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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  Nice Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brj - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle and drives really smooth with cvt. I read a lot of reviews about the car being down on power, but I think the cvt transmission is just that smooth that it doesnt feel the way some vehicles feel when you get on the gas, cant even feel it shift sometimes.The car has plenty of power for (normal) driving and not for those looking to go drag racing or something like that. this car was actually built in japan so the quality will be there unlike some vehicles that have a Japanese but built in some other country. The car is pretty good on gas and if your driving mostly hwy you should see about 33 or 34 mpg hwy. I plan to put in a k&n air filter to get even better mpg.

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  Powertrain Problems - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mitsi Problems - June 18 - 10:36 am

  We bought this GTS in Oct 08 from Northside Mitsubishi in Edmonton. The car looked great and seemed to be fairly tight. We were pretty excited being our first new car for my wife. at 4000km, the rear main engine seal half way through a 1200km trip. The engine needed to be pulled and the seal replaced. Roadside assistance did nothing for us and we limped 600km to the dealership, filling oil every 50km. At 6400 the transmission started packing it in and will be going in for replacement on April 13th 2009. The company will do nothing for us other then repairing the major issues even when they struggle in todays market. Replacing the vehicle would be the solution, which they declined.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Cheap Milwaukeean - June 12 - 4:30 pm

  Have owned the car for 3 weeks now and put fuel in it twice. I am averaging 27.5 mpg in a city/hwy mix while being rather aggressive with the throttle. Not as good as I could get with a smaller car but I am 6-4 300 lbs and Im comfortable in the Lancer. The car has plenty of HP and torque. I have found myself doing 90mph on the freeway without much effort. Getting around town is effortless. At 64" I actually have the drivers seat up a notch which surprised me. The back seat provides enough room for 2 kids (1 in a car seat). Seats are comfortable too. The gauges are laid out well and the car performs all the functions that it should rather well. I need more room to write the review

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  5 years old and running great - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Viener.Vanker - June 10 - 2:26 pm

  Purchased 10/2005 with 48,000 miles. Now (10/2007) has 75,000 miles. No issues whatsoever. 29 miles per gallon mixed driving. Does what a 4 door 4 banger econobox is supposed to do and does it well.

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  Less than impressed after a year - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By HK416 - June 7 - 12:33 pm

  I have had my Lancer GTS for nearly a year and lets just say - it is going away. The power is not bad; but heaven forbid you have to use the A/C. It sucks SO much power from the engine. Mileage is as expected, but I cant get over the complete lack of power in this thing. Interior is not all bad; seats could be a bit more comfortable on longer trips. The NAV system is alright; but how about some updates for the maps? My house is over 2 yrs old and my street doesnt even show up. When I called Mitsubishi about updates; they told me this summer w/ a cost of $100 - are you serious? It will be a happy day when she is gone from my garage.

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  Worth a look - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Rasputin - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Lancer after looking at other cars in its class and settled on it because nobody else had one, and the price was right. After a test drive in an OZ I loved it. Its only got 120 HP but the torques in the low-end of the band so you can actually use it. Anybody who complains it needs more power really forgets that for a car that starts at about $14,000 youre looking at an econobox. This isnt to say that the Lancer doesnt have potential; theres plenty to be had if youre willing to pay. Milage has been a steady 27 MPG on my stick, and Ive been very happy with the car. The look and feel of the car are great. Check it out if youre in the entry-level market.

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  Some Good, Some Bad - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jenniewray - May 16 - 5:50 am

  When we first got the Lancer in mild weather it was fantastic - we felt like we were driving a luxury car! We first noticed an issue with the radio/speakers a few months ago. The radio didnt actually start to make noise until the dial was at 15. Last week, anytime anything other than talk radio the speakers are now crackling. Since winter started the rear door windows are taking FOREVER to defrost (over an hour) and interior parts are rattling (locks on the doors, back window, silver stripe on the passenger door). We called the dealership and they told us there was nothing they could do about the rattling or the defrost issues as when it gets cold thats what happens. Nice response!

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  The Baby Evo!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mrsocko - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. Its got 2 strut bars, (front and rear) is pretty fast for a 162 hp 4 cyl. engine, and handles like a dream. Its an excellent overall package and can trully be called the BABY EVO!

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  Great Small Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By golfergod - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We have had our MITSU for a little over a month and we have used it around town and on trips of over 50 miles. It is a wonderful small car. Our other car is a Hyundai and the Mitsu is a definite level above in fit, finish, and performance. We are getting 30 MPG plus, which is why we bought the car in the first place. It is not an Avalon, or a Passat, but it only cost half as much. For the price it is a wonderful small car.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mars - April 23 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned my Mitsubishi Lancer since 2/2004 and its great. My car now has a total of 57,000 miles and still runs like new. The standad features are better than any other compact cars. It has a quiet ride and a great OEM sound system. This car has not given a single problem since I purcahsed it. It gets great gas milage and has execellent performance for a 4-cyl. vehicle.