Mitsubishi Lancer Review

See also the main fact sheets for the Mitsubishi Lancer.

The Mitsubishi Lancer was completely revamped for the 8th generation, in 2007. While previous models were bland and not noticeable, the redesign boasts a shark-like appearance and is much better than ever in quality.

High Points
The styling is much more sophisticated and no longer carries an "econo-car" feel to it. Handling is much better and sporty. Options like the Sun & Sound Package and iPod & MP3 connectivity make the car more desireable. Most other cars in its price range are less sporty in both appearance and handling.

Low Points
The Lancer comes into criticism not too often. The lack of air conditioning in the DE trim line and no telescoping steering wheel turns some customers away. There is only one interior choice, which is black cloth. Although the interior doesn't feel cheap anymore, there are a few quirks, such as a simple button for the trunk or the cheap door handles.

Performance and Handling
Read the full performance review at this review site.

A single engine powers all Lancer models -- a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder putting out 152 horsepower. The engine, developed collaboratively with Hyundai and DaimlerChrysler, has several unusual features, such as chain-driven camshafts, and MIVEC variable-valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. When paired with a five-speed manual transmission, Motor Trend found "the 3109-lb car struggled to get up to cruising speeds, although it did better during rolling acceleration maneuvers." Edmunds writes "the Lancer GTS will get smoked by almost any 2-ton V6 crossover and even a few minivans. And the droning engine note sounds more janitorial than sporty."

The handling dynamics of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer win praise from most. Road and Track notes "the steering feel is excellent" on the hydraulic-power assist, rack-and-pinion system, and that the MacPherson-strut front/multilink rear arrangement with toe links "is a good blend of comfort and sport." The Detroit News says "its sports-tuned suspension limited the body and lateral movement to very little, even on corners we took too tight and too fast." And USA Today notes the "steering and brakes, two key controls that help give a car its personality, worked well in the GTS test car. Both felt firm enough to give you confidence you're controlling something instead of making a suggestion."

Gas Mileage
The Lancer sports 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on highways with the standard manual transmission. The optional automatic with CVT rates at 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway.

Safety
In government crash tests, the 2008 Lancer received five out of five stars for protecting the driver in a frontal collision, and four out of five stars for the front-seat passenger. In side-impact testing, the government awarded the Lancer five out of five stars for protecting front-seat passengers, and four out of five for rear-seat passengers. However, the federal government did issue a "safety concern," noting the Lancer's rear door came unlatched and swung open during side-impact tests. Lastly, the Lancer received a four out of five star rollover rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2008 Lancer the highest rating of "Good" in frontal impact testing. The IIHS has not yet performed a side impact test on the Lancer.

Safety Features include:
 * Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
 * Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
 * Driver Knee Airbag
 * Driver Airbag
 * Passenger Airbag
 * Front and Rear Crumple Zones
 * Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
 * Side Guard Door Beams
 * Trunk Anti-Trap Device
 * Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Weight
 * Automatic Locking Retractors
 * Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
 * Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
 * Front Seatbelt Pretensioners

Reliability and Maintenance
Full reliability information can be found at AutomobileMag.

Interior and Comforts
A full list of features can be found at [http://autos.yahoo.com/mitsubishi_lancer/ Yahoo! Autos]

The 2008 Lancer's interior is average for an affordable small car. The Orlando Sentinel says the Lancer's bucket seats "are very comfortable and supportive at all angles," and adds that the cabin controls "are nicely arranged and easy to use."

DE
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
 * AM/FM Radio With 140-Watts and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
 * Radio Antenna

Instruments
 * Digital Clock
 * Warning Lights Include Low Fuel, Brake System, Low Coolant, Oil Pressure, Electrical System, Airbag, Door Ajar and Cruise Control (If Equipped)
 * Tachometer
 * Tire Pressure Monitor

Lighting
 * Delayed Courtesy Light

Seats
 * Cloth Seats
 * Rear Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests
 * Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats With Adjustable Headrests

Storage
 * 2 Cupholders in the front
 * Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
 * Glovebox
 * Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
 * Coinholder

Other
 * Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk

ES
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
 * Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
 * AM/FM Radio With 140-Watts and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
 * Radio Antenna

Instruments Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio and Cruise Control
 * Digital Clock
 * Warning Lights Include Low Fuel, Brake System, Low Coolant, Oil Pressure, Electrical System, Airbag, Door Ajar and Cruise Control (If Equipped)
 * Cruise Control
 * Tachometer
 * Tire Pressure Monitor

Heating, Ventilation & Air Cooling
 * Interior Air Filter
 * Rear Heating Ducts
 * Manual Air Conditioning

Lighting
 * Front Dual Map Lights
 * Delayed Courtesy Light

Seats
 * Cloth Seats
 * Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Center Armrest
 * Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats With Driver Adjustable Seat Height and Adjustable Headrests

Storage
 * 2 Front and 2 Rear; 4 Cupholders Total
 * Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
 * Glovebox
 * Driver Seatback Storage Pocket
 * Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
 * Coinholder

Other
 * Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
 * Rear Floor Mats
 * Front Floor Mats

GTS
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
 * Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
 * Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
 * AM/FM Radio With 140-Watts and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
 * Radio Antenna

Instruments
 * Digital Clock
 * Warning Lights Include Low Fuel, Brake System, Low Coolant, Oil Pressure, Electrical System, Airbag, Door Ajar and Cruise Control (If Equipped)
 * Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio and Cruise Control
 * Cruise Control
 * Tachometer
 * Tire Pressure Monitor

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
 * Interior Air Filter
 * Rear Heating Ducts
 * Automatic Climate Control

Seats
 * Cloth Seats
 * Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down * Center Armrest
 * Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats With Driver Adjustable Seat Height and Adjustable Headrests

Storage
 * 2 Front and 2 Rear; 4 Cupholders Total
 * Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
 * Glovebox
 * Driver Seatback Storage Pocket
 * Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
 * Coinholder

Other
 * Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
 * Leather Located On Shift Knob
 * Leather Steering Wheel
 * Rear Floor Mats
 * Front Floor Mats

Exterior
A full list of features can be found at [http://autos.yahoo.com/mitsubishi_lancer/ Yahoo! Autos]

The Lancer's striking profile receives a very high exterior score. Motor Trend describes the look as interesting, "with an aggressive face and a Volvo-ish profile." The Kansas City Star writes, "One look tells you that Mitsubishi's 2008 Lancer, with its shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, is targeted at a young audience."

DE
Wheels & Tires Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
 * SBRP205/60R16 Tires
 * Compact Spare Tire
 * Steel Wheels, 16-In.
 * Rear Window Defroster
 * Power Window Lockout
 * Power Windows With Driver One Touch Down
 * Dual Black Folding Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
 * Front Dual Vanity Mirrors
 * Front Dual Sunvisors
 * Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Other
 * Metallic Paint (If Selected)
 * Front and Rear Color-Keyed Bumpers
 * Front Air Dam

ES
Wheels & Tires
 * SBRP205/60R16 Tires
 * Alloy Wheels, 16-In.
 * Compact Spare Tire

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
 * Rear Window Defroster
 * Power Window Lockout
 * Power Windows With Driver One Touch Down
 * Dual Color-Keyed Folding Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
 * Front Dual Vanity Mirrors
 * Front Dual Sunvisors
 * Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Other
 * Metallic Paint (If Selected)
 * Front and Rear Color-Keyed Bumpers
 * Front Air Dam
 * Color Keyed Door Handles

GTS
Wheels & Tires
 * SBRP215/45R18 Tires
 * Alloy Wheels, 18-In.
 * Compact Spare Tire

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers Other
 * Rear Window Defroster
 * Power Window Lockout
 * Power Windows With Driver One Touch Down
 * Dual Color-Keyed Folding Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
 * Front Dual Vanity Mirrors
 * Front Dual Sunvisors
 * Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
 * Metallic Paint (If Selected)
 * Side Skirts
 * Front and Rear Color-Keyed Bumpers
 * Front Air Dam
 * Color Keyed Door Handles

Main Competitors
Competitor comparisons can be found at Motortrend.com


 * Kia Spectra
 * Suzuki Forenza
 * Ford Focus