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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It is a luxury car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Seb - September 25 - 2:00 amThis is my first car to own-I feel like I dont deserve it. It looks, feels, like a luxury car. The red gauges look BMW like, the interior is refined, huge, the outside is beautiful. With the 2.0L engine, it has enough power accelerating and merging. The engine is so quiet and the ride is as soft as any luxury car. The corollas engine is about 5x as loud and the ride seemed stiff. The corolla seems way heavier and doesnt accelarate as fast and as quietly as the lancer. The civics have a smaller engine then the lancer, the lancer looks kick ass while the civic looks conventional, and it is bigger then the civic.
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Smooth to drive, really a sport feeling. - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Jon Pogi - September 13 - 11:56 amI got this last Nov and when I got it there is a small dent and the dealer was aware about it and verbally they told me that they will fix it and even give me a loaner car. Now they are giving me a hard time to have it fixed and the 6 CD is missing not even there. The specs on the paper, 6CD/MP3 is the deck w/ navigation.
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What a ride - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By What a ride - September 12 - 11:13 pmWhen I started looking for a new car I wasnt sure what I wanted. I drove the corolla, the sentra, and this little baby. I knew that I wanted a strippo to get the price down and I was blown away with this car. Its relatively quiet, it has a fair amount of power and never feels slow on its feet. The thing that sold the car for me was the ride. Its never choppy and I could relate it more to a big car then anything else in its class. The clutch and the transmission is very smooth and easy to operate and to me feels like a manual transmission should. Being that I do live in the midwest I did have to pay the extra money for the A/C which was well worth it. Give it shot.
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Mitsu got it right! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By koolcisco - September 10 - 7:46 amTest drove the Mazda 3, Civic Ex and the lancer by far the Lancer was a funner ride and beats the others in styling and buck for the money. I bought the Lancer Es Manual Tech and Appearance pkg it was just funner than the CVT even with those cool paddle shifters. So far the cars been great sure we all want more power but for the money I think its pretty peppy of course low end torque could get more work but satisfied overall. Cant wait for all the upgrades since its the same engine as the Evo yay!
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This car is ok... - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By yeo_yeo - August 31 - 10:00 amIll give the OZ some credit...where credit is due. Its not a bad car, just not my kind of car. Ive been driving Trans Ams all my life and the OZ just doesnt have the power that Im used to. I really like the wheels, although 16s or 17s would be better, and the look of the car is just furocious.
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Be Intelligent, Give It a Shot - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By M J.DRAHL - August 31 - 7:16 amMy spouse and I were not seeking to purchase a new vehicle on that hot humid New Jersey afternoon. As we passed the dealer I noticed the Diamond White Pearl OZ Rally from knowledge on upgrade platform outside. We just had test driven such a vehicle. Both my wife and I took separate drives in a five speed. We were so impressed by its handling, brakes, outward vision, and tremendously smooth gearbox 4.04.1 that we placed our down payment on one in less an hour. The vehicle was delivered as promised in less than three days. The sales staff and management were very business-like and extremely professional in all respects. We purchased another Lancer ES for our college bound son for his NY trips.
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I Love This Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By P$ - August 29 - 5:26 pmI just recently purchased my 2008 Lancer GTS and I love it! I was the first person to purchase one at the dealership. My GTS is Graphite Pearl Grey, it has the sun and sound package. Drives very well and is very fun to drive. I got the CVT with the magnesium paddle shifters, they are so fun and easy to use! Definitely would recommend this purchase to anyone.
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Hair of the 4-time World Champion - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By love2run - August 21 - 10:00 amIm really sorry I dont have enough time to drive my car (cause I drive a truck all over the country).But every time I get in, I feel like this is the car I allways wanted. Comfortable and supportive seats, good power, very direct steering - Mitsubishi did great job with this sport compact.
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Best Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Boston Matt - August 15 - 1:43 amNot one bad thing. Got me through college, several million bad nights and its been Driven XC two times from AZ to NH. It is like a child to me, 75,678 miles to this date. Next this thing will be on blocks, waiting for bubble rap. Ralliart made it up to the Car Driver est top speed as well. I am impressed. This is the best car I have ever had and I will NEVER get rid of this car.
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FUN MACHINE - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By FRUITPICKER - August 13 - 2:00 amHAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR THATS AS MUCH FUN TO DRIVE AS THE LANCER OZ. IVE OWNED ACURA INTEGRAS AND OTHER FUN CARS,BUT THIS ONE IS THE BEST SO FAR.
