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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  Good for commuting - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tunnel - March 1 - 9:23 pm

  I am not sure how I ended up with this Lancer, but I dont consider it a mistake. You can find them used very cheap. Mine has been perfectly reliable. Get the 5-speed manual, because it will remind you of its bread-and-butter nature, and, ultimately, the reason you bought it in the first place. We could all finance better cars; you dont buy a Lancer because you necessarily -want- one (except of course the Evo). You buy a Lancer because you found a good deal.

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  This is a great safe car! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brittni - February 22 - 2:00 pm

  Im 19 and I purchased my 09 lancer a little over a year ago and I was so happy with the car. Recently i was in a 4 car accident and I was hit from behind, and also had front collision. Not only did i enjoy and love the car but it did extremely well holding up in the accident. All the airbags went off accordingly, and I was very happy with the safety of the car so much Im going to get another!!!

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  Had an 08 Now 09 - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By idlewanderlust - February 22 - 5:33 am

  Traded in my 08 Lancer GTS for the 09 GTS, this is a much improved Lancer over the year. The HP gain is nice but what really helps is the torque gain. The care will actually pull you from a stop and has the needed thrust when entering the highway.

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  Not bad, but could be better - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Jenny Lou - February 19 - 6:13 pm

  Well, I purchased my Lancer just over a year ago. As far as reliability, it has been doing pretty well. There has been no major problems, other than bad rotors. However, the interior is not holding up, everything is slowly falling off. The paint job is horrible, it looks like I have two different paint colors on one side. I rotate my tires with every oil change and check my alignment, yet it still shakes on the freeway horribly. It is not a bad car, its still really fun to drive. I love the 5-speed transmission and I got it at a really good price too.

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  Love this Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By bina - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I Got into a major accident when this car had less than 3,000 miles on it. I was rear ended on the thru-way going 65 mile per hour because the man behind me was watching the accident and not the cars in front of him. My car had over $9,000 worth of damage to it, and I want you to know, every safty feature including the crumple zone worked perfectly. We had tons of presents in the trunk and not one thing broke, The whole trunk shifted to the ground, leaving all of the trunks contents and us perfectly safe. No one was injured and I was happy I had chose this car!!!

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  I love this car!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MistyKin - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I got this car and the only thing i can find that bothers me about it is that i cant figure out how to use the climate controls correctly the air only goes off if the little orange light is on is that a glitch?

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  Great first car I must say! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tarantula - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought it about 7 months ago with 132k miles on it. Was a little skeptical about it but when I drove it, I couldnt believe its 7 years old. Great gas mileage (about 30 mpg combined), fun to drive (in short commutes but not on the highway), and great reliability. I drove like 12k miles in just six months of purchase and needed nothing other than regular oil change. There is some room for improvement such as, temperature knob is hard to rotate and Im not the only one facing this, no abs/cruise. But other than these issues the car is great.

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  Great Compact! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By big spank dogg - February 14 - 11:33 pm

  My Lancer is an awesome little car. I opted for the base ES, 5 speed, no options, but got most of the features I wanted anyway. This car handles very well and is a joy on mountain roads; however, the base 14-inch tires are much to small and the Yokohama rubber offers no grip in the wet. Fuel economy has been a little disappointing (I average about 27 MPG on my 120-mile round trip commute), but I drive it hard so thats to be expected. The Lancer is an awesome compact that beats everyone else in price as well.

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  lancer - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jeremy - February 1 - 12:50 pm

  i Like it it is way better than my previous car- Honda Civic EX 4 door automatic. i love the way the engine revs and it is a very fun car to drive in or pick up my little brother. As a junior n high school this car is soo cool.

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  Lancer 08 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancer 08 - January 23 - 11:26 pm

  Me and my wife both love this car. 13,000 km on it now and preforms great. The style is the best on the road for a sedan. the warranty in Canada is the best on the road. Wish I could have had the 2.4 from the 09, might have more power. Not an overall fan of the CVT. I drove this car in heavy snow all winter and it preformed great. Temperature hit -40 and relays blew with only 2000 km on it. Moisture out of the factory they said. The joys of a new car I guess.