2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: Tester's Comments
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
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- MSRP: $13,990 - $38,290
- Invoice: $13,328 - $36,089
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. See if the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | Mitsubishi Lancer |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | GTS |
| Arrival Date: | 07/26/2007 |
| Engine: | sohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 13,990 |
| Price as Tested: | 17,490 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 7710 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 8298 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 588 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 22.884 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 25.69 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
N/A
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.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Evolution GSR |
| Arrival Date: | 09/02/2008 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 32,990 |
| Price as Tested: | 35,615 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 8386 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 8840 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 454 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 22.657 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 20.04 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Sight, Sound, and Spoiler Package (Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio w/6 month subscription, keyless access and starting, xenon headlights, special rear spoiler).
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
The Mitsubishi Evolution GSR is essentially a high-tech rally car powertrain transplanted into the chassis of a rather mediocre mainstream compact. If you can tolerate this factory-built hot rod's steep sticker price, stiff ride, and middling level of overall refinement, you'll be rewarded by its truly remarkable performance capabilities, which include delirious, surging-turbo acceleration; go-kart quick steering; and tenacious, nigh-unflappable handling.
John Biel
$35,615 delivered--as this test vehicle was priced--is a lot of money for a small Mitsubishi sedan. It isn't all that plush or comfortable, either, but the Evolution GSR does pack copious amounts of performance that are the lure here.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Evolution MR |
| Arrival Date: | 10/02/2008 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 38,290 |
| Price as Tested: | 42,054 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5386 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5777 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 391 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 21.887 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 17.86 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Technology Package (navigation system with 30-gigabyte hard drive, music server and single CD/MP3/DVD head unit, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker premium sound system (including 10-inch subwoofer), satellite radio with 6 months service), Wheel Locks, Interior Sport Package (aluminum/leather shift knob, aluminum/leather parking brake grip)
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
(I disagree with our assertion that Evos aren't punishing on the street... I think they occasionally are). For my money, the Evolution MR doesn't offer enough true performance upgrades for its $5K-plus premium over the already pricey Evolution GSR. The MR's limited-slip differential is the one real performance "hard part" that appeals to me. I also much prefer the Evo GSR's old-school 5-speed manual over the MR's only available transmisson: the Twin-Clutch Sportronic "automatic." The Sportronic gearbox provides lightning-quick shifts in fast acceleration in both manual or automatic mode, but I found it clunky and unrefined in normal cruising.
Ed Piotrowski
I still stand by my assertion that the Lancer Evolution is one of the coolest looking cars of 2008. After spending a few days with the latest Evo, though, I'm pretty tired of driving it. It's too loud, too stiff riding, and not special enough inside to really make sense as a purchase. Oh yeah, and it costs $42,000. Let that sink in for a moment. For similar money, you can pick up a loaded Infiniti G37x that is far, far easier to live with as a daily driver. You also get the benefit of a longer warranty and the kid-gloves customer service associated with the brand. Sure, it won't make you cool with the street racing crowd, but your body and mind will thank you in the long run.
Jack Stewart
The Evolution is pricey, rough-riding, and loud but it's a blast to drive. Few cars have steering as sharp and quick as the Evo.
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