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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  Underappreciated compact car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By keithu - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We looked for a good compact car and that is exactly what we found. The interior is sized like a mid-size sedan; adults are comfortable in the front or back. The trunk holds camping gear for a family of four. Fuel economy is in the low 30s highway, upper 20s in town. I think the Lancer gets a bad rep for performance, given the flashy exterior of the OZ Rally Edition. While it is not a true performance car it handles reasonably well and has plenty of power for passing on rural two-lane roads where we drive most. The car is 100% reliable and easy to maintain.

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  Fun, quality, reliability and great valu - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By PS3Fanboy - August 7 - 1:00 am

  I bought an auto DE last fall and have been extremely happy with the car. What attracted me was the loads of features for the price, including power everything, 16-inch wheels, 7 airbags (more than cars that cost twice as much), performance reputation, high reliability ranking (backed by long warranty), and high safety ratings from the govt and IIHS. I have not been disappointed at all, in fact everything has exceeded my expectations. I drive the car a lot, 50/50 highway and city, and the fuel economy is excellent (I dont hard accelerate). The styling draws a lot of attention -- which unfortunately got me a speeding ticket! In short, this is a great compact car, best in its class.

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  Excellent for its price! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ana Ben-David - August 5 - 4:20 pm

  Highly recommended. I bought my car when it had 35k miles on 04, today it has 93K miles and still drives perfectly. Regularly maintained, there are no problems at all. Definitely an excellent choice.

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  Ralliart Experence - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bob - August 4 - 4:36 pm

  I have had this car since June of 09 and drove for about 13,000 miles B 4 selling it. I do think it is important to give a review after having a car for awhile to get to know it. The Ralliart for the money was a good car. Built like a tank, quick, agile, and had good looks. It felt like you were driving around in a shell, road noise permeated the cabin, stock tires were very poor. The car improved greatly when they were replaced with Toyo T1Rs. Handling and road noise were greatly reduced. Good car for the money but needs some refinements. Happy with it overall.

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  value - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By juniort - July 31 - 2:00 am

  style and power for a low price

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  great car for price - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sherri - July 31 - 2:00 am

  grest little car, good for city driving as well as highway. cute design teenagers love it

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  Yellow Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralli Art - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I Love the car because it is yellow

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  Headache-free Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By donald72 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is very reliable. Its drive- and-go, worry-free. No breakdowns going almost 2 years now, factoring in reasonable maintenance. Power is not so good, wont make you grin on green lights. When it comes to uphill climbs its hearty torque shows, thats where it more than makes up for its inadequate horsepower. Ergo: slow on flat roads but nimble on uphill climbs. The car is rigidly built. Thats why it weighs around 400 lbs. more than your Corolla or Civic due to more metals used.

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  Mitsu. does not back their product! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mcarm - June 21 - 9:30 am

  Bought in 07-Drawn in by the great new design I decided to give Mitsu a chance. They were rude from the start and never should have bought this car. Had problems with tires, window leaking, sunroof, the car pulls to the left, TERRIBLY CHEAP paint- hundreds of tiny paint chips. Brought the car in over 15 times in the 1.5 yrs I had it. I was always upset over the problems and no one cared. I spoke to everyone that worked at Mitsu and they were disrespectful and rude. I have never been treated so badly. I asked them to check out the paint and that was months ago and never heard back. No matter how good this car looks, do not get it. I hate the comp so much I took a hit and traded it in.

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  A sweet little ride - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lispfixer - June 19 - 11:36 pm

  I bought my 2009 Lancer GTS in 2008. I was shopping for a used, more fuel efficient car, as I was driving a BMW SUV. I miss having the SUV, but not filling it up with gas! I call my Lancer my little techno-bile. Thats why I bought it for all the latest "stuff"-really the bluetooth. The sound system is great, but I miss having the Bose that my Infiniti had. For the Lancer price loaded, you cant touch a BMW or Infiniti. I miss the leather seating. Love the Octane Blue color. Got a special coating put on it (aftermarket) to save the paint from chipping and fading. Good investment. I also added a billet grill, as I thought the plastic grill was "cheezy- looking".