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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Disappointed - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Denise - January 28 - 6:13 pmI love the look of the car but the interior is very cheaply put together. The trunk area almost looks like itÂ’s not finished from the factory. I live in Ohio and this is my first winter - lets just say its going to be a long five years with this car. It definitely needs traction control. I neglected to ask about that when I purchased the car, needless to say had I known how poorly it would handle in the snow and ice would have never purchased it.
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Smooth Move - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Lance A Lot - January 17 - 10:00 amI got this car after a lot of research into reliabilty and safety, but the 0/0/0 for a year is one of the main reasons I got it. So far i have had ZERO problems with this car, and think it was a pretty good deal for the 14,400 I paid (xtra: keyless entry, plus whatever else I needed to get keyless entry). The handling is good for a boring sedan, and the engine is the smoothest I have ever driven. The clutch is also good but 1st is too sensitive. Good power output at the higher end. Excellent saftey rating. That is probably why I ended up going for it, too, since I have a young daughter.
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New Ride :) - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By DRUPPYWORLD - January 17 - 10:00 amGreat car, love interior features... doesnt have awesome pick-up. I own automatic... After hitting the full pedal... I hit major lag around 40 something... and there is slow recovery another very minor lag at around 60.. Once on crusing speed great control... On freeways gets little.. Well it is lightweight.. Brakes are Great And Drove 300 miles other day... in 8.6 gallons.. Thats better then company stated.. I dont know how is that possible...
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Great Car for the Price - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Bishop - January 14 - 9:03 pmThe car drives & handles great. Put 3k miles on it in the 1st 3wks we had it w/ not one issue! MPG was better than advertised. 32 mpg w/ the A/C on most of the time! Thats from Calif to Colorado and back. Great hands free Bluetooth system. Cruse Control works well and the stereo is not bad for a stock system.
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Great Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Ricardo - December 28 - 1:06 pmI really enjoy this car. I have not had any problems at all and I drive this car a lot. The only maintenance is oil change and things of that sort which I do my self. One more thing to add, this car has no axles.
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Fun and Pratical - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
By JVan - December 26 - 11:23 amThis car is practical and sporty. The four doors are nice to have, I have no problem taking four friends anywhere. I have had it for two years now and havent had a single problem yet. Its gas mileage isnt even that bad, with about 24 mpg in the city. It handles pretty well with upgraded tires. I dont like how high the RPMs are at highway speed, 3,000 at about 100km/h.
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Compact FUN! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Ralliart - December 25 - 5:03 pmI totally love my Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The power is sweet (162 HP). The suspension huges each turn. It doesnt have a lot of tunk space, however the rear seat is larger than other compacts Ive been in. At first sight of the dash you think that its plain, but it works well and is easy to read (no hunting through 50+ buttoms). The seats look great and also are very comfortable. The ratings I have seen on gas mileage have been 23 (city) and 28 (highway) yet I have been recording between 25-28 (city); I even like to race to every once in a while and still get these results.
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No More Mitsus 4 Me - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Toyota Fan - December 23 - 2:00 amHello there: I owned my 2002 Lancer a total of five months to the day. Its cold-start piston slap noise was so bad a co-worker actually called out he wasnt aware they were available with Diesel engines. The paint job was orange peeled, the brakes began squealing at approximately 5000 miles (70% of my commute is highway) and a leaking antifreeze odor had begun when I traded it in on a Toyota Echo.
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Good Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By asa0526 - December 23 - 2:00 amSo far, have driven the vehicle for 1000 miles... mostly highway driving up/down mountains and through city traffic. The car is a pleasant surprise for me. Good acceleration ... low revving, excellent ergonomics, excellent interior room, comfortable ride.
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Good Fuel Economy - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Carr - December 22 - 4:36 pmI love my new 2006 Lancer. I have about 8,500 miles on it, getting approximately 28 mpg city/mixed and 31-33 highway. It is not the fastest car, but it is quick off the line. I put a lot of miles on the vehicle, and the ride is comfortable. My only complaint is the wind noise/vibration when only the rear windows are down, but cracking the front window stops the problem. I have the fully loaded ES and like the styling and amenities. I do wish it had more storage capacity, but I bought the car for its combination of good fuel economy and front leg room ( I am 6 feet tall) and have no regrets. I would definitely consider a Lancer if I was buying again.
