2006 Mitsubishi Lancer: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $14,599 -$35,189
- Invoice: $13,908 -$33,165
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mitsubishi Lancer
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer help you decide if a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 4.4 |
The ES and O-Z models' 2.0-liter engine is adequate with manual transmission, feels sluggish with automatic. Ralliart's 2.4 is noticeably stronger and more relaxed with either transmission. Evolutions suffer minor turbo lag and tepid low-rpm throttle response from a stop, but acceleration becomes ferocious as rpm climbs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | 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, 19.0 in even city/highway driving, and 22.8 in mostly highway work. Mitsubishi requires premium-grade fuel for Evolutions.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.9 |
Evolutions are quite firm, but not unbearably harsh. 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 IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 5.6 |
ES, O-Z models are economy-car competent, with moderate cornering lean. Ralliarts are more agile and fun. Evolutions have sports car agility, tenacious AWD grip, but suffer a large turning circle. Strong stopping power on models with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
QUIETNESS
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.2 |
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 IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
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 IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
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 IX and MR rear spoiler obscures vehicles behind.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Average for class. Two medium-size adults not cramped. Seat too firm and flat for best support, but livable.
CARGO ROOM
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4.7 |
Fairly large trunk, but opening narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into space. All models, except ES and Evo, include 60/40 split folding seatbacks.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6.2 |
Lancers are ordinary in ES and O-Z form. Costly, but fast, rowdy fun in Evolution guise. That leaves the middle-ground Ralliart model as perhaps the best balance of price and performance. Still, like ES and O-Z, it's no class star, and resale values are subpar for all but the Evos.
Total Score
| ES, man. | ES, auto. | Ralliart, man. | Evolution IX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 47 | 51 | 47 | 52 |
Total Score: 48
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.
