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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  My Lighting Yellow Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Anez2 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Im not interested in what the reviews say, because they are other cars out there like a so called "Focus" that keeps having recalls. Anyhow, I love driving my Lancer! Its like driving a family car with a little attitude, because of the yellow coloring. Of course i dont have any kids of my own, but there is more roomy seating for three car seats. Also it was affordable, I always had to look to compact cars, not anymore! My car the lighting can catch up to speed quick, I know because Ive stayed close to side of a Subaru WRX. You can either make it look like a family car or a car for show. Either way its better than the Mirage.

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  Litl Rally Red ES - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By authurdent - February 8 - 7:34 pm

  After buying an Outlander XLS a year back, we bought my mother-in-law a Lancer ES, same Rally Red - same black interior (less leather) and same sunroof. After some 20 years of Mitsu reliability, we figured an 82 year-old woman deserved a new reliable car with a bit of pizazz. Sure, the ES is no barn-burner, but the 16" alloys handle well around curves, and theres plenty of gadgetry to keep mom busy till the end of her days! While I like the height of the Outlander, the Lancer does inspire more confidence around the corners. Of course fuel economy is a big plus. We we use to 35+ with our old Mirage. The V6 Outlander is lousy for mpg, but the Lancer ES is a champ!

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  Decent Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mike - January 31 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my mitsu in 2008 and am very surprised I dont see more of these around. I love the sporty design on the outside especially with the dark gray color looks exactly like a shark. The interior is comfortable and clean looking but some of the interior plastics are cheap. I also dont like the upholstery a kind of felt material that my dogs hair clings too. I find the gas mileage adequate but power is a little low;although through corners it definitely shows a sportier side. The rockford fosgate stereo is awesome as well as the easy to use navigation system. The tires make the car useless in snow because they are summer time ones. Also, starting the car is a little rough in really cold weather

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By 04rallyart - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Best Deal for the money

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  nice - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By PittPA - January 17 - 1:36 am

  This is my first new car...ever. Its great. Fun to drive on the back roads and economical. The stock stereo is great too. Manual tranny is pretty good, sometimes sloppy. This is a worthwhile vehicle for someone starting out in life after college or a cheap, fun 2nd car.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By JCK972 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had the best experience with my Lancer! It is comfortable and stylish. I know when I head out of the garage everyone day, that I will be able to get where I am going, in my car!

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  Price and Power - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Barrone - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been waiting for years to experiance that feeling I felt when I purchased my first car. My search ended with the discovery of the Mitsubishi Lancer. This car is much better equiped than other vehicles in its class. The Lancer is only a little over 13Kwith a slew of appointments such as Power w,dl,m. You also get standard A/C power steering and 145watt cd player. The real pleasure is getting behind the whel. Who cares about horse power and tourque ratings when this car nearly shoves you through the seat on take of, turns corners like its on rails and brakes on a dime.

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  Mitusubishi Lancer ES - Excellent Value - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tanzeem - January 3 - 5:46 am

  The Lancer is an excellent value! It has Japanese build quality, feels substantial, gets good fuel economy, has an above average sound sytem, and it absorbs bumps with ease. So far my car has been very reliable. I drove a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer MX-Extra 1.5 4cylinder in Asia for 4 years and put 178,000 trouble free miles even under extremely heat, stress, and stop and go traffic. My brother is still driving it. The 2006 Lancer feels much stiffer, has more power, interior room and should easily last 250,000 miles+ if maintained according to the owners manual. Overall this is one of the best Japanese Econo Sedans money can buy. It has a solid build quality. The best value is the ES. Go for the Ralliart if you want to go 0-100 fast and then back down to 0 with all round disc and the 2.4L engine.

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  Lovin my Lancer OZ - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ellen - December 22 - 11:33 am

  I have never enjoyed a car so much! This is my first brand new vehicle and well worth the cost. Although it is not expensive as far as cars go, it looks it. People are suprised when I tell them the cost. The highway pick up could be a bit better, but once it gets going, it moves. The design is pleasing to the eye. I have received many comments from strangers, young and old alike. Its a wonderful, sporty car!

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  Best Backed For A Reason - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Karen - December 17 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my Lancer in May of 2004, and my husband and I were in a severe rear end collision on January 7th, 2005 with this car. I owe my life, and the life of my husband AND my unborn child to the safety of this car. We hit a large SUV doing about 40mph. Cars are replaceable, people are not. I cannot imagine the outcome of this accident had we been driving anything else. I HIGHLY recommend the Lancer to anyone who is concerned about car safety. We are already in the process of purchasing our second Lancer. Folks, Mitsubishi means what they say about being the best backed cars in the world. They truly are.