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 Great Vehicle - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By An O.Z. Appreciator - December 16 - 9:23 amI bought my 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally in 2003, with 20,000 miles on it. it now has 60,000, greddy EVO 2 exhaust, wr intake, front, rear, and underside strut towers. I have beat the heck out of my car at the race track, both drag and sport track, and it just keeps going very soundly. It is fast on the straightaways, really hard turns, and three wheels to the ground driving later, this car wont stop. I was worried when I got close to my warrenty expiring, I tried to provoke anything that would go wrong after 60,000 before it so its under warrenty, and free. Well, if anyone could make an engine bomb out, its me, and every morning I still find myself face to face with an excellent running car. It needs more power though.
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Great all-around package!!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Octane - December 3 - 4:06 pmI just purchased the 2009 Lancer GTS with CVT transmission, navigation system, and Rockford Fosgate sound system. The car handles like a dream, is so fun to drive it is unreal, and the fuel economy is great so far. Mitsubishi has developed this car with excellent design inside and out. The tech features are amazing for this price range. I am very happy with this car!
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Overall is a good car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Dimitry - December 2 - 2:20 pmI bought it used 1.5 years ago. In general, I am very satisfied - it has 65,500 and is still very reliable. City mileage is not great. I get only about 20 mpg, but on a highway its about 35-37 mpg. I did only general maintenance and changed the belts - at 60K they started to develop cracks (not timing belt yet).
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One of the best cheap Imports to get - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
By pchiobro - November 26 - 5:58 pmI am currently in high school and this is my first car. Ive had it for over a year and with that have driven the hell out of the car. It is an amazing car and can take a beating. I have taken my friends in it across the state many times and its about to see its 7th Chicago winter. Im sure for its time it was the best "economy car" to have but as the years have past, time hasnt been to gentle with it. You can get a car with better MPG as well as more hp for about the same price but you definitely shouldnt over look this mid 2000s Lancer. It of course has the best body style and is the best gen Lancer Mitsubishi has made. They messed up the newest Lancer/Evo X.
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Great Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By Nate - November 24 - 2:53 amThis is a great, fun car. The GTS model with all the toys is the one you want. The GPS navigation is easy to use, the Bluetooth is a great convenience, the 18 inch wheels give this car a fantastic look. I just wish this car, the GTS variant that is, was given more power and I do agree with another reviewer that it should be about 10-20 more horses. Despite that, the car handles greatly thanks to a solid chassis that also is begging for more power. Honestly, with the Electric Blue Pearl color, I am also getting thumbs up everywhere I go.
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8.8 - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By ryan ward - November 16 - 10:00 amthis car is a really fun car to drive, its smooth, quiet,and it handles well. yes the engine is not that fast, but it is not the slowest car out there. the car is stylish and i think that it is diffrent than most of the cars in its class. though the jetta and the mazda 6 are better overall cars, for the money, the lancer is a really good buy.
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Never looked back! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
By LovelyNurseLindy - November 15 - 1:56 pmI did my research and test drove a lot of cars. This car is by far the most car for the money! I got a loaded Lancer for the base price of other brands (altima, etc.). Ive had my car for 4 months now and I am very happy with everything! Love the car, especially the extras. Get a lot of looks on the road and family and friends love it! I havent looked back since I got it. It makes driving fun again.
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With Help...a Great Little Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
By tuner77 - October 29 - 4:13 pmI purchased my manual 2003 O-Z Lancer new in Dec. of 2002 and have 52,000 miles on it. The only problem I have noticed is a delay in staring in the summer months...due to the higher concentration of ethanol in the gas. It has no problems when driving, just starting. I put in NGK Iridium plugs a few months back and that seemed to have corrected that. If your not having the problem, I would not recommend those plugs, they are too expensive and the gain is minimal. Mostly though the car is a great everyday driver. Comfort-wise, its a very good deal for the money. Its performance is lacking, but with the help of the automotive aftermarket and a $1,000 investment, anyone with a tool set can remedy that.
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Best car ever owned - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
By james - October 25 - 10:03 amIve owned over 20 cars during my life, and the Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally is the best yet. Its fun to drive, reliable, gets great gas mileage, and handles the highway and country roads equally well.
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Incredibly reliable, a blast to drive! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
By jazket - October 25 - 9:00 amI bought a Lancer Ralliart in February 2009 and I now have 20,000 miles on it. I just cant stop driving it. Its impressive for 26,000 I paid I got A LOT of car. I rather drive my Ralliart than my brothers Benz C300 (unless Im on a road trip of course) its incredibly fun. Mitsubishi is really overlooked as a brand, and this car should be on your list when searching for a sporty sedan, it took last years IntelliChoce for Best Overall Sport Sedan under $35,000, and well deserved! If youre into modding you wont be let down unless you really want to go big which is where the marvelous TC-SST fails, its still in its early stages and it wont hold more than 300wlbs-torque!
