Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews

With the Australian hunger for big cars still raging in the late-1980s carmakers looked to lesser mortals for sales of their small cars.

The great motoring revolution that has taken place in recent years was still a long way away from happening when Mitsubishi launched its small, front-wheel drive (CC) Lancer in 1992.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a Japanese car designed and made to a high quality, making it one of the leaders in the small car class.Aimed at the conservative buyer rather than the one looking for excitement, the CE Lancer was often driven gently and well maintained by caring, sometimes, older drivers.The CE Lancer was introduced in 1996 and ran through until 2004.It was a small front-wheel drive car available in practical four-door sedan, wagon and sporty two-door coupe bodystyles with a range of models including the GLi , GLXi, VR-X, LRXi, MR, and rally-bred Evolution.The GLi was the entry point and it was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan.A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine provided its power, and there was the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual gearbox.It was quite sparsely equipped; the standard features list consisted of cloth trim, power steering, remote releases for the boot and fuel filler, and a fairly basic radio cassette sound system with two speakers.The options list was also short, but included air conditioning and front airbags for the driver and front passenger.For more you had to step up to the GLXi, which was available as a coupe, sedan and wagon.It had a larger, 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, and the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual gearbox.Being more up-range than the GLi, the GLXi was better equipped and had four speakers, central locking, power mirrors, and a tachometer.Options included manual air conditioning, a single airbag for the driver, and dual airbags for the driver and front passenger.The sporty MR coupe had a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and the choice of four-speed automatic transmission and five-speed manual gearbox.It boasted four-speakers, alloy wheels, a sporty body kit, central locking, power mirrors, power windows, a tachometer, and fog lights.Options were air conditioning and front airbags for the driver and front passenger.An update in 2001 saw the 1.8-litre engine become available on the GLi coupe, and standard on the GLi sedan.Also standard was a driver’s airbag, power mirrors, and a CD player.In the same update the GLXi got power windows, central locking and a CD player.Limited Edition LRX-1 coupes and sedans were launched in 2001 with 14-inch alloy wheels, a CD stacker, and rear spoiler.Mitsubishi also added a hero model to the range in 2001 in the form of the rally-bred Evolution VI sedan.Aimed squarely at the enthusiast driver, the Evo VI had dual front airbags, ABS brakes, Emergency Brakeforce Distribution, traction control, electronic stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, multi-function steering wheel, sports seats, power windows and mirrors, CD player, central locking, air conditioning, a sports body kit, and an alarm to deter thieves.Modern features like Bluetooth to connect an iPhone or Android device weren’t available.It didn’t have a touchscreen or sat nav either, and the air conditioning was manual, not automatic climate control.You won't find aids like a reversing camera or parking sensors either, or a park assist system.Also missing was the option of a sunroof.The spare tyre was full-sized.Despite its small stature the Lancer had seats for five and could cut it as a family car if the kids were young.Interior space in the front seats was good on all models. The rear could be tight in the coupe, but was generally fine in the sedans and wagons with their extended rooflines.In a rather bland interior awash with grey plastics, cupholders were provided in the front.Two single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engines were offered. They were fuel-injected and both ran on 91-octane regular unleaded petrol, and could be run on E10 ethanol blend fuel if so desired.One was a 1.5-litre, which powered the GLi, the other a larger 1.8-litre unit, which powered most models in the range. Both offered a combination of solid performance and good fuel economy.When working at its peaks the 1.5-litre engine was putting out peak power of 69kW (83 horsepower), and 126Nm of torque.The 1.8-litre engine put out maximum power of 86kW (115 horsepower), and 161Nm of torque.The Evo VI had a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that thundered out a whopping 206 kW (276 horsepower), and 375 Nm of torque.It came with a five-speed manual gearbox and was all-wheel drive.For performance, it’s best to forget cars with the 1.5-litre engine, its zip is lacklustre at best.The 1.8-litre engine is the pick of the bunch; its performance in manual or automatic form is quite good.The Lancer’s combination of independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension gives it a reassuring stability on the road, with a good level of grip and responsiveness.Being a small car the manoeuvrability is easy, with a tight turning circle to aid driving in town and parking in tight spaces.Road noise can be annoying, but most owners are prepared to dismiss it as being normal with such a low-priced car.Generally, the CE Lancer was a strong little car that stood up well in crash testing.When launched the safety features were limited to lap-sash seat belts, airbags for the driver and front passenger were available, but only as options.That changed in 2001 when a driver’s airbag became standard, which makes that a key consideration when shopping.ANCAP rated the dual airbag models at three stars.ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points weren’t fitted; it was too early for them.Quality, condition and service history are the most important things to consider when choosing a cheaper car.Buy the best car you can afford, in the best condition, with a solid service history and you shouldn’t go wrong.The CE Lancer had an enviable reputation for reliability, but it depends heavily on being well serviced.Mitsubishi recommended servicing the CE Lancer every 10,000km or 12 months, and it’s important to adhere to that if you value reliability.The oil to use is 15W-40.Capped price servicing didn’t apply to the CE Lancer, but service costs are not excessive, and any competent mechanic can do it.Mechanics who regularly work on them say the CE Lancer gives little trouble, although they stress that it’s important to change the cam timing belt as per Mitsubishi’s recommendation of 90,000 km.Walk away from any car that hasn’t been properly maintained, even if it appears a cheap buy.When new the CE Lancer was covered by a three-year/100,000km warranty.Older cars tend to get knocked about by owners who couldn’t care less, so look closely for panel damage that has been poorly repaired.When you lift the bonnet, look for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox.Peeling paint can be an issue. It’s not uncommon to find the clear coat peeling away. There’s nothing that can be done to fix it, short of repainting panels.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Mitsubishi Lancer problems page http://www.carsguide.com.au/mitsubishi/lancer/problems)Geoffrey Jarvis: I bought a used CE Lancer in 2004. It had done 55,000km at the time and I drove it until it had done 210,000km. I found it to be reliable, with good handling, performance and economy. I heartily recommend it.Raylene Meyer: I bought my GLi a year ago. It’s great to drive, is reliable and cheap to run. My only concern is that it’s difficult to install a baby car seat in the back seats.Sean Evans: I’ve owned two GL models and had a good run out of both. Both did more than 400,000 km, and were very reliable.Barry Thomas: It’s a great little car for driving around town, it will get you where you want to go with minimum fuss and little cost. The only complaint is that it’s a little cramped in the back.VW PoloGreat driver, but can be expensive as kays climb.3 stars.Toyota EchoCute, roomy, and Toyota quality, what more could you ask for in a cheapie.3.5 stars.Nissan PulsarWell-built, solid and reliable small car.3.5 stars.

The Lancer has been a steady and sturdy presence on the local market for many years; in that time it has gained a reputation for being a loyal and reliable friend, if not the most exciting one.

The CJ Lancer arrived in 2007 with plenty of promise.Compared to the previous model the CJ had fresh looks, a longer wheelbase and wider track for more cabin space, and there was more equipment.In an increasingly crowded, and hotly contested small car market, it tended to blend into the background rather than stand out, but anyone who cared to take a closer look would have discovered a solid, well built, and reliable car.The CJ range offered a choice of four-door sedan and five-door hatch body styles, and a range of models to suit most needs and desires.Most were front-wheel drive, but there were also sizzling hot four-wheel drive models to satisfy wanna-be rally drivers.At launch, everyday motorists had the option of the entry-level ES, the VR mid-ranger, and the sporty VR-X, with the Aspire, Activ, RX, and SX, added to the range in the following months and years.Weekend warriors could satisfy their need for speed with the rally-bred Ralliart and Evolution models.Standard features in the ES included air-conditioning, four-speaker sound with CD player and MP3 compatibility, cruise control, driver’s footrest, intermittent wipers, multi-function control screen, power windows and mirrors, cloth trim, trip computer, and tachometer.It had steel wheels and full wheel covers, and the spare tyre was a space saver.Metallic and pearl paint could be ordered as options.Had you chosen the VR you would have got all of that plus alloy wheels, six-speaker sound with CD stacker, air-conditioning with climate control, fog lamps, leather-trimmed, multi-function steering wheel and hand brake lever, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and a sporty rear spoiler and side skirts.The list of standard features was even longer with the VR-X, and included 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth to allow you to connect your iPhone or Android device, sports seats, sports pedals, keyless start, a body kit with high rear spoiler, and a front strut brace to aid handling. High end Rockford audio and a sunroof were available as options.The four-wheel drive, turbocharged Evolution, or Evo, was Mitsubishi’s nod to its rally participation. It had everything you could imagine in a rally special, with sports suspension, a wild body kit, sports instruments, sports seats and a sporty steering wheel.For more there was the optional 'Performance Pack', which saw the suspension and brakes upgraded.An update in 2008 saw the introduction of the Aspire with a 2.4-litre engine.Standard features of the Aspire included 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim with woodgrain highlights, a premium sound system with nine speakers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and fog lamps.At the same time the VR-X was upgraded with the 2.4-litre engine, and the Ralliart joined the Evolution on the performance front.The RX arrived in 2009 and it was positioned above the ES, and could be distinguished by alloy wheels, and the Activ came a year later.A reversing camera was added to the range, except for the ES, in 2012, but there were no parking sensors or a parking assist system.Sat nav was not available on the ES, but was available on other models in the range from 2013.The Lancer’s cabin was quite roomy for its size, with comfortable accommodation for five.Front seats were buckets, sports seats in the sporty models, and the rear was a split-fold seat for extra carrying capacity when needed.With the rear seat in the normal position the boot volume was 315 litres. With it folded the volume increased to 400 litres.There was plenty of storage spread around the cabin, with an in-dash glove box, a compartment in the console, pockets in the front doors and front seat backs, bottle holders, and cupholders in the front and rear.Most models had cloth trim, but up-range ones had leather, and some had woodgrain, as well.The main power source across the range was a double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing that put out 113kW (151 horsepower), and 198Nm at is power and torque peaks, which was enough to give it solid performance in the class.A larger 2.4-litre petrol four was added to the range in 2008, and with 125kW (167 horsepower), and 226Nm of torque, it provided more performance for those wanting a bit more zip.There was a five-speed manual gearbox available, but the transmission most buyers chose was the CVT, which was the automatic option.The quirky CVT was not everyone’s cup of tea, but with the option of a six-speed sports mode the Mitsubishi transmission didn’t feel as soggy as some others.With their connection to rallying the Evolution and Ralliart models had blistering performance delivered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.It was linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, in turn to a four-wheel drive system.The CJ Lancer was a capable and user-friendly small car. It did everything well and didn’t present anyone with any untoward challenges on the road.With independent front and rear suspension, even in base form, it was sure-footed, steered well, handled corners with assurance, and the ride was well damped.The steering was light, and the turning circle tight, making it easy to manoeuvre and park around town.Step up the model range and the picture was even better, with sportier handling from the lower and former suspension.Both engines were willing, the larger 2.4-litre unit had more torque to deliver smoother driveability, and for that reason, is a better choice than the 2.0-litre engine.Those inside were treated to comfortable seating with little external disturbance from road noise or other potentially annoying elements to bother them.The thrill-a-minute performance-tuned Ralliart and Evo models were different animals entirely; they were at their best competing on the track or in the forests.The CJ Lancer was well equipped with safety features.All models except the entry-level ES, which was rated at four stars, carried a five-star ANCAP rating from the introduction of the model.The difference in rating can be attributed to the ES not having head airbags for the front or side airbags for the front and rear seat passengers.Anyone wanting to upgrade the safety of the ES to five stars could have added an option pack of side and head airbags.That changed in 2010 when the ES got the additional head and side airbags and was upgraded to the same five stars as the other models.All models then had front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, a knee airbag for the driver, head airbags for the front seat passengers, and side (curtain) airbags for those in the front and rear seats.All five seats had lap-sash seat belts, allowing the fitment of a baby car seat.The Lancer was one of the cars that had ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points before they were made mandatory in 2014.In addition to the passive safety features all models had ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and ESP electronic stability control.Except for the CVT and dual-clutch automatic transmissions the Lancer follows a well-proven formula.There’s nothing radical about it, nothing that should be cause for concern by anyone considering buying one second hand.Most owners were keen to praise the reliability of their cars, saying they were well built and were for the most part reliable.One issue that cropped up related to the operation of the ABS brakes as a result of the failure of the electronic module that controls the system.Owners said their first warning of the problem was when the warning light on the dash began flickering. It eventually stayed on; the ABS braking system was then not functioning.Check with the seller to see if there have been any problems with the braking system previously, and take note of the ABS warning light if it comes on.Another thing to focus on when test-driving a car is the operation of the automatic transmissions.No owner we spoke to raised any issues with either the CVT or the dual-clutch transmission, which suggests there are no problems with them, but the history of the transmissions in general says they are prone to problems. Observe the CVT for shuddering on take-off or when accelerating, hesitations, or any other thing that doesn’t feel right.In the case of the dual-clutch auto, observe for any hesitation on shifting, or incorrectly selecting neutral.Check for a service record to make sure your potential purchase has been well maintained.The recommended engine oil for the CJ Lancer is 5W-30, servicing should be every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, and the engines have timing chains.Mitsubishi provided a generous new car warranty of five years/130,000km, and there was also five years roadside assistance.Capped price servicing was introduced in 2012 to keep a lid on service costs.There have been some recalls, mostly for electrical issues, so check the service book to see what if any recall reworks have been done.Buying a Ralliart or Evolution model requires extra caution when inspecting prior to purchase. As many will have been driven hard by enthusiast owners, or even used in motorsport competition, it’s important to check for signs of modification or abuse.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Mitsubishi Lancer problems page.K. Brigham: I bought my 2010 Activ new. It’s solidly built, very roomy, comfortable, gets good mileage, and there have been no problems with it at all.Anna Breinl: My 2007 VR-X is a great touring car, it’s comfortable, and it has been absolutely trouble-free.Patrick Firth: The 2013 ES feels sporty. I like the performance of the 2.0-litre engine, the manual gearbox is good, and I get good economy.Michael Beeston: I’ve owned my 2011 ES from new. It’s now done almost 100,000 km and there has been no problem with it at all. I like driving it, the handling is quite good, it’s safe, and the fuel economy is good.Apart from the Evo the Lancer wasn’t very exciting, but it was a solid and reliable all-rounder.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer as a used buy.

You can save a motza on a late-model used car, because the first owner has already taken the biggest hit... usually 30-50 percent, in depreciation. Ideally, you want to be the second owner, and hang on to the car for a few years, to maximise the value you get from your motoring dollar. We've picked our top five used

It seems the Lancer has been around forever, much like the Toyota Corolla, but unlike the small Toyota it has never commanded a lot of attention from buyers. Those who know recognise it as a solid, well-built, reliable small car that makes sense, but it's a car that has blended into the background rather than stand

Japanese designed and built to a high quality, Mitsubishi Lancer is at the forefront in the reliability stakes, so has long been popular on the used-car scene in Australia.The Lancer began life as a small car, then gradually morphed into a medium model. From the new model launched in October 2007 it can be used as a family car if the kids aren’t yet into their hulking teenage years.Interior space is good in the front seats in all models. Rear seat headroom can be tight in the older hatches, but is generally fine in the sedans and wagons due to their extended rooflines.Lancer comes with a big variety of bodies: two-door coupes, three-door hatches, four-door sedans, five-door hatchbacks and five-door station wagons. Not all bodies were on offer at all times.Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ployThree-door hatchbacks built prior to 1996 were called Lancers, but the name was changed to Mitsubishi Mirage with the introduction of the new model of that year.Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ploy to try and create a new niche for the three-door. Imports of the Lancer-based Mirage ceased in 2004 although the name was reintroduced in 2013, this time in a small five-door hatchback.Ride comfort in the standard Lancers is generally good, though rough Australian backroads can sometimes knock them about. This improved with later models, but try for yourself if you do a lot of country driving.Engines are all four-cylinder units, with a big spread of capacities; 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and finally 2.4 litres. The marketing strategy over the years saw the largest engine at any one time being first introduced in the upmarket models then gradually making its way down the line.The ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performanceThe 2.4-litre powerplant has plenty of torque, giving the car excellent performance and safe overtaking, yet it doesn’t use a lot more fuel than the other powerplants.Manual gearboxes are all five-speed units. Automatic transmissions from 1996 had four-speeds. The auto with the 2.4-litre engine has tiptronic functions in case the driver wants to override the computer and get more revs out of the engine.If you do want real excitement, the ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performance, but cost big bucks. However, the Lancer MR coupe of 1997 to 2004, while tamer than the Evo is still fun thanks to its firmer suspension and sharper steering.Spare parts and repair prices are about average for this class and the Australian Mitsubishi dealer network is widespread and efficient.The Lancer is relatively easy for the home mechanic to work on, with good underbonnet space and nothing particularly tricky in its layout.Insurance charges are about average for the class in all but the sportier variants. You may need to raise a big loan to cover an Evo if you’re under the age of 25.Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacture the company continues to operate as a major player here, now exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is at the vanguard of the new Mitsubishi Australia.If possible, start the engine when it is completely cold. It should fire up within a couple of seconds and idle smoothly and quietly straight away.If the engine puffs oily smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration it may be due for an overhaul.A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to useFeel for an automatic transmission that is slow to engage gear or is inclined to change up and down unnecessarily.A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use. If not there could be troubles - fast changes down from third to second usually show the problem first.Rust normally only gets into the body following poor quality panel repairs, but look over the lower areas of the body and the bottom corners of the doors, tailgate or bootlid just in case. Also look at the surrounds of the front and rear windscreens.Check for panel repairs by looking for ripples in the panels; paint that doesn’t match from one panel to another; and tiny spots of paint on glass, badges, body trim and so on.Don’t even think of buying until you've had a full professional inspectionDo a complete check of all interior surfaces, in particular the tops of the dashboard and the rear parcel shelf that may have drive out and cracked.Look for rips in the seats, excess wear in the carpets and for damage in the luggage area.

In the words of the maker Mitsubishi, the Lancer has been 'tweaked' for the new year to include a revised model range with price cuts, more features, door mirrors with side repeater lamps, emergency stop flashers and a new style of door trims.The Lancer is now available from just $18,990, plus on-road costs. That's for the ES Sport manual sedan, powered by a 110kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, while the sedans are topped out by the XLS manual at $26,490. Automatic transmission adds $2000 across the range. The sporty Lancer GSR Sportback we road tested is powered by a 125kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and is available with a CVT automatic for $23,990, reduced from $25,240. Ours had the automatic transmission.In keeping with its sports orientation, the Lancer GSR Sportback features 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, Ralliart front grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, sports front seats and sports drilled-look pedals.The cabin offers strong protection in the event of an accidentOther standard features are a reversing camera, voice activated Bluetooth with audio streaming, climate-control air-conditioning, privacy glass, Smart Key, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing lamps and a 6.1-inch full colour touchscreen with iPod compatibility.The sporty 2.4-litre engine, with the choice of five-speed manual or a CVT with steering wheel paddle shifts, delivers a power output of 125kW and 226Nm of torque, making it one of the best non-turbos around.Housed in Mitsubishi's innovative Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body, the cabin offers strong protection in the event of an accident.Coupled with a raft of electronic safety features including active stability control, active traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution with brake assist technology, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters on the front, child restraint anchorage points and two Isofix child seat anchor points in the rear, it all adds up to a top five-star ANCAP safety rating.One of the most instantly comfortable cars of any classPrice cuts could mean forgoing comfort and convenience, but the MY15 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Sportback turned out to be one of the most instantly comfortable cars of any class I have come across.The sporty spruce-up is no wasted effort, for with 125kW on tap from its 2.4-litre MIVEC motor, the Sportback is one of Australia's most powerful non-turbo hatches, and skips along very nicely thank you.The automatic transmission offers infinitely variable gear ratios that allow the engine always to operate at the best of its ability, irrespective of vehicle speed.A competent, value-for-money vehicleFuel consumption isn't too bad when you take the performance of the big four-cylinder into account. Our Lancer Sportback CVT test car clocked up 6.1L/100km on the motorway, while using just north of 11.0L/100km in the urban environment.As with many so-called manual alternatives, Sports Mode allows the driver to take control of how the car performs, although there's more 'manual' than 'sport' about it here.A glaring error is the positioning of the touch screen which can be affected by bright light coming through the windscreen. It's becoming a common fault as screens spread through the ranks of even the most inexpensive vehicles.