By Zoe Tucker
The Mitsubishi Lancer - named after a soldier of the cavalry regiment in Europe's knightly age-debuted on the world stage in 1973. Styled for superior aerodynamic drag and a robust monocoque chassis for increased performance, the very first Lancer was powered by engines using Mitsubishi Clean Air technology. It was the first 1973 model to be certified as having a low-pollution engine by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After nearly three decades and a successful run in Europe and Asia, the Lancer launched in the United States in 2001, powered by a 2.0-liter engine producing 120 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque.
2010 Mitsubishi LancerKBB ReviewThe 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer will prove most appealing to those who appreciate both its sporty demeanor and the combination of in-cabin technology features rarely offered in this category. You May Not Like This Car If... Although the Lancer feels well-built where it counts most, the interior styling, materials and noise levels don’t convey the same sense of refinement delivered by competitors like the Mazda MAZDA3 or Honda Civic.
2017 Mitsubishi LancerKBB ReviewIf you want a sharp-looking small sedan, the Lancer delivers. It’s also just one of the two sedans in its segment to offer all-wheel drive, with the Subaru Impreza being the other. The Lancer also boasts a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. You May Not Like This Car If... The Lancer also suffers in resale value.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer compact sedan, however, is a more conflicted proposition. For this test, Mitsubishi provided us with a top-tier Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC. Despite the glaring omission of a navigation system (that’ll set you back an additional $1800), the tested Lancer SEL packed a respectable amount of content for its $24,430 price. At the track, this Lancer SEL got itself to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 16.2 at 88 mph. Registering 0.81 g on our 300-foot skidpad, it trailed the Golf (0.85 g), Mazda 3 (0.84 g), Civic (0.83 g), and Corolla (0.82 g).
2008 Mitsubishi LancerKBB ReviewDrivers who spend time on twisty roads or at the track are sure to lust for the 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution. Behind its sedan exterior is an engine that will work to push you into snug Recaro seats and an all-wheel-drive system that makes even mediocre drivers feel supremely skilled. You May Not Like This Car If... Despite adopting a more sophisticated demeanor for 2008, the Mitsubishi Evolution is a poor excuse for a daily driver, especially in MR form. The ride is harsh, the front Recaro seats confining for larger folks and the new MR’s new twin-clutch transmission is ill suited in stop-and-go traffic.
