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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Great Ergonomics - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By longdriver19 - April 1 - 10:00 amI chose this car over the Mazda 3 because it simply fit better. Its fun to drive, has good power, decent brakes and okay gas mileage. The interior is bland as well as the outside. I could do without the "import tuner" wing on the trunk. If I had to do it again with the same money, I would probly get the Mazda 3. That car has waaay more available options, same power, less weight, same brakes, and looks like a more expensive euro compact. But like I said, the Lancer having lackluster features has great interior ergonomics.
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2009 Lancer GTS! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By brendan norris - March 23 - 12:36 pmI love this car! It has good low end power and can get going when needed on the highway. The only thing I would change is to add traction control for the snow. One way you can get around this is to put the car into the shifting mode and when you push the gas shift up into third gear and it goes okay.
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Nice car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By T310 - March 12 - 10:00 amEverything is great except the engine is kind of weak, but it will work perfect for someone who doesnt care much about it. It comes with CD, power windows, power locks, power break, air bags, AC as the "BASIC"! I got a rear spoiler for cheap from the dealer...overall...this is the car for you if your budget is under 17000. It just looks cool with the spoiler!
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Lots of toys for the money!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By SoSassy - February 25 - 8:56 amTraded my Montero Sport which I loved but it didnt have any toys in it. Shopped for weeks and no other car or SUV could offer 1/2 of the options my Lancer GTS has for the price I paid. I got everything including dealer aftermarket leather which I love. I almost went with the aqua but I am so glad I changed my mind and got the Graphite Grey with tinted windows. It looks so sporty but, still very classy. Even with the suggested improvements I note, I have no regrets whatsoever... okay one, I really wanted a nav system with real time traffic maps. Oh well, got to compromise a little unless price is no issue for you.
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AWSOME - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Deana Bauerle - February 23 - 2:00 amI bought a preowned car. My first New car. I believe i have made a perfect choice. it turns corners on a dime. It has get up, Very comfortable sets, everything at your fingertips, Plenty of room inside. I love my new car. I think youll enjoy one also.
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Great Little Dependable Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By edawg - February 22 - 1:46 amI purchased this car new in 2002. I have been both surprised and pleased. I have only put 28,000 miles on it, and the car has surpassed my expectations. The gas mileage both in town and on the highway is great, but the best thing about the car is that the only maintenance it has required has been regular oil changes and new tires. Considering the engine it has, the car has decent pickup upon acceleration, and is fun to drive. I expect my Lancer to last me for years to come. I highly recommend this car.
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Lovely Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Meggan - February 18 - 10:00 amPurchasing my 2003 Mitsu Lancer was a smart move. Mitsubishis ability to produce a powerful 4-cylinder is amazing! With Adaptive Shift Control, in the automatic models, my 4-cylinder, 2.0 can keep up pretty well with my 5- speed brothers and sisters. Hows my fuel economy, you ask? AWESOME! Getting anywhere form 22 to 27 miles per gallon! Mitsubishi has done it again!!
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Amazing car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By LancerCO - February 14 - 1:36 pmI bought my Lancer OZ Rally in April of 07 with 93000 miles on it and since then i have put on 30000 miles on it. I love driving this car in the summer and winter (as long as there is no snow). The Lancer struggles on snow and ice because it is so light. Overall though I love this car and plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. You wont be sorry you bought this car.
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Fun like my Z3 - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By x-beemerDrvr - February 9 - 2:00 amUsed to have a BMW Z3. Had to sell it because of my companys downsizing. Had to settle for the OZ but never regreted the change. Even having the automatic, the acceleration is fantastic even uphill. Its been 4 months now, and I am still hooked. Also bought my wife one but the ES version.
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2009 Lancer GTS - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By J-What - January 30 - 8:10 pmI just recently purchased a 2009 Lancer GTS loaded. Its great fun to drive extremely perky 5 speed. My only complaint is it doesnt have a leather option and the 5 speed could easily be converted into a 6 speed which would be a lot more efficient! The car is great the performance on it is extremely good for a 168 HP 4 cylinder (beat my gfs 08 mustang (its automatic)) the fuel economy is far better than what its rated at! I can draft behind a semi on the highway going about 60 and get up to 45 MPG (instant icon read 50 once or twice) but it overall is an extremely fun car to drive and I would recommend it to anyone! The car is a little heavy but it handles like a dream! No cheap feel either
