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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  LOVE it! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Rich - September 15 - 4:26 pm

  I simply love this car. After driving for over a year now (just slightly) I can honestly say I have only ONE gripe with the car, as many here already said: THE PAINT! It has to be one of the cheapest paints on the market. The second day after I bought it, I already had 4 or 5 chip marks on my hood. And of course, paint is not on warranty. People saying this car is bad in the winter simply dont know HOW to drive in the winter, or dont buy winter tires. I live in Quebec, and Ive had no problem what-so-ever in the winter. Also, my car eats Civic SIs for breakfast, on a straight line, AND in the curves. People saying otherwise are Honda fan-boys or Mitsu haters, that simple.

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  Proud new owner - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By eric49er - September 15 - 12:40 am

  Bought an electric blue GTS with CVT. Looked at lots of cars (Scion xB, Kia Spectra 5, Honda Civic Si sedan, Saturn Aura, VW Rabbit) and just bought this one. I love the looks and all the features. I bought nav option with Music server. Still trying to figure it all out, but I really like it so far. One thing: MP3 CDs will not store in the MusicServer, but WAV files will store, you just have to type in the names of the track yourself.

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  I Love MY Car!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By carcrzee14 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my car soooo much>>> it handles awesome and i have fun driving it! Its peppy and it has enough pickup 2 use for everyday driving in the city.

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  Affordable fun! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ssikpiyelnats - August 26 - 2:23 pm

  Ive had the 08 Lancer ES with the sun and sound package for a year now. Ive found it extremely enjoyable. I added a K+N air filter, and an axle back Flowmaster 40 series exhaust, and noticed a performance increase and MPG increase immediately. The sound system is great, gives a nice rounded sound without being overbearing. The transmission is smooth, and the car can be tossed around with relative ease. I love the interior design, theres beauty in simplicity. Everything is integrated into the dash, making it flow wonderfully. The only complaint I have is that after a year, the padding used on the rear dash to deaden rattles has worn out, causing vibrations with the music. Annoying.

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  Some problems - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Laura - August 21 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had this car for two years and I do put a lot of miles on it annually. It ran great initially, but since I hit 90,000 miles Ive had to put about $2,000 in to repairs. front and rear axle, exhaust system, break pads and shoes 3-4 times in the last two years, transmission, etc. It is also extremely loud, the external noise I can hear with the windows rolled up is kind of ridiculous. It is extremely comfortable to sit in and fun to drive but not worth it anymore. Also, as I work in a city and have to parallel park, my car gets bumped around a lot be less contentious drivers. The thing dents as easily as a soda can! Theres a dent from someone having leaned against it!

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  An OK alternative - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Drew - August 11 - 9:03 pm

  I bought my Lancer used, with about 36,000 miles on it. Its been a solid performer so far, but it should be for the first 100,000 miles. Any car should. The car should have more horsepower. Theres no reason it shouldnt be in the 160-170 HP range when the Rally version is well over 200. The gas mileage is disappointing, it too should be better. Ive experience high 20s when traveling on the highway - it should be in the mid-30s at least. All in all, the Lancer is a half-way decent alternative if you cannot afford the Civic or a comparable Toyota or Nissan. My only other concern would be the automatic transmission. I hope it doesnt give out before its paid for. Go with a stick if you can.

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  demossx - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By demossx - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The lancer oz rally that I have gotten from them is the one of the best cars that I have ever owned dont cost much on gas, very comfortabile ride, sleek design inside/out, and affordable. It is one car you can count on. Even great for first car or college. Good performance for a 4 cylinder. Just think if it had a v6 or a v8! Cool!

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  Love the Lancer - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By AZ Lancer - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has been AMAZING! Before deciding on the OZ Lancer, I test drove many cars in its class (Civic, Sentra, Focus), and nothing could compare to the Black OZ Lancer I have been driving for the last 6 months. It is superior in every way! I was sold on it as soon as I saw that it was styled differently than ANY other car on the road. After half a year, it has gotten me from point "A" to point "B" with nothing but fun and energy in between. A great buy!

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  its great - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By galixygirl - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have o say I wasnt very happy with my dealer ship afterwords but the car is great!Ive had it almost two years and other than rutione mantance its been awsome!My friends love to drive it too wich must mean its fun. I take little road trips here and there and Ive never had more problems than a flat tire.

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  For those with good taste - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Alfred - July 6 - 2:26 am

  I have owned my Lancer GTS since late 2007 and it is my first car. I did get it keyed by some ****** dog a month after I bought it (hopefully karma got him). Besides that, this car is excellent. I am in love with the 650-watt sound system it has and its navigation system. As for the paint, It has chipping and scratches over the front bumper but thats because I live in the northeast. I have had no mechanical problems so far which is a testament to Mitsubishis renewed oath to quality. I would recommend getting aftermarket performance parts to beef it up. I think that the 5-speed manual is better since the automatic does not exploit all of the engines power. No rust so far ha!