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 car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By PT - December 25 - 10:00 amGot this car in January and chose this over the Mitsubishi Eclipse because of handling and fuel economy. The car hasnt let me down yet and it appears it wont. This car is manufactured actually in Japan unlike the civic which is made in the good ole USA and the sentra which is assembled in Mexico. So this is actually an import with japanease quality.
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Very much underestimated - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By FMF DOC - December 24 - 11:53 amI am in the military in the middle of nowhere, so I get a whole lot of highway miles. However, I am from Chicago so I am very much a city driver. The GTS fulfills my needs. My only after market modification is a K&N cold air, and my GTS is superb. Handling is definitely sharp, brakes and safety are more than what you can ask for. Lacks a bit of top end speed but with the right shifting you can overcome more than you think.
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Gonna keep it - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By ralifan - December 22 - 2:13 amI bought this car after test driving a Mazda3, and found the Mitsubishi roomier, more fun to drive, and with more comfortable seats. And the color (phoenix red) is as close as I wished. So far, no problems at all. Its still a lot of fun, the engine has plenty of torque just from launch - basically, it can be driven in 4th and 5th in the city, except traffic lights. The Infinity audio is about as much as you can stand in a car (315 watts with subwoofer) and the sound quality is great, though I prefer to listen to the exhaust sound - the best sound I ever heard from a 4 cyl., especially if not revved over 4000 rpm. I havent tested the new GTS yet, Id wait for the new Ralliart.
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Tortured - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By ozrally - December 15 - 8:43 pmI have owned this car since 2003 purchased for 16,000 with 22k miles on it. It now holds 180k for commute. Been in three wrecks 1) old man cut me off and I trash is bumper all I did was crack my bumper and headlight. 2 hit a dear at 50 mph and knocked paint off and 3 hit a ditch sideways at about 85 mph flew out of thedmunds - once a weeke ditch and got stuck. Just had to replace a strut and some tires. Car looks like a mess but still gets me 40 mpg. Only change oil and tires. Have not even changed spark plugs or wires or belts and still pull strong like the day I got it. Clutch went out at 90k. Fairly easy to replace myself as it was my first try at clutch replacement. I drive a year on new tires without rotation.
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Amazing car!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By rod_1 - December 14 - 10:05 pmThis car is overall an amazing car. We bought it in 2004 with 58k on the odometer. We used it for trips and put a heavily amount of miles on the car. This car has lasted us a long while until the radiator busted a hole due to the fan going out. The car had too many miles on it to even bother putting money into it but the car now has 275k on the odometer last time we looked and has lasted a very long while. Weve put a few dings and bruises on the car due to a dog jumping out in front of us and a go kart smashing into the side of it but it still went. Its protected us in many other situations too. I would recommend this car for anyone. We are looking for another one. Best car we ever owned!
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Disappointing - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By steve - December 3 - 10:06 pmThe vehicle itself is not a bad vehicle to own, low in perchance cost, easy to maneuver, and sporty looks tribute to its appeal. After owning this vehicle for a little while I find myself disappointed, the ride is quite bouncy, the engine is underpowered, and the fuel economy is nothing to write home about, I would say just below par for its class. The front is nice and grippy when you do get up to speed, sadly cornering fun is reduced by moderate body lean. If one is looking for a lancer oz rally my suggestion would be to find one with a manual transmission. As an automatic, a very good first car, looks good, is cheap to own and maintain, yet for the parents its not crazy fast.
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My Best Sedan Ever - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By FAX68 - December 3 - 5:33 amI love my 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan ES Manual with 41,225 miles. It never gave me any problems except for getting use on those computer gadget on the dash. I live in the northeast and drive on Interstate 95 all the time 7 days a week sunny or noreaster. Who said its bad on snow? I realized it is not the car its the tires. I almost hit the railing on 95 but the car tremendously responded on my driving and avoided a total wreck. No power? Just use 4th gear all the time to pass cars. it can pass 2 to 3 cars in a second especially with a manual. The secret is learn to drive this car. "You control the Lancer Dont let the Lancer control you." The Lancer is fast just be aggressive.
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My Lancer Experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Amber Welch - December 2 - 10:00 amHi my name is Amber. I purchased my Lancer June of 2003. I have really enjoyed my car, it has been a load of fun. The car has been a complete joy to drive. I have only had one major problem. The car just wuit one day, so i called the dealership and they sent a toe truck and picked me up and took care of me. As it turns out it was the cam sensor. It had come loose but after that all was great. My overall experience has been good.
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Super Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Nissim Moses - December 1 - 2:00 amThis is my 4th car 12&4 were of 1500 cc and the 3rd was 1800 cc engine. All were excellent. The Dealer in Rochestor of the 1800 cc gave excellent service. The pricing of repairs if ant and service was very reasonable
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Ralliart - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By sdmac - December 1 - 2:00 amThis is a really fun car. I bought the lightning yellow (my favorite color) and cant help but smile every time I get it it!
