2002 Mitsubishi Lancer: Road Test
Archived Review
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $13,897 -$16,287
- Invoice: $13,032 -$15,274
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mitsubishi Lancer
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer help you decide if a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Just adequate. Feels reasonably lively with manual transmission. Automatic dulls response, though its fairly prompt downshifts help prevent alarming moments when passing or merging.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.7 |
Test O-Z with manual transmission averaged 26.4 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Quite comfortable for a subcompact. Stable and composed, though dips at highway speeds can cause some slight bouncing motions.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
All models have the same, generally competent suspension tuning. Body lean is noticeable, but not excessive. Grip is fairly good and doesn't seem significantly better with the slightly wider O-Z and LS tires. Steering effort is natural, though O-Z test car had a nervous, unsettled feel at highway speeds. Stopping power is adequate, but ABS should be offered on all models, not just LS.
QUIETNESS
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.6 |
Wind noise and tire whine at highway speeds don't prevent easy conversation. Engine smooth and fairly refined under hard acceleration.
CONTROLS
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Slightly undersized audio buttons, and dashboard-mounted clock washes out in direct sunlight. Simple layout otherwise clear and handy. O-Z model's white-face primary gauges slightly easier to read than gray background in other models. O-Z interior also trimmed for a sportier look. On all, dashboard plastics feel unsubstantial, but cabin materials otherwise durable. Doors, trunklid close with a metallic resonance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Good tall-adult room on comfortable, supportive seats. Driver gets standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, and good outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Average for a subcompact. Head and knee clearance are snug for tall riders, but foot space is good. Seat a bit too firm and flat for ideal support, but not uncomfortable. Narrow cabin makes it a squeeze for three adults.
CARGO ROOM
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Fairly large trunk, but lid narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into cargo area. LS and O-Z have 70/30 split folding seatback, but pass-through to trunk is very small.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 4.7 |
Its only significant fault is tepid acceleration, but Lancer offers little to lure buyers from higher-profile rivals such as the Honda Civic and Ford Focus. Dealers should thus be willing to discount.
Total Score
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 52 | 52 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
