The 1.8-liter engine lacks punch, especially with automatic, though it runs smoothly. Sending just 92 horsepower to an automatic transmission simply does not do justice to the car's sporty appearance. Performance is better with the 2.0-liter engine, faltering less with automatic. Because it lacks low-end torque, however, manual shift is still the best bet for peppy motoring. Turbos take off with fury, but suffer from "torque steer." The all-wheel grip of the AWD model, added in 1992, eliminates the torque-steer problem and provides all the excitement of turbo power. Ride quality is decent, and roadholding is good. High-performance tires and a stiffer suspension on RS models harden the ride somewhat, though they help boost handling from good to great. Tire noise is a problem on any model. The dashboard layout is excellent, with easy-to-read analog instruments and a simple arrangement of smooth-operating controls. But, because the dashboard and beltline are rather high, some drivers might feel a bit claustrophobic. Also, cargo space and visibility aren't top-notch, and the back seat is for children only.

Value for the Money
Mixing fun with frugality, Lasers and their Mitsubishi/Eagle coupe cousins have ranked among our favorites, especially with the midlevel engine.