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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  Great car, bad company - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By s1n15ter1 - January 11 - 2:13 pm

  Bought this car new for myself, drove the wheels off and enjoyed this car completely. It had a 10 year 100k mile warranty that was rather reassuring but when the motor blew, Mitsubishi refused to honor the warranty. I will never again purchase anything Mitsubishi and I advise all to heed this caveat.

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  Mitsubishi Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mystery - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I have to tell you that at this time last year, I would have told you I would rather walk than drive in a Mitsubishi. After my truck got broken into, and the rental company gave me this car, I wasnt too thrilled. But after I started it up and drove it for a little while, I started to change my mind. I love this car. As soon as the rest of my money is saved, I am getting the brand new Lancer. The turns in this car is unbelievable. Thank You Mitsubishi!!

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  Better looking than the other imports - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Gordo - December 31 - 9:06 am

  This is one sweet ride, for the price. Ive had it a month & it has never let me down, even in the snow. The only option I added was Bluetooth which is something I will not live without in my next purchase. Ive tested Mitsu power plants for the past 10 years, in my 97 Neon & my 98 Dodge Stratus, both engines never let me down & I have over 275000kms on the Stratus. I believe Ill get as much if not more mileage on my Lancer

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  Lancer ES Review - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancer ES Review - December 30 - 1:03 pm

  The car is great, 50,000 miles and still going just as the day I bought it. Very spacious and has no problems. The Adaptive Shift Control provides precise shifts according to my driving. For immediate passing to being a gasoline saver, the adaptive shift control works great. Sure it only has 120 hp and 130 lb feet of torque, but when you step on the gas, the transmission will immediately downshift and you will feel the torque over the power band. Provides great reliability as well. Not one problem reported yet and it has 50,000 miles on it.

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  AWESOME AND LOVN IT - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ken Martenz - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car and I love it. I test drove many other cars in its class and nothing compared. I love the "boxy" styling like rally cars and I think the car handles like a dream. I am getting on average 30mpg with the 5- speed stick. The pickup is impressive for only 120hp while getting the 30mpg. I dont drive it easy either Im going at least 70-80 on the highways to work and city traffic, let just say duck-and- weave. The car is agile and very quick around corners. Ive taken corners at high speeds and no tire squeel. Over all for what the car is, it is a 10, nothing added nothing subtracted as it comes.

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  my new car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jonalecia - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I was the only one to ever drive my new car. When I first looked at it, it still had all of the plastic on the seats and and the dealership just got it off of the truck. When I took it for the test drive the car had only had .8 tenths of a mile on it, How cool is that! I have had the car now for almost 2 weeks, and have 366 miles on it. So far I love the awsome power from the little 4 cylinder engine, seeing how my two previous cars where both 89 mustang GTs. I am impressed with the preformance and handling of this car and looks, I get a lot of people doing double takes.

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  Soured On Mitsubishi By This Car, Money Pit - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By pxabstraction - December 5 - 3:29 pm

  Bought this at 2 years old with 30,000Km. Now has 80,000Km, 5 years old and Im selling it. Pros: Good mileage, comfortable, everything still works. Cons: CVT autos are HORRIBLE. Transmission is lazy and car is gutless. Engine is noisy. Chewed through 3 sets of 18" tires. Transmission cooler had to be replaced at 80,000Km, $1,500, should have lasted years more. Rear suspension needed $1,000 of work last year, also should have lasted longer. TMPS system cannot be disabled, does not show which tire is down, cannot remember more than one set of tires, constant paint chips, awful service. Car is a lemon. Very displeased. Will not buy Mitsubishi again.

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  Slightly disappointed - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Adren - November 15 - 10:36 pm

  Going from my 2000 Eclipse GT to this car was a big difference, especially the power and acceleration, I am satisfied with everything but the power, I wish they offered a larger engine or gave the 2.0 a smaller version turbo compared to the EVOs, but other than that, as stated, I am satisfied with this car... for now.

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  Bought in 2008 as new, and its still drives like new - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By yokohomme - November 13 - 12:24 am

  I bought it new from MT dealer in 2008. Mine is 09 model es, and its extremely reliable daily commute car. I personally think this car is way cheaper and better than competitive model Civic and Corolla. My car has put 82,000 miles and never had any single problems. Brakes and tires are very sturdy because I have neven replaced brakes still today.

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  Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ParCh - November 12 - 2:00 am

  For $1,500 less than civic LX, we got a care which well equipped and fun to drive. Good power and fuel economy, nice interior and exterior and fun to drive. very happy with it specially since it was selected as best pick in crash test.