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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Lancer Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution makes its return to this Japanese brand's small-car lineup. All '08 Lancers are redesigned this year and are larger in all dimensions compared to the 2002-06 versions. Front-wheel-drive Lancer DE, ES, and GTS trims are offered with a 152-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of a 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). GTS has a firmer suspension and sporty body trim. The Lancer Evolution is all-wheel drive and comes in GSR and MR trims, each with a 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. GSRs have a 5-speed manual transmission; MRs have a 6-speed automatic. Lancer's safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Traction control and an antiskid system are exclusive to the Evolution. Lancer ES, GTS, and Evolution are available with a touch-screen navigation system and a 30 gigabyte hard drive for storage/playback of digital audio files. Evaluations of Evolution models are based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy (exc Evolution) | Acceleration (CVT) |
| Steering/handling (GTS, Evolution) | Engine noise |
| Acceleration (Evolution) | Ride (Evolution) |
| All-wheel drive (Evolution) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 152-hp Lancers only have adequate pickup with manual transmission, and they're borderline sluggish with the CVT. All feel weakest when pulling away from a stop. Acceleration from rest is a sore point on both Evolution versions as well, though they're rockets once underway. The MR's automatic transmission is actually a twin-clutch manual that functions like an automatic (there's no clutch pedal), and it also has steering-wheel shift paddles to facilitate manual gear changes. On preview vehicles tested, the MR's transmission took a moment to engage when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and there was no "creep" after letting off the brake at a stop. Upshifts and downshifts were quick and timely, whether in automatic mode or shifted manually.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 4.9 |
The 152-hp Lancers only have adequate pickup with manual transmission, and they're borderline sluggish with the CVT. All feel weakest when pulling away from a stop. Acceleration from rest is a sore point on both Evolution versions as well, though they're rockets once underway. The MR's automatic transmission is actually a twin-clutch manual that functions like an automatic (there's no clutch pedal), and it also has steering-wheel shift paddles to facilitate manual gear changes. On preview vehicles tested, the MR's transmission took a moment to engage when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and there was no "creep" after letting off the brake at a stop. Upshifts and downshifts were quick and timely, whether in automatic mode or shifted manually.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Lancer GTS models with manual transmission averaged 25.7-27.2 mpg. 152-hp versions use regular-grade gas. No opportunity to measure fuel economy on Evolutions, which have a 14.5-gallon tank vs 15.3 and require premium-grade gas.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Lancer GTS models with manual transmission averaged 25.7-27.2 mpg. 152-hp versions use regular-grade gas. No opportunity to measure fuel economy on Evolutions, which have a 14.5-gallon tank vs 15.3 and require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
DE and ES models are absorbent and capable thanks to smart suspension tuning, a solid-feeling structure, and sensible 16-inch tires. The GTS rides a bit harsher due to its firmer suspension and 18-inch tires. Evolutions are stiff, though not as bad as they used to be, with the MR being slightly more compliant over bumps.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
DE and ES models are absorbent and capable thanks to smart suspension tuning, a solid-feeling structure, and sensible 16-inch tires. The GTS rides a bit harsher due to its firmer suspension and 18-inch tires. Evolutions are stiff, though not as bad as they used to be, with the MR being slightly more compliant over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The DE and ES exhibit decent grip in turns, but steering is not especially direct or communicative, and though the brakes feel strong, nosedive is evident in quick stops. The tauter GTS is more agile and fun. Evolutions shine, with quick steering, tenacious grip, and anchor-like brakes, though they suffer from a wide turning radius.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 5.8 |
The DE and ES exhibit decent grip in turns, but steering is not especially direct or communicative, and though the brakes feel strong, nosedive is evident in quick stops. The tauter GTS is more agile and fun. Evolutions shine, with quick steering, tenacious grip, and anchor-like brakes, though they suffer from a wide turning radius.
Quietness
Wind noise is well-checked, but coarse-surface tire thrum is fairly high in all models. Lancer's crude engine note is a sore point. It's especially intrusive in rapid acceleration or at higher speeds, though in the Evolution, it's masked somewhat by a sporty whistle from the turbocharger.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Wind noise is well-checked, but coarse-surface tire thrum is fairly high in all models. Lancer's crude engine note is a sore point. It's especially intrusive in rapid acceleration or at higher speeds, though in the Evolution, it's masked somewhat by a sporty whistle from the turbocharger.
Controls
In the main instrument pod, a large, clear speedometer and tachometer flank a smaller, less-legible electronic information display. The climate controls are large and simple but are a bit low for easy access. Some testers found the audio controls to be an uncomfortable reach and its dashboard screen hard to read in sunny conditions. Lancer's touch-screen navigation system unfortunately also absorbs most audio functions, but the system is easy enough to learn and program.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
In the main instrument pod, a large, clear speedometer and tachometer flank a smaller, less-legible electronic information display. The climate controls are large and simple but are a bit low for easy access. Some testers found the audio controls to be an uncomfortable reach and its dashboard screen hard to read in sunny conditions. Lancer's touch-screen navigation system unfortunately also absorbs most audio functions, but the system is easy enough to learn and program.
Details
The cabin decor is solid enough, but the materials are nothing special, particularly on the pricey Evolution. Lancer's doors close with a tinny clang.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
The cabin decor is solid enough, but the materials are nothing special, particularly on the pricey Evolution. Lancer's doors close with a tinny clang.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Leg space is sufficient for six-footers, but taller folks are likely to want more head clearance, especially beneath the sunroof housing. The GTS and Evolution have sport seats that hug tightly in fast corners; seats in the other models are unexceptional for shape and support. A height-adjustable driver's seat is standard on all Lancers except the Evolutions, where shorter drivers sit low. But regardless of model, high windowsills impart a slightly closed-in feeling. Outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great, and it's made worse by the available rear spoiler.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Leg space is sufficient for six-footers, but taller folks are likely to want more head clearance, especially beneath the sunroof housing. The GTS and Evolution have sport seats that hug tightly in fast corners; seats in the other models are unexceptional for shape and support. A height-adjustable driver's seat is standard on all Lancers except the Evolutions, where shorter drivers sit low. But regardless of model, high windowsills impart a slightly closed-in feeling. Outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great, and it's made worse by the available rear spoiler.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The seat is supportive, but space is cozy for two medium-size adults, let alone three. Headroom is limited, as is legroom if the front seats are set very far back. Entry and exit are also a bit tight, though OK for the class.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
The seat is supportive, but space is cozy for two medium-size adults, let alone three. Headroom is limited, as is legroom if the front seats are set very far back. Entry and exit are also a bit tight, though OK for the class.
Cargo Room
Lancer's trunk has a useful shape but isn't that large, and the Evolution's is slightly smaller due to that model's all-wheel-drive hardware. Trunks also lack height for taller cargo, as does the trunk opening. Useful cabin storage includes large front-door map pockets with bottle holders.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Lancer's trunk has a useful shape but isn't that large, and the Evolution's is slightly smaller due to that model's all-wheel-drive hardware. Trunks also lack height for taller cargo, as does the trunk opening. Useful cabin storage includes large front-door map pockets with bottle holders.
Value within Class
The eagerly awaited Evolution models are strong performers that aren't punishing on the street, but high prices detract from their appeal. Other Lancers ride and handle well enough, but their engine lags in power and refinement, and cost-cutting is evident in too many places. Mitsubishi's record of weak resale values doesn't help Lancer's cause either.
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6.1 |
The eagerly awaited Evolution models are strong performers that aren't punishing on the street, but high prices detract from their appeal. Other Lancers ride and handle well enough, but their engine lags in power and refinement, and cost-cutting is evident in too many places. Mitsubishi's record of weak resale values doesn't help Lancer's cause either.
Total Score
| ES, CVT | GTS, manual | Evolution GSR, manual | Evolution MR, auto | Class Average |
| 51 | 52 | 53 | 52 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/24/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| DE 4-door sedan, manual | $13,990 | $13,328 | $625 |
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| DE 4-door sedan, CVT | $14,890 | $14,186 | $625 |
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| ES 4-door sedan, manual | $16,090 | $15,329 | $625 |
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| ES 4-door sedan, CVT | $16,990 | $16,186 | $625 |
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| GTS 4-door sedan, manual | $17,590 | $16,758 | $625 |
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| GTS 4-door sedan, CVT | $18,590 | $17,711 | $625 |
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| Evolution GSR 4-door sedan, manual | $32,990 | $31,093 | $625 |
Price note: Evolution MR prices and equipment not available at time of publication.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
DE
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
ES adds to DE:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, split folding rear seat, power door locks, remote keyless entry, steering wheel radio controls, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
GTS adds to ES:
Safety
5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded sound system, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension, 215/45R18 tires.
Evolution GSR adds to GTS:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, traction control, front limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: height-adjustable driver seat, wireless cell phone link.
Performance suspension, 245/40R18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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A/C and Power Pkg.
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DE CVT
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$1,100
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$974
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Antilock brakes, air conditioning, interior air filter, power door locks, automatic up/down driver window.
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Navigation Pkg. P5
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ES
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$1,800
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$1,593
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Navigation system, digital music hard drive. Requires Technology and Appearance Pkg.
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Navigation Pkg. F2/F0
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ES, GTS
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$2,190
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$1,816
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GSR
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$1,999
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$1,675
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Navigation system, digital music hard drive.
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Technology and Appearance Pkg.
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ES
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$990
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$876
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Keyless access and starting, satellite radio, digital-media player connection, wireless cell phone link, rear spoiler.
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Navigation and Technology Pkg.
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GTS
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$2,000
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$1,769
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Navigation Pkg. plus keyless access and starting, trip computer. Requires Sun and Sound Pkg.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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ES, GTS
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$1,500
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$1,328
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Power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio.
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Sight, Sound, and Spoiler Pkg.
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GSR
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$2,000
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$1,750
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Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, keyless access and starting, xenon headlights, special rear spoiler.
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Appearance Pkg.
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DE, ES
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$210
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$169
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Mud guards, scuff plates, exhaust finisher.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Remote keyless entry
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DE CVT
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$150
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$133
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Requires A/C and Power Pkg.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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DE, ES, GTS
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$350
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$292
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GSR
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$399
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$292
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NA w/Navigation Pkg.
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Wireless cell phone link
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ES
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$250
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$187
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Cargo organizer
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DE, ES, GTS
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$50
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$37
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GSR
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$56
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$42
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Cargo mat
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DE, ES, GTS
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$80
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$51
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Floormats
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DE
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$60
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$41
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Fog lights
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DE, ES
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$280
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$230
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Special paint
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GSR
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$250
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$219
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2922 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 152 @ 6000 | 291 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 146 @ 4250 | 300 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 5-speed manual | 21/29 | 16/22 |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 17/22 |
| CVT automatic | 22/29 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: N/A Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 25.69 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta Reasonably good ride quality, a roomy and comfortable rear seat, and good cargo room are Lancer's assets. And boy-racer types will like the GTS's looks, which are highlighted by the worthy-of-praise 18-inch alloy wheels and the car's aggressive face, and let down by the silly rear spoiler. But there's less here than meets the eye. The GTS feels underpowered, cuts costs with a five-speed manual transmission instead of a six-speed, and generally fights back when asked to act like the little sports sedan it pretends to be. Ed Piotrowski Though it still doesn't match the overall levels of performance and refinement of the class leading Honda Civic and Mazda 3, Lancer nonetheless, a very pleasant car to drive. It's roomy, seems solidly built, and is quite a looker. This tester was honestly not expecting much out of this compact car, but came away pleasantly surprised. Give it a look if you're in the market. Rick Cotta Although refinement lags the best in this class and power doesn't match the car's sporty demeanor, those drawn to the Lancer's aggressive styling and impressive price-to-feature ratio will likely find the trade-offs--and the car itself--quite acceptable. Tom Appel Lancer GTS costs less than the Honda Civic Si, and it should. Despite the peacock-like display of the GTS's massive rear spoiler, this top-line Lancer (Evo not withstanding) supplies a wholly joyless driving experience. The 2.0-liter "World Engine" (Built in conjunction with Chrysler LLC and Hyundai/Kia. This same engine is currently boring drivers in our extended-use Dodge Caliber.) seems reluctant to rev and makes more noise than power. The shifter lacks precision, and though the steering is decent, handling is merely competent, lacking the sharpness the huge spoiler might imply. Mitsubishi's pricing is aggressive, and lesser Lancers can be had for a song. But compared to Honda's delightful Civic, Mazda's sporty 3, or even Suzuki's budget friendly SX4, Lancer is a lifeless drone--an appliance in a market knee-deep in cars with more personality. |
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Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Lancer Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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