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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MY 2004 LANCER - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By JLD2004 - March 6 - 10:00 amI BOUGHT MY LANCER 2 WEEKS AGO. BEFORE I BOUGHT IT I OWNED A VW JETTA . THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME FEATURES BUT THE LANCER IS ALOT CHEAPER TO BUY AND THE SALESMAN ARE VERY HELPFUL. ALTHOUGH THERE A FEW THINGS I WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE LANCER, OVERAL ITS A GREAT CAR TO OWN. AND THE VW JETTA IS THE WORST CAR TO OWN NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE MANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS BUT THE SALESMAN AND VW CREDIT ARE THE RUDEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.
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2nd Mitsubishi Ihave owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Titan4 - March 6 - 10:00 amI really like this car. I owned the previous version (Mirage) They have made many improvements - More power, more room, sportier style. I would recommend this car to anyone who needs a good economical well made car.
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Best Mitsu Yet - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Ron - February 22 - 9:16 amEverybody turns their heads to look at it. Handling is excellent and the tech load is impressive. Two thumbs up for Mitsubishi.
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Price, quick, safety, mileage, extras! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Jamie - February 19 - 3:43 amAwesome, A looker, and so many air bags I forgot how many! Fun to drive, cant get enough. Never get lost again, No more CDs as they simply burn right into your library in 2 hot minutes, So much more.
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Great Little car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Seaaa - February 14 - 10:00 amWe purchased the OZ manual, as a economy alternative to our 2002 Suburban. It is just that and more. My wife and I now race to drive it first, it is fun to drive, only 120 HP but feels like more, we have all the option on it, but most came standard (AC,poer window, power locks, cruise control,variable wipers delays...) the sun roof is great, and works smoothly. The rear seats easily accomodate full grown adults! I have been in some mid size cars where fitting in the back is a tight squeeze. The design is definitly sport, as well as the steering. So far we really enjoy the car and performance.
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Love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Lex81 - February 14 - 10:00 amI have always driven low small cars, for I only use them to go to work. My last car was a Doge Shawdow. I had that car 10 years. The body went but the engine never gave me one bit of trouble. That engine was made by Mitsubushi. I decided to try the whole Mitsubushi car this time.
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Great Car, but no EVO - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By RSGJR - February 14 - 8:36 amThe 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally is an absolutely great and economic car to purchase, but do not expect high performance. Its a little above average in handling and comfort, but without ABS, traction control, and more than 120 horsepower - it is lacking. I love it and wish I was a mechanic because I would do an engine swap.
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A little car that can - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Doo-B - February 12 - 7:06 pmI am really a Supra owner, but she has died, so this is what I purchased, brand new, while I rebuild the other car. And let me tell you, I am most impressed. It has a very spacious and comfy cabin. It has a well thought out design and lay out to the controls controls and dash. The stock stereo is not bad at all for being stock. In all there is a fairly organic feel to the cabin. The rear is very spacious. My kids dig it. The trunk space is decent. It handles like a charm. We just received a huge snowfall, and its handling was very quick and precise and though I really was wishing for AWD, I have to say that the FWD did its job well. It has great perk on the highway and drives very well. In all this is a great little car. I highly approve.
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Great Value Japanese Quality at Korean Prices - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Cokey - January 21 - 10:51 amA nice alternative to the run of the mill Civic, Corolla, Sentra. Much better car than the Korean "run em til they die" Hyundai and Kias. A quality made in Japan vehicle. And yes, sorry America, they do build better cars than us. This is our 3rd Mitsubishi, my wife has had a Mirage and a Outlander Sport, I got this one for our daughter whos in the military and then off to college. I owned a 2002 Hyundai that I drove for work, and will never own another Korean car, theyre fine new cars when they are under warranty; in the case of this Lancer I shopped for a used one with around 100k on it so I knew I wanted Japanese. When you buy one with 100k miles on it get it for a price that will allow your budget to pay for a new Timing Belt and Water Pump Kit($600 at most shops) and replace the Spark Plugs and put a new Valve Cover Gasket on it($150). People get rid of their cars at 100,000 and they hardly ever pay out for a Timing Belt Replacement(manual states 100k), if they break your engine is totalled(interference engine = valves and pistons collide). And if you cant afford OEM Mitsu parts, get a GMB brand kit. Good acceleration, handling, braking; at least for an economical 4 door basic sedan. Engine design is proven and somewhat simple. The biggest complaint with this car, as with most "Mitsus", is the interior controls are fairly cheap and break easily. Dont worry, you can find replacements on Ebay or at your local salvage yards. Overall, I consider the 02 to 07 Lancers a 4 out of 5 star car. I bought mine for $3600, put $800 into it, now have a $4400 car that my daughter informs she likes driving.
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Exactly What I was Looking for - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
By sam - January 18 - 12:30 amThe 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is exactly what I was looking for. It looks sporty and moves well. For the price, it is more than expected.
