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 291 through 300 of 667.00-
My first car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By justin - August 30 - 8:33 amI love this car it had 101,000 miles when I got it, yea thats a little high but I have had absolutely no problem out of this car. Could use a turbo for a little more power but overall the only problem I see is it needs bigger rims but I love this car.
-
Great Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By candr36236 - August 25 - 10:00 amI was in a car accident which was not my fault resulting in my car getting totalled. Unfortunatly I have not yet been able to replace it because the guy that hit me and 4 other cars has 10/20/10 resulting in me having to still pay on my loan, and being out with out a car. Anyway, because of this great car, my 18mo old girl and I were not injured at all. The guy was driving about 60mph upon impact hitting my front left corner and I hardely felt the hit due to the superior crumple zone in this vehicle. I love this car, and will get a new one as soon as I can. And, uh, yes, donations are welcome :)
-
Lancer OZ - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By ron - August 21 - 10:00 amgreat all around economy car.
-
BETTER THAN JAPAN AMER MANUFURED CARS - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By ROOKIE - August 8 - 2:00 amWHILE BLISTERING ACCELERATION IS NOT EVIDENT, THE 5-SP WITH DEFT USE OF CLUTCH AND 4.11-1 REAR WILL HOLD ITS OWN THROUGH ALL LEGAL LIMITS AND BEYOND AS REQUIRED TO KEEP UP W/ TRAFFIC IN NJ. THIS IS ESP EVIDENT ON RT 80 EARLY AM WEST BOUND TOWARDS PA. CONTROLS ARE WELL DESIGNED. REMEMBER; DURING WORLD WAR II, BELIEVE MITSHUBISHI MADE AIRPLANE ENGINES OF NOTE. I TRUST THE 2.0 LITER SOHC, 9.5- 1 COMPRESSION. FACT IS, I TREAT IT TO SUPER-UNLEADED IN WINTER TO PREVENT GAS LINE-FREEZE-UPS IN OUR UNIQUE CLIMATE. PITY WE DO NOT HAVE AGIP PRODUCTS HERE TO MY KNOWLEDGE.
-
The best car in its class - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By darkness - August 4 - 10:20 amI have had it for about two weeks now. And this car is awesome. Turning is awesome, get up and go is good. And dont forget all about the toys inside. Satellite radio is great. The nav is very accurate. All in all a great car inside and out.
-
Super New Compact from Mitsubishi - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Lancer Guy - July 31 - 10:00 amI wanted to trade in my 4x4 for an economy car since I am going to grad school. I compared all compact mfgs. I’m 6’4, 245 lbs - Civic was too narrow, Corolla had poor driver legroom, and the Elantra felt a little cheap on some of the interior pieces. Protégé was roomy and nice. However, ride was VERY stiff and jittery. Then I drove the Lancer OZ. It’s not going to satisfy the teen racer crowd without aftermarket mods,but in stock form it is a very peppy,solid, fun car to drive. Very roomy upfront and in the back. Excellent build quality, low NVH levels, and excellent IIHS crash results – it got a “Best Pick” rating.
-
Fantastic car for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By teknooh - July 25 - 4:36 pmI have owned two Lancers, the basic model and now an OZ, and I have to say I love this car. Theres nothing spectacular about it, but for the money I feel like I own a quality vehicle that will take care of me. I also disagree that its severely underpowered. Sure Im not going to win any races, but it is faster than my friends Ford Focus. It gets gas good, mileage especially on the highway and generally is just a pleasure to drive. Even a friend who owns an Audi said he was surprised at how well-put- together my little Japanese car seemed to be. I would definitely purchase this car again and again, and Ive recommended it to several people.
-
Fun, Fiesty, and Frugal - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By chiarra - July 22 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is both stylish and fuel efficient. Great steering capacity and pick up makes driving pleasant both in the city and on the highway.
-
Best Performance Car for $18,000 - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By jjorgens - July 15 - 4:06 amThis is the most fun car Ive ever driven! I absolutely love the cool look of the car and how it turns heads everywhere I drive it. The performance is amazing and it accelerates *extremely* quickly in 1st and 2nd gear. The stock Eagle RS tires were kinda junk tires, but were fun to abuse. This was my first stick shift car and the drivetrain has sustained my abuse. The stock sound system with the Sun & Sound Package is AMAZING! The only problem I had was with the rear suspension squeaking in extremely cold Wisconsin winters which was fixed under warranty after finding a good service manager.
-
The cheaper evo - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By the man colin morgan - July 6 - 10:46 amThis is the only Lancer in the out of all trim to have a 2.4 L engine displacement. Not even the evo is packed that tight. The engine is out of one of Mitsubishis SUVs and is a tough cookie to crack although it has evo parts it front wheel drive. I have mine fitted with a magnaflow performance 2.25 inch exhaust tail turbo, waist gate, blow off and piping with a custom intake. Rrm cold air intake and intercooler. Tien BASIC coil overs. Irotors performance brakes and rotors. This car although not handling as good as an evo has potential to be quicker in a quarter mile. It very responsive and I would recommend it to anyone with a hope to race
