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 Stlye poor quality - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Disapointed - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it looks on the outside. very satisfied with the interior. Extremely disappointed with quality. Ive had my car for 10months now , have 22300 miles on it. So you can see I drive alot. About at the 9mos mark the car started to rattle near the rear. The service department has not been able to figure out why. This is something I would have expected from my last car the Plymouth Breeze. The main reason I switched to Mitsu, to avoid these ridiculous problems extremely disappointed.

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  In general - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By GoSuperMatt - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Over-all this is the best compact on the market. Outstanding Gas milage (28- 32 is what Im getting) Interior/Exterior quality is far better then any other car in its class, Drove off the lot with 39miles, and Im at 11,000. the ride is smooth & quiet. Horsepower even in the mountains was better then expected, (after reading negative feedback on some reviews)Great financing available the 0-0-0 sales event A friend of mine just got a 2003 Corolla, and paid almost $3,500 more then I did, and the interiors are layed out the same, except the Lancer has more room in the rear, and a higher quality apearence.

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  Excellent Car indeed - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By drepp77 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The handling for this car is amazing. Comparable to that of a high end BMW. The turning radius (as almost every review has said) is the best of any auto of its class and those two combined have gotten me out of several tight spots in both driving and parking in nyc. LACK OF POWER is driving me to get the evo 7 coming out next week, but my current Lancer is outstanding nonetheless.

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  2008 Lancer ES - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Andy Ferrari - October 28 - 10:30 am

  I have had the car for over a year now and i regret to say that im not impressed. From the first time it was driven off the lot i noticed that it was a very noisy engine. From a stop there is no power, getting in the third from second gear is a different story. Overall, the car is very nice. It is a seriously big jump from previous generations of Lancers.

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  Nice little sedan - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By EW1328 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Good handling. Not the fastest in its class but very quick off the line. Love the styling. The car feels bigger than it is on the highway, very stable and quite if you keep it under 110km/h (70mph). Impressive standard equipment. One bonus is you dont see youself come and go on the road like civic or corolla. Best kept secret in the small car market.

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  car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chrisguy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My first car. And also the best Ive ever driven.

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  not too shabby - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Squirrelly Rascal - October 25 - 2:00 am

  people seem to slam this car in its performance. Two of my friends have cvics, and as far as Im concerned this car is more fun to drive, and at least as peppy. I paid 16.5K and compared to the civic, golf, etc I think it fares well, sure more power would be great, but lets not forget the great interior, ride quality, check it out

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  Great Car (Ralliart) - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Davidl - October 22 - 9:43 pm

  This is a great car. It has great handling. It is one of the most fun vehicles to drive in this price class. Just remember its not an EVO! It does everything well!

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  lancer, lance away - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By cmore - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is great all around. It is compact, therefore parallel parking is a breeze! The gas mileage is economic as well. The seats are comfortable even on long trips. Overall it is a great car to get around for being a college student

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  This is a great car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By James in VAB - October 20 - 8:00 pm

  I went for a test drive and ended up trading my brand new Nissan with only 7000 miles on it. This is a great car. The Bluetooth and sound system are awesome. Sirius radio works flawlessly. The CVT is amazing. Safety features abound. This car is perfect for weekday commuting and weekend getaways! I would tell anyone looking for a car in this class to add the Lancer to the list. This is the Lancer that shouldve been built 5 years ago.