2005 Mitsubishi Lancer: Road Test
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2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
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- MSRP: $14,299 -$34,699
- Invoice: $13,636 -$32,733
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Our road test for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer help you decide if a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 4.1 |
The ES and O-Z models' 2.0-liter engine is adequate with manual transmission, feels sluggish with automatic. The Ralliart 2.4 is noticeably stronger and more relaxed with either transmission. Evolutions are real hot rods: a test '04 did 5.5 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
Our test averages include 26.4 mpg for a manual-transmission O-Z; 23.1 for an automatic Ralliart, and 23.9 for a manual. Test Evolutions averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 22.8 in mostly highway work. Mitsubishi requires premium-grade fuel for Evolutions.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.6 |
Evolutions are quite firm but not unbearably harsh, though new MR may be an exception. Ralliarts can jolt over sharp bumps, but ride is otherwise acceptable for sporty compacts. Other Lancers are stable and composed, though big bumps and dips can induce minor bounce.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5.4 |
Mainstream models are economy-car competent, with moderate cornering lean and fail-safe front-drive moves. Ralliarts are more agile and fun. Evolutions have sports-car agility, tenacious AWD grip, but suffer a large turning circle. Stopping power adequate on ES and O-Z, but ABS should be offered on all Lancers, not just sporty models.
QUIETNESS
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
Racy Evolutions are quite noisy, even in low-effort driving. Other models have acceptable wind and road noise, but suffer mild high-rpm engine boom.
CONTROLS
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Gauges and controls are nothing special, but cause no problems. Cabin materials are inoffensive, look durable. But plastics not that classy in any model. Doors, trunklid close with cheap-sounding clang.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Cozy feel, but adult-size room. Comfortable, supportive seats, especially bolstered sport seats in Evolutions and Ralliarts. Tilt steering wheel standard. Visibility good, but Evolution VIII and MR rear spoiler obscures vehicles behind.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Average for class. Two medium adults, not cramped. Bench seat too firm and flat for best support, but livable.
CARGO ROOM
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.9 |
Fairly large trunk, but opening narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into space. Models, except ES and Evo, include handy 60/40 split folding seatbacks.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.8 |
Lancer is ordinary in ES and O-Z form, but the Ralliart models are worth a look. Still, no mainstream Lancer is a class star, and resale values are generally subpar. Evolutions are pricey, but deliver fast, rowdy fun.
Total Score
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution VIII | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 48 | 51 | 48 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 49
Scores for all Compact Cars
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