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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  Easy car to maintain and drive - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mitsu:>) - October 4 - 9:50 am

  Car is great on highway but not city. Easy to maintain and drive. Reliable and comfortable for all weather.

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  xxxGrEaT cAr 2 HaVexxx - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancerbaby767 - October 4 - 8:23 am

  I bought a new Mitsubishi Lancer because i liked how it looked on the platform while i was looking at the Mitsubishi Montero Limited with my fiance. Being 22, i still wanted something sporty with a practical edge.

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  Needs more ponies - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lane - October 3 - 11:26 pm

  I got my car brand new with 7 miles on it 3 of which I put on during a test drive. I just wish it came with more stock hosepower. I have a DMT racing muffler which I got a ticket for so that helps a little. It handles awsome and is just a sweet ride.

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  Still a great car after all these year (and miles) - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bruce B - September 25 - 12:56 am

  Most reviewers here only had a few thousand miles on their Lancers when they wrote them. Im a little different: Bought my 05 O-Z Rally used in 2012 with nearly 160,000 miles on it. Knew very little about Mits cars and sort of held my breath because, well, it had 160K miles on it. Five years and 55,000 more miles later, Ive never breathed easier with a car. Just passed 215K and it still runs almost flawlessly. Not as powerful as a Ralliart, apparently, but I DID hit 108 MPH shortly after buying it and couldve gone faster. Gets about 31 MPG on highways, 26-17 MPG in town. Engines a little noisy, but not bad for a 4-banger. Good stereo system, better after I put a Pioneer deck on. Lots of interior room, especially in front, with comfy seats. Ive never had a real problem with it and its a nice LOOKING car on top of that. Considering how I was sort of rolling the dice when I bought it, Im not sure Ive ever had a better, more reliable car (and believe me, Ive had quite a few). Ive been holding off on buying a truck simply because I cant imagine any of them will run better than this one. Why try fixing something that isnt broken?

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  EVO-light - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By go4broke89 - September 19 - 3:56 pm

  The lancer ES CVT is an EVO look-alike with average capabilities. It comes with almost everything you need for the daily commute and has some room for the occasional spirited driving. The limited trunk space gives room for 3 laundry baskets. Rear seat room is decent. Car feels heavier, yet agile and nimble. Responsive engine sounds good, but CVT is loud and leaves you wanting/wishing for more. Acceleration is average. Handling and suspension is above average: light and neutral with quick turn-in. Understeer can be dangerous when entering corners too fast. Fuel economy is average, combined 30mpg +/-2.

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  2004 Lancer Ralliart is the best - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Sartuche24 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I never did car for the Lancer before but once I saw the Ralliart I was like I want this car. It handles nice, pulls hard all the way to redline and I can spin the tires in 1st and 2nd which I like. The seats are straight from the Evolution GT-A and are really comfortable to sit in plus they hold your body while taking turns really hard. This is what the OZ edition should have been, also I like how they re-did the front end so it looks a little like the EVO. So if you see this car take it for a drive and I bet you will love driving it.

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  good - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By angelina rodriguez - September 11 - 10:00 am

  i love the car .but .why the dont put more horsepower .at least 160 horses

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  A Great Car for the Money - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralph Wiggum - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I have the O.Z. Racing Edition and it looks so great. The clutch and shifter are the best I have ever used. It is definiatly a great car for the money.

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  Must test drive!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By zontar19 - September 4 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car a few weeks ago and am loving it! It handles and looks like a much more expensive car. Everywhere i go i get looks and compliments. Its way faster than I expected for it only being a 4 banger! Im not getting as good of fuel mileage as im supposed to but apparently this car slowly gets better mileage as it breaks in, hope thats true.

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  The Best Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By NMorgan - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2004 Mitsu Lancer and I love it.