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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  Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart fan - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Illini Ed - January 16 - 1:13 am

  I LOVE my new Ralliart. Ive only had it a week but it might already be my favroite car (and Ive had at least 15 cars in the thirty years Ive been driving). I purchased a new 2005 model in March 2006 with 60 miles on it. It is an auto transmission, Lightning Yellow with Rally pkg, Sun & Sound pkg, and dealer- installed Sirius radio and side air deflectors. The 2.4 MIVEC engine is FANTASTIC! Its silky smooth, gives immediate power on demand and gets good mileage . Im already getting the EPA mileage and the engine isnt broken in yet! The exhaust note is a sexy growl when accelerating but nearly silent at idle.

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  Transmission problem - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By wheresmycar1 - January 3 - 2:47 pm

  Well I bought my Ralliart this sunday and we first drove it on monday afternoon. Four hours after our drive home from the dealership and adding just 40 miles to the car, the transmission was gone. The best part is that it was in our driveway when the transmission failed. We had the car towed and brought back to the dealership. Now they want to totally replace the transmission on the brand spanking new car. Mitsubishi is giving us problems just an all around unpleasant experience and now its a couple days later and have no word on whats going on.

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  We love our gts! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By t-n-t - December 27 - 3:16 pm

  Just bought. We really like it. CVT good comp for husband and me. He wanted manual but I drive in the city so he can still have fun with the paddle shifters. Love the look and gadgets inside.

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  The Lancer is an excellent car - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lynx2 - December 18 - 11:27 am

  The editors review does not do the Lancer justice - it is an excellent car for the money, in almost all respects. I am particularly perplexed by their commend regarding the engine/CVT transmission combination, which in reality is smooth, quiet and powerful considering the excellent gas mileage (over 33 on the highway). You can buy cars with better mpg, but it will come at the expense of power. I have not problem going up steep hills at speed, with very little noise coming from the engine/transmission.

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  Fun for this teen! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RkQue - December 17 - 3:46 pm

  I just purchased the 2008 ES with CVT and oh man is it fun to drive. I got all the options including the navigation system, Sun and Sound package, and bluetooth. This car is such an upgrade from my previous car (02 Chevy Malibu). It handles corners with a breeze, and its high speed pick up is very much unexpected. My brother just bought a brand new Lexus IS 250, and my car has all the same options for less than half the price! With a few performance upgrades coming in the near future, this car will be a fast, head-turning, teched out piece of automobile art! Oh and by the way, it looks great in black!

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  Good little car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kick Axe - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Very good ride as well as an acceptable quiet engine.We chose it over the Civic.

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  Like my lancer!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By aerialcombat - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Been driving my white lancer oz for about 3 weeks now. Got it for 16,500. and I must say i love it! The thing i love the most is the look of it. Most of the people get the yellow oz, but I got a white one, but i do not regret it. The car is smooth, and sexy. I love it.

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  Slipped through Quality Control - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Andy - December 11 - 11:26 pm

  When I first saw the commercial for this car I was very intrigued. When my truck died I needed a new daily driver car. I test drove it and ended up buying it the same day. Sadly, after a month the problems crept up. ItÂ’s been in the shop for 10 total days now because of warranty issues. Anyone who has the nav system and the Rockford sound system try this: turn on the accessories but donÂ’t start the car. Watch a DVD or listen to your radio for an hour. Then start your car. On two separate occasions, my car shorted out its throttle body. 8800 total miles on it, inexcusable.

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  A Mitsubishi Lancer DE - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By BeGood - December 7 - 2:23 pm

  Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase. The size is deceiving, the car has lots of room in the cab and trunk. Compared to my 2003 Galant ES, this car is a generation better in technology. However, the Galant is better (fun and comfort) to drive and has better fuel economy. Having said that, this car holds its own in terms of performance and comfort. The interior is basic. Cheap looking/feeling fabrics and hard edged plastics. Not a lot of amenities such as an additional power outlet (option), covered storage, arm rests, seat adjustments (has fore/aft & back tilt), coin holder, etc. I have to step back and tell myself that I purchased this car as a beater to drive to work.

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  Decent car for the price - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By savvyguy - November 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is a review based on 5 months of driving. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase. The styling was a major appeal, plus it does very well on corners. The only gripe I have about this car would be --> the paint <--, thin metal ( i have a few dents already), cheesy interior, and some-what slow performance from the cvt. The gas mileage was decent, about 23/30. Although I cant complain much since I got the car with the S&S and Nav for 22k OTD.