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! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sdguy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 16K mileage and after 6 months it has over 28K. I havent had any problem so far. I used to have a 1993 Lancer GLX, it was a very nice car. So, I decided to buy another one in 2002. I am very happy with that. Its very roomy and comfortable. Its good handling and the accelaration is adequate not great. It gets better at high speed, I hit 120MPH easily(sorry cops!!!). The quality is fine but I would prefer better interior quality. Not very happy with the gas mileage. I can say it is average. The wind noise is a little bit high but generally the car is quiet at highway speed. It comes with good standard package and it is very fun to drive!

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  Lancer fan! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By gypsiesoul1978 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of the car. Its sporty, but works great for my 2 adult, 2 child family. As small as it is, it has plenty of passenger and cargo room. I recently took a 16 hour road trip in it with 2 over 6 foot tall men!! Sure it was a little tight, but we arrived with out having to pull over a thousand times.

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  2010 Lancer GTS (CVT) - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By senatejs24 - April 23 - 5:43 pm

  I love this car the dealer was awesome handled and new the cars very well was actually looking at a 2010 lancer Es model before they threw this car into the loop. It handles nice on turns and looks stylish.

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  Fun but slightly problematic - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris - April 21 - 3:06 pm

  This car is solid, Ive never had this much fun driving before, the handling and suspension are amazing and just taking a corner is an experience. Fuel Economy is fairly good when youre not too busy having with it. This car also has a few problems. Ive had my clear coat start to come off, constant rattling in the car from when its unlocked, very bad road noise and other tad bits.

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  Lancer gts manual. - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jbl0114 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a suv but something about this car just got me.The front of it with the chrome looks great.Test drove the car and that was it very nice pick up and fast 0 to 60 in no time.Nice interior but they can do a little better seats are good very comfortable.Nice factory 18" wheels.But the ride is just great a little noisy inside engine noise but other that its fine.They kids love it the wife loves it I guess the suv can wait till next time and most like it it will be a Mitsubishi great bang for your bucks love it.

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  my first new car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By myself - April 7 - 2:23 pm

  Well I went to the dealership to buy a Kia Sportage. Then I found out that it was too small, and that I wanted something more sporty. I found the Mitsubishi lancer. And I loved driving for the first 5 miles, then before I got back to the dealership I new that it was my own car already. Its a fast one, with a lot of nice stuff. I got the sport package and the sun & sound package with the bluetooth, for only 19,300! I was looking at a Honda Civic coupe but the lancer is so much more worth it. And its a perfect size for a girl too!

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  Fun to Drive and Dependable! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jamster3 - March 27 - 5:04 am

  I bought my lancer brand new 6 years ago. It has 110K miles and still runs great! In that time, I took good care of it (nothing extreme), but I replaced the air filter at least once a year, changed the oil about every 5500 miles. Have had 3 sets of tires, changed the front brakes and battery once. Changed the transmission oil twice and thats about it. I still get between 30-32 miles on the highway and about 22 around town. The car has great torque for what it is. Though its not a luxury vehicle (especially the interior), when Im at a stop light, sometimes its hard to tell if the car is still running. thats how good the engine still is.

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  Fun, Quality Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Deideldorfer - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Despite having only 120HP, this car is surprisingly quick; it must be due to the 130ft-lbs of torque. This is the most comfortable car Ive owned, with lots of leg room up front, and a big trunk. All devices are well-positioned and easy to use. Interior and exterior styling is a little bland, but classy.

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  Overall Solid Car - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bob - March 24 - 1:23 pm

  Compared Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Chevy Cobalt, and Ford Fiesta. Although this car may lack the gizmos of some of these cars, Im still glad I chose it. Love the exterior styling and peppiness of the car (ES Five Speed). Bluetooth and Sirius radio make the highway driving more enjoyable. Handles well on the curves. Easy and fun shifting. Good mpg, exactly what I was looking for. And it was a bit lighter on the wallet too. Time will tell, but so far, so good.

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  No Regrets - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By A Cheung - March 13 - 9:30 am

  I absolutly love my 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. Its price to performance ratio is the best. Its acceleration is smooth and quick.