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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  favorite car in the world!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By shonyboy - June 29 - 2:00 am

  the mitsubishi lancer is an awsome car! its quick,agile,and comfertible.there is nothing to hate about thiscar.from its sleek and sporty design,to it its torquey and smooth reving engine.this car is the best!its very roomy and has a huge trunk.its a great family car,as well as a great tuner car!if your looking for a car with good milage,speedy acceleration,and a smooth ride,this is the car for you!

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  Great Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By porcrynd - June 24 - 9:20 pm

  Very satisfied with this car. 28 mpg in mixed driving, 33 hwy. Smooth suspension, very comfortable. Great warranty, great features. Very fun to drive and great looking. The Hondas and Toyotas are ugly. Try one and youll love it. The CVT transmission just kills the power but it feels very peppy with the manual.

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  great car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By robert - June 17 - 3:20 am

  I drive the car daily to work it is great fun to drive and handles great, also took it on a couple of road trips it did great in highway, mountains, rain, uneven roads, and slippery roads. Really dependable will highly recommend good acceleration and good break response. Never had chipping problems or any other issues.

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  My Lancer - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Cleveland, OH - June 16 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this car used with 33,000 miles on it in June of 2004. It is now the end of 2009. The first 100,000 miles were okay, I had two recalls that I had to get taken care of and its a good thing my mechanic is honest and told me it was a recall to call the dealership, one of the parts alone was almost $1000. Well, now the last six months Ive had the entire front end replaced, ignition coil, alternator, and the catalytic converter replaced. The parts on this car are outrageous. I will not buy a Mitsubishi again. I bought a foreign car figuring I wouldnt need to replace these things before 150,000. Due to the cost of parts I might actually buy an American car!!

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  Brilliant little car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By crazehen - June 12 - 2:56 am

  To be a successful economy car, the vehicle in question has to have two things going for it; reliability and fuel economy. With that said, the Lancer is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Its been reliable as a rock and the engine can take a serious beating. Itll get 26 miles per gallon with your foot welded to the floor, and 35 while driving Miss Daisy across the country. Need I say more? Why not. On top of those things, its also roomy, comfortable, the stereo sounds great, the A/C will freeze your hands off and the heater makes Hell seem cold. I took this car on a 3,500 mile journey across the country and it didnt give me any trouble. A bold claim for a 12 year old 165k mile car.

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  CVT will be an issue. - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tourqemada - June 11 - 7:33 am

  About 30k on the 2011 Lancer now, the CVT tranny is noisy and jerky when cold, like it is slipping and catching. The power steering is making an unpleasant noise now as well. The headliner makes a buzzing noise when the road is smooth, worse when there are bumps in the road. We have noticed from A-holes in parking lots that there are no protective side moldings on the doors so we have a couple nasty dings in them now. There is a huge delay when operating the HVAC controls, dangerous when you are trying to clear the fog from the windshield. We have found that there are times when the car turns over but does not start right away, takes a few tries. Our last 2001 Lancer was better imo.

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  Lancer Oz-Rally - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mlsfs0 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted an inexpensive four door as my first car. The mileage is a big plus, although it isnt as great as the new honda hybrid which is only a few thousand more.

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  2009 ES Sport - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By serrilion - May 31 - 6:59 am

  Ill make this simple for everyone... Good parts: Comfortable Kids car seats fit well Safe car Doesnt break down if you keep up with service Is a very good car in the snow for a FWD 5speed Good MPG Lots of Aftermarket Support Rockford sound system is perfect sun roof is nice as well Bad: Paint sucks Shocks in a bad road state get eatten alive Runs better on 91 octane vs recmended 87 should have come with a short shifter Stock factory tires suck and are to skiny Key Fob loses programing for fast system

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  Lancer GTS is a great car for the price - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AaronB - May 30 - 9:40 pm

  I did a lot of research before I decided to buy this car, and I couldnt be happier with my decision. You get a lot of car for your money. Some decent factory equipment (unfortunately mine didnt come with the nav system). Surprisingly comfortable for a small car with a driver whos 62 (3 inches of head room). The new exterior redesign is just awesome. Really a fun car to drive. The only real complaint I have is that this car could use more horses.

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  Great car for its class - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By rhannah - May 19 - 6:46 am

  I love the car so far, it handles well, its spunkier than the reviews give it, it has a fantastic roomy & classy interior too. I dont feel like I own a compact "economy" car at all. I also have yet to see one in my city, which makes it feel even more unique, instead of the dozens of Hyundias running around.