2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
in Affordable Performance Cars
Based on analysis of 19 Lancer-Evolution reviews and test drives.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ranks 2 out of 4 Affordable Performance Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Though Mitsubishi has modified the Lancer Evolution to take down its sporty performance a few notches and widen its appeal, critics find that it still offers loads of heart-racing excitement. Altogether, the Evolution ranks near the top of its class.
Redesigned for 2008, the Lancer Evolution offers a unique combination of sedan comfort and all-wheel drive rally race performance hidden behind a pleasant, low-profile exterior design. According to Forbes, you should buy this car if you "want a rally-ready car for aggressive street driving or recreational racing, or just like the idea of having a quick and nimble pocket rocket."
The Lancer Evolution is only available in one trim, the GSR.
- Whine if you want about the loss of racing edge and mechanical purity. Then go out and push the new Evolution hard into a corner, feel the steering wheel load and lighten as unseen systems transfer power from side to side and from front to rear, notice as the transmission grabs another gear, and hang on as the car exhibits razor-sharp handling and balance that come from years of slow and steady development. Mitsubishi is still calling it an Evolution, but it's a much bigger leap this time around." -- AutoWeek
- The entire package is fantastic. The various clutch packs, differentials, and hydraulic pumps work seamlessly to make you look heroic, pulling off feats of power management that make most other all-wheel-drive cars look like stumbly boobs." -- Automobile Magazine
- "Folks at Mitsubishi want buyers to think of the Evo, as enthusiasts call it, in the same context as high-performance models from BMW, Audi and Infiniti. Its most direct competitor, however, is the rally-oriented Subaru WRX STi." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Lancer-Evolution Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
Though test drivers are impressed with the Lancer Evolution's rally race dynamics, many note that Mitsubishi has compromised some of its performance attributes in order to market it to a larger audience. AutoWeek explains: "The car no longer seems mechanical and race-car-like. In place of what felt like driver-lashed-to-drivetrain contact in the old car is a much more fluid driveline that at first seems almost too isolated and out of touch, as though Dr. Evo may have erred too far on the side of mass appeal. But that first impression doesn't last long. Output grows by only 9 hp and 11 lb-ft of torque, but a more responsive turbo and a flatter torque curve make the engine feel stronger than ever." Within the category of performance, the Evolution ranks near the top of its class. Continue with our full Lancer Evolution performance review. continue
Lancer-Evolution Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Auto writers appreciate the 2008 Lancer Evolution's sporty appearance. "The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is visually distinguished from the rest of the Lancer sedan lineup primarily in its bolder front-end styling that incorporates large chrome air intakes and engine heat outlets with a sharply sloping hood," notes Forbes. The Evolution ranks in the middle of its class for its exterior design. Continue with our full Lancer Evolution exterior review. continue
Lancer-Evolution Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Critics agree that the Lancer Evolution's redesigned interior is classier than the previous generation. What's more, its seats are comfortable and supportive. "The wing-backed Recaro seats are the only familiar touches; everything else, from the dashboard to the door panels, has gone decidedly upmarket," writes Automobile Magazine. "There are still echoes of the Evo's econo-box roots -- some of the console trim is made from hard, scratchy plastic, and the painted cockpit trim can feel a little flimsy -- but by and large, the interior no longer reeks of Play-skool technology." Even so, the Evolution's interior ranks near the bottom of its class. Continue with our full Lancer Evolution interior review. continue
Lancer-Evolution Safety - NA
The Lancer Evolution has not yet been crash tested by the federal government. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Evolution comes with a full load of safety as well as performance equipment, including stability, traction and yaw control; antilock brakes; side air bags and side-curtain air bags, and driver's knee air bag." Continue with our full Lancer Evolution safety review. continue
Lancer-Evolution Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mitsubishi covers every 2008 Lancer Evolution with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Lancer Evolution reliability review. continue