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:
Showing 251 through 260 of 667.00-
Great First Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Samira - March 16 - 12:36 pmOverall this is an excellent beginners car. I have owned this car for five years and before I got it, it had 17000 miles on it from a rental car company. I havent had any problems with it other than standard repairs (oil changes, brake pads, new tires, etc). It is almost 6 years old now and it has just under 60000 miles on it. It is completely reliable and easy to maintain on my own and Im a do-it-yourself kinda girl without much mechanic experience. My only complaints about this car are primarily superficial. The only thing I need to fix is the ac/heat knob bc it wont turn to heat. Read my suggested improvements (which I think got fixed in future models, the 2009s are really nice)!
-
Stylin - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By guess1885 - March 15 - 2:00 amThis baby is the ultimate driving machine, especially for young drivers. Its safe, sporty, fun, and gets great milage. I have the yellow OZ and I love the way it gets attention.
-
Just test drive one. - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Ryan - March 10 - 12:06 amI own an 04 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart that I have auto-Xed about 6 times and done very well. I have tryed every thing I can to break this car. Nothing has broke or needed to be fixed! It still feals like a new car after 14,000 miles. Power is awesome! I upgraded rims and tires with 9.5lb 15"s and Falken 615 205-50-15 auto-X tires. Using a G-force meter my best 0-60 time was 6.6 I just test drove a Chevrolet Cobalt SS and the best run I could get out of that pos was 6.7. if only more people knew about this amazing little car! The only mods that I have made to it are, Injen CAI DEI rapped headder, road race ceramic coated 2-1 down pipe with magnaflow cat and wide open muffler.
-
its tight - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By freeze - March 8 - 2:00 ami just got 2 weeks ago at leith mitsubitshi. its worth buying
-
Nice car... - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By dover513 - February 13 - 10:00 amWe bought this vehicle after a terrible accident my wife, daughter, and I were in. The first thing we noticed was the design, which is a little different from some of the other cars out there. The other thing we noticed was the zip- factor... This car has a decent amount of torque and the adaptive shift control transmission is ourstanding. The ride is great, just like others have said, this car handles edxtremely well! IT IS ONE OF THE FUNNEST VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN. I will be buying another on for myself as soon as out budget permits...
-
Wow - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By fan4life08 - February 8 - 9:13 pmThis is my first brand new car I have ever had. I gave up my 2003 Pontiac Vibe for this wonderful car. I do work for carmax so I had a general idea of the competition for this car and I have to say that once I jumped in this car that I had no planned on buying I just bought it. What a great car. Im very happy and I look forward to driving it everyday. Its quiet on the highway and seems to be pretty comfortable. My first tank of gas was 26 mpg driving in a mixed driving environment. Im sure it will do 30 no problem on the highway. Great car if your looking for a new car under 15. Id rather have this than a civic or a corolla.
-
My Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By MagickalDragyn - February 7 - 10:00 amThis has been the most fun Ive had in a car. I have teenage children, and the rear leg room is the best weve found in a midsize car.
-
Fun to drive, easy on the wallet - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Dallasfan - January 25 - 2:00 amThe Mitsubishi Lancer is what it is. An inexpensive, comfortable, fun to drive car. The vehicle has an ample, pleasant interior. I have two brother- in-laws over 6 foot tall who say the back seats give them exceptional room. The sound system is excellent and the ride feel is superb. I have cruised along at 90mph with little to no road noise, and no body vibration. This is a solid, reliable car that will get you where your going comfortably, and enjoyably.
-
This car will be missed if it ever dies! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By cynbaby - January 18 - 10:36 amThis has been the only car to ever outlive a car loan. It is still going and still has great gas mileage. The reason why performance is not a ten is because it has slowed slightly in its old age due to the fact that I beat it up. Only basic maintenance has been done because thats all it ever needed. I am quite surprised since it is a first year model. I have never had to doubt my safety in it and have off roaded in it despite the fact that its a sedan. I dont even avoid pot holes and after five years, still great suspension! I get roughly 32-33 miles to the gallon w/126,000 miles and counting. I will cry when I retire it.
-
Its all that I could expect it to be - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Mr Mark - January 16 - 1:33 amI bought this car out of necessity. I really dont like the exterior styling much. I added 18" custom wheels, which made it look much better. The stock tires are tiny. The interior is bland but functionality-wise is great. A lot of interior space for a small car. The car has been very reliable. Ive had zero major problems. Engine-wise the only thing Ive had to replace is one ignition coil, which wasnt too costly. The car doesnt have much muscle - slightly more horses than a Civic - but its what youd expect for this class of car. I really like the stock sound system. Its fairly loud and clear, and after over 3 years still sounds the same as when I bought the car.
