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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  Fantastic - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tam - August 13 - 1:30 am

  This car is fantastic. It has zip, is very comfortable, and has tons of room in the back. The trunk is a nice size. With the price of gas, the Lancer is the auto to own. Having had Hondas, Fords, VWs, and a gas hog Jeep, this is my best decision yet. The only thing that would make it better, hmm... perhaps add cup holders in the back.

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  Giving Leeway - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By justicopimp - August 1 - 5:16 pm

  I thought that the car was very much a cheap and quick rip off. I wish I had seen this before I bought it because I now know it thoroughly. It is quick through town, but has slow acceleration on the highways.

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  greatest car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By llcrzy77 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I am completely satisfied with this vehicle this has convinced me that I will only buy mitsubishis from this point forward!!!!!! Buy one if you can

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  2004 Lancer Ralliart - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tenasi - July 21 - 2:00 am

  With the upgrade in the performance levels of the Lancer, the Ralliart version is very nice. The engine power is significantly upgraded with impressive take off speeds, and the tuned suspension makes the handling incredible. With the 5 speed manual transmission, suddenly you are racing every other vehicle on the road. And taking off from a red light is now fun!

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  Great little car for a great value! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AGKB - June 30 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car to escape the crazy gas prices a while back. This car is the best bang for the buck. I looked at a lot of cars in its class and none came close; most (Civic, Mazda3, etc.) were more expensive with less options. You cant find a better car loaded with these options at this price. This car is much better looking too; looks like Bimmers, Audis and Volvos in the 40- 50K range! Not thrilled with the performance from 0-30, after that, its great. I chose the CVT (convenience) over performance.

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  Fun to drive is an understatement! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jellyfishian - June 14 - 6:40 am

  Well I have owned my car a week shy of a year and have put about 19K miles on it bringing it to around 73,500 today. I am 20 years old and in college so I need a reliable, economic, fun, inexpensive car to drive and my OZ Rally Lancer is just that! I bought the car from a dealer and it was a one owner with a clean history and had great service records. I have only had one issue with it and that was with the A/C and my warranty took care of that. This car is a blast to drive and I get around 30 MPG with my spirited Driving. I have taken it out of state, to the beach, and to the mountains and it never lets me down! It will be with me a long time!

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  Blocked visibility - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By blocked vision - June 13 - 10:00 am

  After 6 weeks, sun visors fail. When in use, they will drift down, blocking forward vision. Mitsubishi dealer replaced my visors with new ones. After about 4 weeks, they do the same thing. I find it hard to drive toward the sun, holding the visor in position with one hand and steering, shifting and using turn signals with the other hand. Other Mitsubishi models have better visors. Mitsubishi seems uninterested in fixing this problem on the Lancer.

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  lancer driving experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By shari - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I found my lancer to be a very fast driving car, it kind of handles like a sports car. It turns corners quickly, you only need a soft touch on the steering wheel...these points I like,however there is alot of noise thats seemingly coming from the inside of the dashboard, a rattatling(just as if, the car has a bad chest cold)of sorts. The sound really drives me crazy, I took it back, 2 weeks after I got it, I thought something was wrong, however the repair clerks said something about the cooling system or something makes a shaking sound. Anyway,thats the only problem as of yet I have to say.

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  mitsu lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By diddle - May 23 - 10:00 am

  nice engineering at an affordable price. great warranty.

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  Falling A-part - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Goober - May 20 - 11:03 am

  Since I purchased my car Ive had things just break off or fall apart. Gas tank latch is broken, It takes 2 people to fill up/open gas latch. Passenger front window motor has cable tangled up and same with rear driver side door. I have only 2 functioning windows out of the 4. Heater control knob has broken off "Plastic part" cigarette lighter has no power. My car is a dream to drive in the winter with no heat & windows down with rain coming in on you. The trunk can only be open by latch, key is useless in the winter trunk will not open. WOW what a car!