MSRP: $13,990 - $18,590
Invoice: $13,328 - $17,711
MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.7
Performance:7.4
Exterior:8.8
Interior:7.0
Safety:9.6
Reliability:4.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Striking exterior styling compared to other cars in its class
  • Crisp steering compliments excellent overall handling capabilities
  • Well-liked seats, especially the sport seats on the GTS model
  • The one available engine suffers from disappointing acceleration
  • Though the interior build quality has improved, it still doesn't equal what the best of this class can offer
  • Air conditioning isn't standard on the base model
  • Federal government safety concern during side-impact testing

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Mitsubishi Lancer - What the Auto Press Says

The Lancer offers some of the most attractive exterior styling and balanced handling in its class, combined with some tech features that are usually reserved for luxury cars. But its slow-to-accelerate engine and sub-standard interior quality don't compare well with other compact cars.

The redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer earns a good overall score due to its eye-catching exterior and sporty handling. But there are mixed impressions of its transmissions and material quality. According to the Detroit News summary, "Parts of the redesigned Lancer…exceed expectations, but other areas fall flat. It's an overachiever without the follow-through to threaten the competition." In addition, the Lancer's fuel ratings are not as high as some higher-ranked small cars.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in three trims: the base DE, the ES and the top-of-the-line GTS. If you are shopping for an affordable small car but not sold on the Lancer, consider the safe and reliable Honda Civic.

  • "For 2008, Mitsubishi throws out everything but the nameplate and starts from a much better place." -- Motor Trend
  • "While the new Lancer GTS boasts amenities not seen on other cars in its class, a powerful engine isn't one of them. But if rally car looks, nice tech options, and a booming stereo are more your speed, this Mitsubishi is an excellent choice." -- CNET
  • "The Lancer soldiers on, finding its niche among rental fleets and buyers who opt not for the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or other leading competitors. For 2008, Mitsubishi hopes to woo even more buyers with the Lancer's aggressive styling, roomy interior, responsive handling, and range of basic to sport-tuned models, each backed by one of the best warranties in the business." -- Autosite
  • "This latest offering from the young-at-heart Mitsubishi might carry above-average risk, but, equipped as I sampled it, it's fun to drive, yet practical and reasonably priced. My week with it went all too quickly." -- Newsday
  • "The new Lancer's 'rally inspired' design captures the excitement of a sports sedan, but it does so in a package that is reasonably priced and economical to drive." -- Kansas City Star
  • "First-time car buyers should like the new Lancer. Its exterior and performance is top notch. It's affordable and when they sit inside it, they won't know what they're missing. They'll take the Mr. Hyde with the Dr. Jekyll, because they won't need a doctor's salary to afford one." -- Detroit News
  • "Suitable for smaller families on a budget." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Lancer Performance - 7.4 (Good)

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer's performance gets mixed reviews. The Detroit News calls the Lancer superb, and notes it "turned crisply and rode well through the backcountry of happy Californian cows." But Motor Trend reports "there's a lot of show," but "not a whole lot of go." Read More

Lancer Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)

The Lancer's striking profile receives a very high exterior score. Motor Trend describes the look as interesting, "with an aggressive face and a Volvo-ish profile." The Kansas City Star writes, "One look tells you that Mitsubishi's 2008 Lancer, with its shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, is targeted at a young audience." Read More

Lancer Interior - 7.0 (Good)

The 2008 Lancer's interior is average for an affordable small car. The Orlando Sentinel says the Lancer's bucket seats "are very comfortable and supportive at all angles," and adds that the cabin controls "are nicely arranged and easy to use." Read More

Lancer Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)

Following the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer's crash tests, the federal government raised a safety concern about potential side-impact collisions in the sedan. The 2008 Lancer did not receive side-impact test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More

Lancer Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 offers one of the more comprehensive warranty packages in the business, including a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09