New 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Review [ 2008 ]

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer does well in government crash tests. But reviews express displeasure with the visibility in the sedan. After June 2008, Lancers sold will have active stability control as a standard feature.

Crash Tests

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2009 Lancer five stars out of a possible five for protecting the driver in front crashes, four stars for front-seat passenger protection in front crashes, five stars for front-seat protection in side crashes and four stars for the rear passengers' protection in side crashes. In addition, the Lancer earns a four-star rollover rating for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
• In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 2008 crash tests for the Lancer, the sedan earned the highest possible rating, "Good," for frontal offset tests.

Safety Features

Some of the 2009 Lancer's standard safety features include dual-stage front, side and head curtain air bags. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are standard equipment on the ES and GTS Lancers.

• "This new Japan-built Lancer is safer, with seven standard airbags: a pair in front for the driver and front passenger, a side-impact bag in each of the front seats, curtain bags that deploy from each side of the headliner, and a single knee bag that prevents the driver from sliding beneath the dash in a frontal collision." -- Road and Track
• "Outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great, and it's made worse by the available rear spoiler." -- Consumer Guide