2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Review [ 2009 ]
Based on analysis of 29 Lancer reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
In government crash tests, the 2008 Lancer received five out of five stars for protecting the driver in a frontal collision, and four out of five stars for the front-seat passenger. In side-impact testing, the government awarded the Lancer five out of five stars for protecting front-seat passengers, and four out of five for rear-seat passengers. However, the federal government did issue a "safety concern," noting the Lancer's rear door came unlatched and swung open during side-impact tests. Lastly, the Lancer received a four out of five star rollover rating.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2008 Lancer the highest rating of "Good" in frontal impact testing. The IIHS has not yet performed a side impact test on the Lancer.
Accident Avoidance
Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are standard equipment on the ES and GTS Lancers. A tire-pressure monitoring system warns the driver of underinflated tires.
Crash Protection
The 2008 Lancer features a stronger safety cage than any previous Mitsubishi, and a class-leading seven standard air bags. These include dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, which have sensors that respond to the force of an impact, the driver's seat position and the passenger-seat occupant's weight to vary the rate of front air bag deployment. Side air bags deploy from the front seats to protect the torsos of front seat occupants in a side-impact. Head-curtain air bags deploy downward from the roof, covering the windows, to protect the heads of all passengers in a side impact. Lancers also feature a driver's side knee air bag that deploys downward from the dash to protect the driver's legs in a frontal impact.