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:

• 

  04 Lancer RA - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By darkprojex - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on Aug. 2008 at 74,000 mi, now 86,000 mi at Ultimate Rides in Appleton, WI. 1 owner vehicle. Worst service ever. A salesman tells me to get out after testing two cars, had a argument with him and their manager and will never buy another car from there again, period. I love the power in this car but after a while the car starts squeaking. Replaced front sway links and tie end rods then later, rear sway links, struts, and bushings. Parts that were used to replace were practically junk. Just recently replaced brake pads and now the car starts rattling by wheels. Brakes were bled and installed correctly though.

• 

  Nice, but watch the paint! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By deligreen - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my OZ a few weeks ago. The cosmetic problems have been associated with the side skirts. The passenger side is not flush and needed to be replaced, and the top corners of both have to be repainted already. The paint on the skirts is already chipping. The radiator needed to be replaced because it was slowly leakingfluid. The only other problem, is that I find that the gears will grind everyonce in awhile even with the clutch all the way depressed. I think this may be just because of a new transmition.

• 

  2003 Lancer ES - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By John - May 6 - 8:46 pm

  This car is somewhat fun to drive. However, just pray that nothing goes wrong. Even a minor problem can be very expensive to fix. The reason is the car is constructed in modules, like a lego set. If one little piece of the module breaks, you have to replace the whole thing. For example, the plastic door on the heating duct got warped. (This is a small plastic piece that moves to switch you from cool air to hot air.) Cost to fix: $3000 because the entire heating/air conditioning module had to be replaced. My mechanic told me the same problem would have cost $100 to fix on a Honda.

• 

  Proud Owner - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Hallie - April 20 - 7:10 pm

  I just purchased my first brand new car and am very happy with my choice. The GTS has everything that I would want in a car!

• 

  Love My Lancer SE - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - April 5 - 10:13 am

  Being a former Kia owner I was shopping for a new Kia, but found a great deal on a Lancer SE. It was a great decision! It rides great, has all the options I wanted, and gets good gas mileage. Although the Edmunds.com review cites poor acceleration as a drawback, they must have tested an automatic, I think my five speed is pretty peppy.

• 

  Love my Lancer 3 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Tim - April 3 - 10:00 am

  As of October 2010 with over 55,000 miles still loving my 2006 Lancer SE. I had to get new tires at 50,000 miles and the brakes are about due for service (at 58,000 miles!!). I used to tell people my 1993 Honda Civic was the best car I ever owned, but I think my Lancer has beat it. Nothing but regular maintenance after 55,000 miles and 4 years, incredible!

• 

  Amazing Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Brian - April 2 - 12:26 am

  I have wanted a Mitsubishi for a few years now. I am in college and I had an 04 Mazda3. We had so many problems with it, it was time to get rid of it. I saw the new Lancer and I fell in love with it. I am a red guy, so I saw the commercials with the Rally Red Metallic paint job and I fell in love with the car. I needed the Sun and Sound Package for sure. The navigation was a little too expensive for me, but the car is great without it. Within a week of looking at them, I bought one. I have the only Rally Red Metallic GTS CVT with the Sun and sound package that was available in the state. It was very hard to find, but the salesman did a great job at getting it for me.

• 

  Lancer Ralliart Review - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lace - March 30 - 11:10 pm

  This is a very fun to drive car. It handles well, even in the rain. I always get compliments on my ride.

• 

  2004 Lancer ES Experience - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MK_MA - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Economical. Good ride for compact. More features than Honda Civic. Nice looking. A bit on the noisy side. especially engine with noisey valve tappit. However, still breaking in with only 600 miles on odometer. Interior nice except poor simulated woodgrain dash appears scratched. Very smooth shifting automatic. Nice radio/CD.

• 

  No ifs, ands or buts - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By justin - March 22 - 8:06 pm

  While its not the Evo X, its still a great car and fun to drive. The CVT is one of the best features on this car. While other cars lose speed when up-shifting, the Lancer w/ CVT just keeps gaining speed.