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:
Showing 401 through 410 of 667.00-
excellent car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By kenhalts - November 21 - 10:00 amExcellent car for the money with a vary good warranty.
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Worth the money - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Keith - November 17 - 10:53 pmI absolutely love my Lancer GTS because it is wicked nice looking and really just a blast to drive. However, I heard about the paint wearing around the back tires prior to buying it so I decided Id get the mud guards and keep it real clean even in the winter. I would never let too much salt cake on it and yet I still see the paint fading there. COME ON MITSUBISHI! I also noticed the speaker covers vibrate a bit excessively though I do like the sound system. All in all Id still highly recommend this car I would just suggest it in white or silver so you dont notice the paint wear as much.
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Perfect Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Missy - November 4 - 11:26 amIm definitely a poor college student...but this car saves me some cash. It is totaly awesome. It only takes about $23 to fill up and it is so cute. People always wanna race me!
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I love this car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By kjenning - October 24 - 10:00 amIf you can find something wrong with this car then there jmust be something wrong with you. A little more power woudl be nice, but it gets me moving as fast as the law allows in short order. I have been supremely impressed with this vehicle. The other cars in its price range that I test drove were deplorable. This car is a real class act and is beating out my 72 porsche as my most fun car to drive! Now thats saying something!
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Incredible Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Andrew Ciccolella - October 24 - 10:00 amI have the OZ Racing Edition, and it is incredible. The clutch is so smooth, and its performance is great. It is loaded with extras for such a low price.
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Whats with the performance complaints? - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By TobyG - October 17 - 10:00 amOK, granted that I wasnt looking for a sports car when I purchased my OZ, but Im still not sure where performance complaints are coming from. When compared to the other compact cars that I owned in the past (a 93 Sentra and 87 Horizon), my Lancer is just flat out more fun and a better performer. Add to that much better fuel economy (along with the other two) than the truck I traded for it (96 Nissan Kingcab SE), and thats a recipe for an excellent compact transport.
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Handles like a charm - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
By James - October 15 - 7:46 pmI just got my Lancer Ralliart last month and the handling is great. As for the performance stock my friends Spec V can take it but with a little money all he can see is my clear tail lights. This car is great around turns and rides smooth. The all around performance and handling is great for this FWD Sedan. You must drive it to understand.
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Love my lancer - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By bassist48 - October 7 - 2:00 pmI didnt choose this car. this car chose me. after 2 minutes into the test drive, the car was sold. it is extremely fun to drive with a tight turning circle and a performance tuned suspension. CVT transmission is great; very smooth. 2.4 liter sounds awesome and provides good acceleration. the car rides like a beemer; quiet in the city and on the highway with very little road, engine, or wind noise. I got it fully loaded with the nav, 650 watt sound system, FAST key, stability control and HID auto headlights. gas mileage is not the greatest, but the car makes up for it with how fun to drive it is. would recommend to any/everybody.
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All i ask is MORE POWER - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Thunderbird290 - October 6 - 2:00 amGreat handling and it is fun to drive. Forget the civic and the impreza.this is a great car for a good price.
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My Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Kaitai - October 6 - 2:00 amGreat little economy car, its not a hot rod, but has loads of room, is fun to drive and skips the gas station like the plague. Drove the Civic, Focus, Protoge and the Sentra, picked this becasue it had more room and just felt like it had more spunk, while being very quiet on the inside.
