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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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By KO - December 5 - 7:43 am

  The reason I purchased a Mitsubishi was because everyone I know has one. Best decision I have made. My car, brand new, came out to 10,000 flat. I am the worst person to take care of a car and considering that, my car is still in excellent condition. I will buy Mitsubishis until I die.

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  Love My Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Joe Bethel - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I love the Lancer of all the cars I have owned definately my favorite. It may not be the fanciest car on the market but for the money I spent I feel I got wayyyyyyy more than I paid for. The fuel economy is a great added bonus and the safety features on the vehicle are great. I even saw where the NHSA just picked it as the safest car they tested which only made me feel better about having my wife and baby boy riding in the car everyday.

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  Awesome car great handling - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Dean - December 4 - 8:23 pm

  When I first test drove the car off the lot, I was hooked. The car turns on a dime and has minimum body roll. The 2.4 L engine is a improvement from last year. The extra horsepower if perfect for the 4,000 lb gross weight of the car.

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  Glad that It Came with a Warranty - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris - November 5 - 6:20 am

  We have owned our 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart for two months now and its a nice car but we havent been too pleased with it. We bought it with 12,000 miles on it and got a great deal. Unfortunately, we have already had it in for new struts, motor mounts,and the clutch is starting to shutter a bit. On top of that we only get on average 18-21 MPG with a mixture of city and freeway driving. We love the style and the handling. The power is OK.

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  mitsubishi lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jamie m - November 5 - 2:00 am

  i absolutely love this car! i have been driving for 10 years and never been so comfortable in a vehicle. and i got a great deal on this one enterprise got me in the car in 2 days with no hassle for 8,000 dollars. you cannot beat that.

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  Best Choice Under 20K - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By driveboston - November 4 - 10:25 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 years and 4 months, and have put 40k miles on it, so I feel its kind of safe to say I made a wise choice that picked this car from this price range and bought it. Driving experience is very sporty. I espacially like the steering wheel which is tight enough and very accurate (hard to find on other cars I tried under 20k). Reliability is excellent, zero problem since I bought it and all I need is oil change every 3 months. Interior is no fancy leather seat or luxury things, but you can clearly feel Mitsubishi put the money saved here into things you dont see under engine hood. Overall this car is not comparable to bmw or infiniti, but best choice under 20k IMO.

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  Value value value - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By leftysrule22 - November 4 - 1:58 am

  Ive owned my Ralliart since January of 2005. I am about to cross the 90k mile marker, and I can honestly say every single mile has been a blast. You wont find a comparable 2005 of any make that can touch the value of this car. Other comparable cars have higher peak hp numbers (only slightly higher too), but cant match the ralliart torque. What other 2005 under $20k can do a standing burnout without bouncing off the rev limiter? What other car comes from the FACTORY with an upper suspension brace?

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By DJSTENGER1024 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE JANUARY 2003 AND DRIVE IT TO WORK EVERYDAY. IT GETS AROUND 32MPG. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED BIG CARS WITH POWER, AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SMALLER CAR, BUT SO FAR IM NOT DISAPPOINTED. MECHANICALLY, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE. I CURRENTLY HAVE 51,000 MILES ON THE ODOMMETER. I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES AND HAVE SCHEDULED MY FIRST TUNE-UP NEXT WEEK.

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  Sporty & Fun - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By dinger82 - October 30 - 6:27 pm

  My wife & I bought this car in new 2008. The 2.4L has plenty of power, and we see great MPG Avg 30 or more most of the time.

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  2006 Lancer - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bagsy1 - October 30 - 1:50 pm

  I recently was t-boned on the drivers side. The Lancer was totaled but I walked away. I am completely satisfied with the saftey and reliablity of the car.