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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Stay Away - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Lancer Hater - October 2 - 10:00 amThis is the worst car I have ever owned. At 35,000 miles I already needed a new clutch. At 37,000 miles I needed new brake pads, shocks and struts, a new piston, new timing belt and a new head gasket. Since I am so upside down on the car because of Mitsus "wonderful" no payments/interest for 1 year, I had no choice but to fix everything totaling over $2200. Do not buy this car!!!! You would be better off driving a Kia.
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Two Mitsubishi family. - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
By joew6969 - September 26 - 5:15 pmMy wife and I just purchased our second 2011 Lancer GTS on August 5, 2011. The 1st was hers and has all the goodies in the Touring and Chrome packages. Mine just has ALL the standard features of the GTS. Mine is Rallye Red with black cloth interior. It has everything I want in a car without add-ons I do not like. Very comfortable riding car, lots of interior room, I am 62" and have more than enough room in ALL of the seats.
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rice rocket - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By jckedup - September 26 - 10:00 amCool car... Can be customized very easily... tons of aftermarket parts from exhaust to nitrous kits.... No problems so far... 33 mpg on highway...Glad I bought it.
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Another Mits in the family - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
By skwillbanks - September 24 - 12:25 pmWe have had several Mitss. Eclipse, Spyder, several Galants, Monty Sport. All excellent purchases and very dependable and they run forever. Our daughter is now of driving age and we went out on a limb am bought her a new car. Lancer SE. Was originally looking at an ES but the 2.0 is noisy. Drove the SE just to see if the engine was quieter and it was. This is the same engine my first Galant had in it. Very, very good car. With the warranty, the safety ratings, and the quality they offer - well I would say it was an easy decision.
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Decent import - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
By JMarsh - September 17 - 9:36 pmOverall, the OZ edition is a good buy. No one would be dissatisfied by the features. Mileage is decent and the car is plain fun. Plus I havent yet seen another just like mine on the road anywhere Ive been. The audio is weak, but replacing the head unit makes for a decent system. The car is also highly modifyable, though nearly every possible change voids the warranty. By the way, the 10 year warranty is solid.
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Best Value in its Class - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Dante - September 15 - 12:16 amThis car has been fantastic. Mine has 4,000 miles so far, no problems, firm supportive seats are great on my back. I am averaging 29 mpg with air running constantly here in AZ. Dont believe the hype over Honda or Toyota. I test drove Civic and Carolla and the Lancer blows them away as far as seat comfort, ride comfort, torque off the line power, and standard features, all for thousands less. Get an ES with the convenience package. It gives you everything you need, power everthing, AT, cruise, all for $14,000!
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Check insurance price before you buy - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Tony - September 12 - 1:00 pmWe bought this car for my 16 year old son thinking it would be a nice car for him to drive back and forth to school. The car looks and drives wonderful, plenty of power and great gas mileage. Our shock was when we went to get it covered with our local insurance agent. The price was outrageous! I now see on the internet, it is right at the top of the list for most expensive cars to insure. Dont make the same mistake we did; Check with your insurance agent first!
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my 02 ES LanceR - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By EazyEn16 - September 12 - 10:00 amThis is a monster of a car in Japan. They tone it down for the US, dont ask me why. Lancer is on the cutting edge of what young people are looking for. Thats why i was so drawn to it. Im an aftermarket kind of guy, looking for performance out of my car. I know i could keep up with any Honda. Even though i just bought my car,like 4 weeks ago, Im in love with it. The guys like it, and my gf loves it too.
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Wonderful Wheels - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By golfergod - September 3 - 10:00 amTraded in a Ford van. Heaven replaced the hell we were driving. We could not be more pleased. This is a wonderful ride. We also have a Hyundai Elantra which is okay, but the Lancer is a quantum leap above the Hyundai. I know of no other car that gives you this fine a car for the price. We paid $4,500 under the sticker price.
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LOve it - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Blackout21 - August 31 - 2:00 amPick it up last night Couldnt stop Driving. Yes No exotic inside but i knew that before i got the car But I love it
