need a little extra pep, but no more than other cars in its class. Its great on gas mileage and very economical overall with all its standard features.

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  Great toys for the money - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By blu5092 - May 6 - 1:50 pm

  This car has lots of features that would cost some serious green with other competitors. The Nav and sound system alone is good enough for a purchase. The car itself, unfortunately could have have been better. I found it sluggish. The CVT is almost unbearable. It feels like its being pushed to catch up with the engine. The car screams to get going from a starting position. I think that a regular automatic would have been a better choice. This engine is supposed to be lighter and have impressive HP for its size. My Suzuki Reno is faster getting to 60. Other CVTs in the market dont feel like this. I crank the radio up so I dont hear the motor. It also gets poor gas mileage on hard acceleration.

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  Very pleased - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sarah - May 1 - 8:13 am

  This car is a perfect daily driver. Fuel consumption is actually fairly decent, I average 26-33 mpg. Its a perfectly comfortable drive, even with 4 people in the car. Although somewhat boring (its just THAT easy to drive--almost drives itself!), I still like my little Lancer. I havent had a single problem.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jole - April 30 - 8:33 am

  Since 2002 I was driving an OZ verzion of the Lancer and I was not aware of what I was missing until I took the Ralliart for a test drive. This car is priced way under its value. The drive is pure luxury with a touch of performance. I had to buy it even though I did not need a new one. It was hard to beleive what improvements Mitsubishi made with this car. Some of the improvements include: a sunroof, 320 watt Infinity sound system, short shifter, 16" wheels, rear discs brakes, ABS, a suspension that is out of this world, the MIVEC engine, fog lights, a super-sounding Muffler, a Rrlly trunk net, and sport seats. There are cars out there which are selling for $15,000 more and are still a great buy, but this car will perform better.

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  The Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JTaylor - April 14 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is a comfortable car to drive. It is peppy and can out manuver alot of cars that I have driven in the past. I have had no problems starting it in the cold weather. The only problem I have had is in the snow. The car tends to slid alittle too much.

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  Superb compact sedan - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tamra - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best small compact sedans out there. It has enough power and torque to not be a dog on the road but still maintain great gas mileage. It is very comfortable and handles the road well, especially in turns.

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  Da Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mayra - April 9 - 10:00 am

  It is an incredible Car. I totally recommend it.

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  Problems! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By etipp98 - March 16 - 1:26 am

  I purchased this car thinking it would be reliable and would outlast all the American cars in the same price range. Well, I have owned the car for about 4 months now and am not pleased at all. The car looks great, gets good gas mileage, but works when it wants to. This past month I have had to take the car back to the dealership for the same problem. The car doesnt want to run in the cold and the engine starts to act erratically. The service engine light comes on and the same code keeps coming up, "Torque Monitoring". The Dealership says they cannot fix my car and neither can Mitsubishi at the moment so I am left with a car that is brand new and wont run in the cold weather. LEMON LAW!!!!

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  Im impressed - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gtarb0rder - March 8 - 2:13 am

  I bought this car a week ago using the "cash for clunkers" deal. I wanna add that the deal is a real pain but worth it. Ultimately this was an awesome buy, great car for the money. Its fun to drive, amazing looking, handles well, Im averaging 26 mpgs and the warranties are great. What I have to complain about it the rear spoiler, although adds to the aggressive look I love, its does become a pain when looking in my mirror. Also this car needs a 6th gear, but then again what car doesnt? Im so glad I got this over the Impreza, I just hope my opinion stays that way come winter.