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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Economy vs Comfort and Safety - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Joe M. - June 18 - 2:43 amThe 2010 lancer rides just like the 08, 09 lancers which are a new generation of lancers. The 2.0 liter dohc, 16 valve engine with innovative timing performs well but the 2.4 performs much better and is only available in the expensive gts, which doesnt have as comfortable a suspension. The cvt transmission is smooth and the car soaks up most bumps. The cheap plastics on the dashboard somehow make you wonder if they cheapened anything else. Ive had prior lancers and they were all exceptionally reliable - as good as a Toyota.
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My Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Kelly - June 16 - 1:13 pmI had my Lancer for about two years. I thought I would get good gas mileage, but I only got about 24 mpg on the highway. Furthermore, I was in a rear end collision and over $10,000 in damage was done just in body damage, the inside frame of the car did not hold up. This is not a safe car...
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Amazing!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Jessica Miller - June 14 - 9:33 amThis car is one of the most amazing cars for the price it is. Mitsubishi really delivered, this car is so much fun to drive and have. I love to be seen in it and all. If you have the chance to get this car, do it you will not regret it at all.
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200,000 miles and still rolling smooth - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By imanilove - June 13 - 8:56 amIm a second owner, I had this car for over 6 years now. This car has been through the ringer and has been dogged out. Like most cars some issues have arisen such as the tie rods, and timing belt which I think is quite normal for a car with 200,000 miles. Other than that I just kept up on regular with oil changes and its still riding strong. I would recommend a lancer to anyone looking for a long lasting car. Its certainly not a luxury car but its a damn good car.
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The Basic Fun Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Mike - May 31 - 4:03 amThe OZ-Rally package definitly spiced up the exterior look, and I was happy with all the accesories that it came with. I do wish it had a bit more power to it though. Everything has been fine on it so far though.
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Its Not a civic - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Cybergypsy - May 25 - 7:43 pmThe Car is fun to Drive, but seems you sit higher then in the new Civic, the navi is a pain to use....and the Lancer still feels tinny. I had a Lancer OZ before my Civic EX Coupe and the civic is more of a solid well built car.
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Everything you need - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Greg - May 21 - 6:46 amYou really cant find a better car for the price. Ive seen some complaints about power which confuses me. I have a 5 speed manual and I have TONS of power. You just need to learn your car so you know when to shift. Its also very agile at HIGH speeds and slows down quickly too. I drive quite a bit finding a car thats comfortable is hard since Im 63" and 285 lbs. For me at least its one of the more comfortable cars in its class that Ive sat in. I actually like the interior as well. Its simple. I dont need a car thatll shave for me while I drive.
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Paint chips - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Jacki Monnat - May 14 - 10:03 amAfter 6 weeks of owning the car and 3,000 miles I noticed Paint chips on the side in front of the rear tires. I took it to the dealer and they took pictures and sent them to Mitsubishi and they said they wouldnt cover it that it was my fault. The front tires kick off stones causing a sandblasting to the side of the car. They said they didnt make mud flaps for them yet. It gets worse everyday. I see more people are having the same problem. I am now filling out paper work for the attorney General.
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One of the worst cars ever - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By bolshevik - May 5 - 5:56 amI bought this car used with little mileage, after a few months Ive had to put around a thousand dollars in fixes to it. I had to clean the engine because it was clogged, it has instability problems when accelerating over 60 miles (it vibrates), I had to replace a valve and some other engine internals because they were damaged, had to do injection system cleaning, and the worst of all I have to add oil to it on a constant basis because it just simply consumes a ridiculous amount of oil. My other car a Toyota Yaris 2008 has over 115K (I drive it hard and a lot) and I havent spent a SINGLE DOLLAR except on the normal oil and tire maintenance which I do by the book.
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Awesome Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By RalliartOwner - May 5 - 3:10 amIve owned this car a couple months and love it. Its 230hp keeps it as fast and fun as just about anything out there, while the 4 door design maintains practicality for passengers and other daily uses. The shiftable automatic transmission is a joy when you want it to be. The AWD keeps the car stuck to the road. Standard technology includes bluetooth phone to make calls without taking your phone from your pocket and a "FAST" key remote sensor that enables you to unlock and start the car with the key in your pocket. The exterior styling is fantastic.
