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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  Amazing car! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Xavier - February 24 - 12:10 pm

  Its an incredible car, I have it since last week and already I can tell you it was the best choice I could have taken. I love the car.

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  Fun for Teen - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Hadeswolf - February 5 - 12:03 am

  Had the GTS CVT for over half a year now, and I have to say, this car is extremely fun to drive. I paid a tad too much for this car, but it was worth every single penny. This car is great, looks aggressive, perfect for those teenage drivers like myself. Although I have to say Im a little disappointed in the engine power, its a blast to drive. The 152 hp engine could be a little better, certainly the 09 GTS with the 2.4 L 168 hp engine will be much faster. The fuel economy is rather good on this car. I get about on average 21 to 22 MPG. But for me this is hard to obtain because as a teenage driver, accelerating slowly doesnt give me a rush of adrenaline.

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  5 Year Review 2008 GTS - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mba0006 - February 4 - 5:21 pm

  Ive owned my Mitsu for 5 years now. I am trading it in for a 13 Charger b/c I can afford one now. This was a great car! The 150 hp engine felt more along the lines of mid 200s. The cvt transmission is a bit sluggish in the low RPMs but the lancer is a fun car to drive. I am 6-2 and 200lbs. I felt comfortable in the lancer. The back seats were okay, very wide but not much leg room. The GTS is very sporty. The Rocksford sound is great! If youre expecting it to be like the Evo you will be disappointed, but the lancer is still fun to drive and has a practicle MPG and cost. Exterior noise was the one complaint (hwy speeds are noisy) but the RF sound can drown it out ;) For the price range A+

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  One Great Little Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Herbertt - January 19 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased this car as an anniversary gift for my wife. Shes an immigrant who has never owned a car before. So, I wanted her first car to be a special one. Safety, ease of handling and parking, roominess, having good power but not too overwhelming, overall value, powered features like keyless entry, remote mirrors and such were very important features. The Lancer LS beat the Civics, Corollas, Mazdas, Ions, Neons and Ford competitors hands down in cost, value for the buck and in standard equipment! The competitors charge $1,000s more in options for what the Lancer LS offers as standard. My wife loves her car and I drive it often too. A very comfortable car, even for my 7 3" tall frame.

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  FUN CAR - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By SERENA - January 18 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HANDLES REALLY TIGHT ON TURNS AND PICKS UP FAST FOR AN AUTOMATIC HAS 162HP. GAS IS GOOD IF YOU DONT PUNCH IT A LOT. HAS AN AWESOME STEREO 315 WATTS. GETS A LOT OF LOOKS.

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  Try One, Quality Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GoodBuy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car about a month now. Feels very solid when driving. Turns corners very tightly which is handy getting into parking spaces. The 120 hp engine accelerates well and sounds good even when revving. I have the stick shift which I prefer on small cars. The car is put together very well. I could find no flaws. The interior is very well appointed for the price. All of these cars come with power windows and CD which is nice.

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  Dependable, Solid and Efficient - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By RJK - January 4 - 10:36 pm

  After three years the only problem I have had with this car was its CD player, which the dealer replaced and reimbursed me for the CD that the player destroyed. Since then I have had no problems with the car. I recently purchased new Bridgestone Turanza LS-T tires for the car and what a difference. The car was pretty stable before, with some road noise, but now it is really stable and with very little road noise. It is almost like a different car. During these high gasoline price times I have come to really appreciate the gas mileage. I average about 29 mpg in town and 37 mpg on the open highway.

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  Mitsubishi... I love you. - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By LeAnna - January 2 - 2:16 am

  I could not understand buying this car in anything but manual. It allows you to get every ounce of power out of the 120 hp engine. The OZ, spec wise, is just a base Evo so it is great for a tuner car. For all ages looking for something peppy and sporty without having to compromise comfort. This car has provided enough room to fit two 6 adult males in the back comfortably for a road trip. Turning radius: this car can turn circles without the inside tire leaving its place. Performance is definitely a 10 for the power out of the small engine and the great handling and soundness on the road. Fairly quiet drive.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By clownie94 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car- perfect for our family of 3. Performs better than expected, and a good price. I bought mine in October of 2001, and have logged around 40K miles already. Not a prob yet!

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  Sleeper - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By venster - December 28 - 3:13 pm

  CVT takes some time to get used to. Has its quirks but helps with the mpg. I bought the car for an economical commuter which it does beautifully. Averaging 35mpg on my commute-80%highway. Interior is decent-alot of plastic but mitsubishi pulls it off. Exterior styling is nice. Handles well. Its not a BMW, nor does it cost as much.