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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  Bang for Buck - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Carknut - April 19 - 11:30 am

  Actually, this car is just a solid deal all around. Hands down better than any other compact on the road. I have driven it 12,000 miles in the last 5 months - averaged 360 miles per tank, love the seats, and overall ride. The best thing for performance in this car is the automatic tranny (wish I had a manual though). The auto is perfectly mated to the engine, so that it effectively uses the entire power range. I love driving the car, and I have no regerts with it. Youd be smart to pick one up.

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  Lancer CVT is really weird - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mitsumistake - April 17 - 12:38 pm

  I bought a Lancer SX recently and have clocked 1600km and the CVT has behaved very strangely from day one. It lurches about dramatically especially when cold. Taking foot off accelerator produces sudden jolts, sometimes quite violently, and it then seems to want to brake on its own and slows down rapidly while coasting. Braking often produces a sensation like the car is fighting against the braking and wanting to surge forward. This is the weirdest drive Ive ever had and have had no support from Mistubishi - the first 1500km service last week I gave the dealer a very concise report on this problem, and they had the car for TWO DAYS. They said the problem was fixed, but it has not.

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  ENGINE KNOCK - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By stargazer32 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I for the most part enjoy the car, but after 6000 miles I have a engine knock when cold the dealer says its the injectors that are making the noise...yeah right this is the same dealership that scratched the heck out of the right front alloy wheel then saying they didnt do it cause they have no curbs..hum I will see just how good Mitsubishi Corp will handle the complaint. Will wait and see if they stand behind the customer or thier franchise owners.

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  Like the Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dkh5a - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I boughth this car as a cheap 4-door car that got decent gas mileage because of my commute. It has lived up to all of those expectations and "knock-on- wood" has been the most reliable car I have ever had.

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  Great Car & 0 Payments for a year. - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mpeters@niu.edu - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in November 02, and I love it. The interior quality is excellent, better then others in its class. Ride on the highway is smooth, and handles great. Over all excellent quality, and a great value.

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  Updated review, 10,000 miles later - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By SixFeetDeep - April 6 - 12:46 am

  My first review was under the name Adam S. Just an FYI to all reading this. The car has been holding up pretty well. My only issues with the car has been the stock Dunlops which the dealership swapped out. They had a pulling issue from day 1 & they put on Pirelli P-Zero Neros instead. Now the car doesnt handle quite as well. Hopefully they will be better in the winter. The Dunlops were pretty scary! The paint on this car chips very easily! The front & right behind the rear doors my car looks awful! The Navi system is only current up to 2006! That is ridiculous! Mitsus customer service has been quite poor. But overall, 10K later, the car has never given me any trouble. A+ for that.

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  Waht a japanese car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Juledum - April 4 - 7:30 pm

  I bought a DE MAN and I am very happy with it. The performance is very good and its fun to drive. I dont feel intimidated when a BMW or other fancy cars stop next to me in a Light. When they want to show the power of their cars, the Lancer response very well with its 152hp and its light weight. It is a good car for long trips.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Nic231 - March 30 - 3:46 pm

  I do have to agree with the snow thing. I live in Chicago and this car sucked on even a dusting of snow. But other than that this car rocks! I love the sound sys. Love the nav. Looks are good but the tires. Be careful not to bump the curb with these rims. It will grind up the rims. Car dose need more hp and the 16 more for 09 aint cutting it!

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  Rally Red Lancer GTS CVT - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By skater69 - March 26 - 12:28 am

  CVT takes a little getting used to. Its much quicker using the paddle shifters or manual mode if you want to jet off the line. I put a Takeda SRI intake-cheap/easy mod and it wakes it up a little bit/sounds great The GTS handles extremely well. It really does feel like a sport sedan in the curves and its fun to use the paddles on the back roads. Steering is great. Cruises effortlessly on the freeway at 80+. Seats are very comfortable. Interior is nice if not spectacular. My only gripe with my GTS is I find the gas pedal angle kind of uncomfortable. Its too short or something. I got some larger RAZO aftermaket pedals which Ill be installing soon to help alleviate.

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  I am IMPRESSED - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GNNR - March 19 - 11:50 pm

  Love my 08 Black GTS with Sun/Sound and Nav/Tech. It handles great, firm and sporty but not harsh, with precise steering and excellent balance with little hint of over or understeer even hard into a curve. Fit and finish on the exterior is excellent, same on the interior (I question the carpet and crushed velvet lint brush interior cloth). The NAV system is precise, the stereo very good with lots of power but decent clarity. Mileage so far is great too. The MT/Paddle CVT setup is actually pretty good, but almost demands you manage it manually if you want a sporty drive. Definitely could use more HP, 10-20 more.