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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Love the new car!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Great Car - November 5 - 2:20 amI just bought the 2008 ES 5 speed manual transmission Lancer and I love it. It has plenty of power to pass slower moving cars, has great design features and has tons of options that are standard. This is a head turning car for sure!! I like how it was built ready for after market performance upgrades as well. Which are definately going on in the near future. It handles great and I love the sound of the engine when you get the revs above 3500.
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My Ralliart - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By rob36 - October 29 - 10:00 amI love my lancer. it handles great going into turns. takes alot to get the tires to break.
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Till The Wheels Fall Off - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Bkuhns - October 24 - 1:10 pmI bought my car in April of 2008 after getting rid of my jetta (which was a lemon). This car is a terrific car to own! I have taken it on many roadtrips and it has no problems. My friends always have me drive cause they love to ride in it. It has amazing handling and it has some speed to it. For awhile I got bored of it and was thinking of selling it until I went and washed my car and I fell in love with it again. I live in Colorado and it handles great in the snow. This is definitely a car a buy.
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new purchase - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By kordic - October 15 - 10:00 amFound the Mitsu Lancer superior in terms of performace, and sport handling than my second choice, the Toyota Corolla. So far, the car has performed admirably. I continue to enjoy driving it.
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Mitsubishi ES Lancer Automatic - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By d2k2 - October 9 - 10:00 amLively acceleration, roomy interior compare to its class. Better looking than Civic, Corrola, Sentra and the likes. Nice fit and finish, smooth transmission. Very good stereo, overall a well made car. Price for a used one can not be beat compare to the over price Honda
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Best Value of 09 - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Kdoske - October 2 - 2:26 pmThis car is great. I got mine fully loaded and I LOVE IT. Its spacious and has a great looking interior. 2.4L vice 2.0L engine definitely shows some gain, but not enough for anyone that has an 08 to go out and trade theirs in for the 09 model. It drives fantastic all while not being to stiff over rough terrain. It really is a great balance between comfort and sharp maneuverability on the road. Navigation option really puts the icing on the cake with this car. Its navigation computer is so incredible I cant even believe it is on a car at this price range. All I can say it wow!
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Great Car! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By ANGEL - September 27 - 5:36 amI love my Lancer. I went to the dealership not thinking that this car would be what I wanted, and I actually had an appt. with an Infiniti dealer the same day. After test driving this car I fell in love with it. The pickup is great in the 2.4 and the ride is quiet. I have the dark gray and people think its the small BMW! I trade my cars in every 2-3 year (lease) and always went for the high end 6 cylinder cars. This car is just as good if not better. I love driving it, the ride is really wonderful!
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Ralliart Power!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Adam Klintworth - September 27 - 2:00 amI have been in the market for a new car, and I came across the Ralliart. The performance from the variable timing MIVEC engine is great, and the handling is first rate. Combine that with a simple yet tasteful interior, a firm yet quiet and smooth ride and the reliability of a Japanese built car, and Mitsu has definitely delivered their "Baby Evo." This car stands right up to the SE-R and Mazdaspeed models in every aspect.
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Cheap and affordable. - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Bankerman - September 25 - 10:00 amNice little car, looks are ok and all...My only wish is that Mitsubishi would feel good enough about the car to give it a 3YR-36,000 mile bumper to bumper AND a 5YR-60,000 mile power train warranty like Toyota and Nissan does. If Mitsubishi doesnt want to STAND behind THEIR OWN VEHICLE for longer than 36/36,000...then why should I? I mean, I could have bought an extra warranty, but why should I when Toyota and Nissan gives it for free.
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the jousting lancer - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer
By david - August 15 - 5:18 amnice car but hard to get with the features you want without getting some you dont, like alloy wheels are only with automatics. the ph. setup is horrible or else im doing something wrong!! the usb is ....wait for it.... in the freakin glovebox!! really inconvenient and the stereo is way bassy, even with the bass turned down some. on the upside it handles nice and feul economy is better than advertised. smooth ride and fairly quiet cabin price goes up mysteriously when buying, this fee ,that fee,..... overall i like the car alot but will have to spend a little more money to get it the way i want it and spend some more time trying to figure out the sound and ph. as i just bought it today and only drrove about 220 mi. mitsubishi is qaulity stuff tho and i,m sure ill figure it out. i would recommend this car over any american made model
