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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  Imlovynit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancaboy - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 MItsubishi Lnacer a couple months ago so far i love it. i traded in my 2002Honda civic ex sedan. and boy am i glad i did the seats are way more comfortable. the layout is way better. The lancer even has a way sporty appeal inside because of the white face gauges and silver trim. 2 keep it simple the civic was boring. the lancer isnt. I love ITTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

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  Convinced - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By goosepsu - November 7 - 11:00 am

  Just bought 2002 Lancer LS in black. There were virtually none in the northeast (the dealer sent my sales rep via train and taxi to pick up the car on a snowy day... steve is my hero) but once we sat in it, we loved it. It looks, feels, and is a great car. We own a 2002 Toyota Corolla, and though the Corollas history of reliablity is golden, it is not unique. The Lancer is unique, extremely fun, and gets alot of double-takes on my morning commute. I love it.

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  Lancer mania - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karl27 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Lancer can be a formidable opponent of Honda and Toyota. The quiet engine, the functional power controls inside the cabin, and the cabin space itself makes the car cozy and fun to drive. I should say that making those sharp corner turns amazed me how this car kept itself on the ground and stable. The driver-adaptive shift technology on the other hand seems to not matter at all. I didnt feel the difference between this technology and a regular automatic transmission equipped car. But for the price and the features of this car, its worth driving.

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  Fun and Good Value - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mross77 - October 30 - 3:01 am

  I bought my 2009 GTS used about six months ago and am really enjoying it so far. The 5 speed stick has plenty of power and is quite quick. Handling is very surefooted with little body lean and poised direction changes. Braking with the 4 wheel discs is excellent. Quick, short stops, zero fade and pretty good pedal feel. I would recommend the Sun and Sound package as the Rockford Fosgate stereo alone is well worth the money - far and away the best sound in any vehicle Ive owned. I get 22 or 23 mpg around town and 31 on longer trips - not awesome but certainly respectable. Nice roominess front and back for a smaller car and good ability to carry lots of stuff.

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  Silver - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By turbodreams - October 16 - 6:16 pm

  Have this car in Silver without a wing. The wingless lancer looks classy especially in silver. Added limo tints to the back half of the car. This adds amazing privacy for that luxuriously large back seat area (if ya know what I mean). Also if you take time to notice, the fabric used for the seats is perfect and very cleanable (much better than leather would be). I couldnt ask for sportier gauges. Thanks Mitsubishi. If 152 HP isnt enough, slap an intake an exhaust on it, youll pass TCs, Civics and Mazda 3s. I must say when driving this car, I feel very in control of it. Many other cars dont compare. I adore my cars spacious interior so much. Its not just a car. Its an adventure. Thanks Mitsubishi.

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  Excellent----Simply Superlative - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By vinod - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and baby I love it. Always thought I would end with a Toyota or Nissan, but today would not dream of them. Excellent handling ooodles of power and most important 97% built in Japan. Very stylish looks and good fuel efficiency. Already put in 8000 miles in 6 weeks.

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  Alfalfa; my ride - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jer Howard - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My best friend called my car alfalfa, I gave him a weird look. He explaned that the antena resembles alfalfa. It is the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. Thats because the seats Mitsubushi buys have been hands down awarded the most comfortable. I drive 365 miles one way every weekend, in any other car Ive ever been in it would be unbearable. But I cant complain with the Lancer.

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  Fun lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gevans - October 3 - 3:16 pm

  A really fun car to drive with the 5 speed shift. Clutch is light, brakes are great. 36k miles without a problem - normal maintenance only. Warning - Watch out for the hub caps. They scratch easily on curbs. Price tag - over $70 each. Dealer where purchased was great!

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  Its a okay car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mitsufreak - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The Lancer is a okay car, it lacks in power, design, interior, and some other things, but it saves alot of gas

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  Ralliart fun and free, service - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Zack Bardonner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  For an inexpensive sports car I dont feel you can beat the ralliart. I have drove Fords SVT Focus and a few other slightly more expensive economy sports cars, none felt as fun or solid to cruise around town in. Something very exciting about this car is the free maintenance and warranty that come with it. About a week after buying mine I cought a screw in my tire and the dealership was more than happy to patch it up the next day at no cost to me.