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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  Not Bad for the price - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karkai6 - October 18 - 8:50 pm

  Got the car used at 36k miles.. Got it relatively cheaper than the other cars in the same range out there.. The gearbox is among the better ones I have used and the throw feels very slick.. The performance is not very bad, but then the engine doesnt feel very refined over 4-5k rpm.. The looks of the car are definitely a plus, and did influence me considerably against the Mazda 3. So, overall, not a bad car at all, though there are definitely sportier ones out there at this price range.

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  Well....I guess I like it - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By colembaw - October 11 - 10:46 am

  I like my Lancer, but I think that it is a little average. The fuel economy is OK, the ride is OK, I dont want to come across as an unsatisfied customer, but I just havent been blown away by the car. The interior is above average, I like the standard features, but overall I havent been thrilled with the pick-up or the way that I have been followed up with by the dealership (none). Being a car salesman now, I look back on the experience I had and see how to not sell a customer a car.

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  I love my new car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By glamgal24 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I just bought a new Lancer. We were looking at Gallants, but I REALLY liked the Lancer...especially for the money. We also like that Mitsubishi gives discounts to loyal customers. WE LOVE THE NEW CAR!!! The inside is gorgeous and we get a lot of compliments on our car. Our daughters car seat now has a place for the safety latch. We are very pleased with our new car.

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  What a Car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Mikey the 4th - October 11 - 12:46 am

  I love this cars gas mileage. Its labeled at 28/35 mpg but I have been averaging 30/38mpg. But I guess it depends on how you drive the car. The horsepowe isnt that great but for being a light car the horsepower doent matter too much. If it does for you, then go buy an EVO. I havent had any engine or any other problems with it at all and I have 43K miles on it. One thing I have to say if you buy it is to put on some high perfromance tires. It drives smoother, quieter, and you get better gas too. Not much but enough. The interior is nice and simple, plenty of room interior, exterior, and engine to deck out. Mitsubishi + OZ-Rally = Awesome!

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  A car that adapts to your life - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By garlinghouse - October 8 - 10:20 am

  My Lancer ES was my first new car. Being young and immature I drove it like a rally car the first 10k miles of its life. As I got more responsible and mature I began driving it normally. After getting married and having 2 kids it made a great family car. My wife now uses it everyday to make long commutes to work and school driving at least 150 miles a day. This car still gets great gas mileage around 27mph average, has never let me or my family down even at 80k plus miles. This car can take anything you or your life throw its way. All it asks in return is follow its maintenance schedule by the book and this car will do whatever you need it to do.... within reason! Highly recommended.

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  I love this car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By mrmspyder - September 30 - 10:56 pm

  I traded in a 2000 Firebird Formula on a 2008 Lancer GTS. I was shocked at how great the performance was on the GTS. The CVT takes some getting used to, but with the paddle shifters Im able to manuever in traffic fairly easily. The car feels faster than the specs lead you to believe. The technology of this car is amazing. I got the optional DVD navigation system with the 30 GB hard drive. Im able to store 100 CDs on the hard drive which is very nice. I love the fuel economy too. Ive been averaging 26 mpg and using regular gas, so Im saving a ton of money compared to my firebird. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty practical car.

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  Love this car - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By sephiroth1386 - September 29 - 4:46 am

  Ive had this car for about a year now, and Ive never had ANY problems with it. Not even the paint chipping problems that some have had. The only reason Id trade this car in, is for either the Ralliart version or Evo X.

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  Could have been perfect! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Eric - September 28 - 4:40 pm

  Had the car for 3 years now, this car is like bi-polar to me, it can give me the greatest feelings on the road or just looking at it already creates emotions. It handles nicely looks like a shark and is pretty roomy for its size. Whats sad is, it is near perfect but mitsu made cuts in bad areas thinking we would not notice. First thing I notice, rattles came in pretty soon, about a month after purchase they came from the road noise and when I turn the music at near half power speaker grills rattle and doors to. And this is the BASIC sound system not even with the sub-woofer in it. And the paint. Where is it? Oh! I supposed they put in more clear then. Nope! Thats not what road hazards say.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Azza - September 24 - 9:10 pm

  This car is actually used as an all- rounder and it must be said that its an Australian version of the CH Lancer LS, its our family car come weekend & the commuter during the week. Each day of the working week the car travels at least 130 km or around 82 miles each way to work and back, over 800 miles a week! The car is flawless in its reliability, performance and features. Its great to look at & has plenty of personality like its predecessor (a CE Lancer which we traded after a problem free 5 years and 200,000 miles / 320,000 km). We travel fairly large distances every year and appreciate the equipment, reliability & refinement that is found in these vehicles!

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  2009 Lancer - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Chris - September 24 - 10:13 am

  Positive: Very stylish with nice exterior and interior, great handling and braking. The ac works great. Fuel economy around 25 mpg in mix driving. Negative: Noisy, acceleration could be better