Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Lancer review (2000-2008)

The standard Lancer is a great family car.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mitsubishi Lancer
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Driving
The Lancer doesn’t boast the tenacious grip of its illustrious Evo X brother, but the front-wheel-drive motor still has appeal. Engineers have tried hard to give the Lancer a sporty feel from behind the wheel, and the results are impressive. On twisting B-roads, the well balanced chassis and agile nature make it fun. It’s very sure-footed and there’s plenty of grip, while body roll is kept in check. However, the trade-off is a rather firm ride – though even this is far from crashy, and deals with rough surfaces competently. There are three engines, 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrols, plus the more impressive 2.0-litre Volkswagen-sourced diesel. This packs a strong punch and gives the Lancer decent pace – and, unlike with other Mitsubishis using this engine, it’s quiet on the move. Clatter and a lack of refinement aren’t an issue here. The five-speed gearbox, furthermore, is every bit as slick as the Evo’s six-speeder.

Marketplace
Mitsubishi has high hopes for the latest Lancer. It wants the car to really challenge popular family models such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf – so is making the key step of offering it as a five-door hatch, alongside the familiar four-door saloon. Both versions share styling that borrows heavily from the sporty Evo, with aggressive features and sporty details. All models have stylish alloys and a rear spoiler, for example, while the grille is distinctive. Trim lines are logical, ranging from GS1 to GS4 versions, and all are really well-equipped. Mitsubishi says it was benchmarked against the Volvo S40, while other rivals include the Golf and Focus, Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Chevrolet Epica and Skoda Octavia.

Owning
The Lancer’s cabin is a hospitable place to spend time. Those familiar with older Lancers will find it much-improved, with excellent build quality and controls that are simple, attractive and well organised. Plastics are a little hard, but it’s all very well finished. The driving position is good, too, and there is decent room, especially for rear passengers. The saloon boot is commodious as well. Running costs should be competitive, mainly due to the low prices and reasonable fuel economy – Mitsubishi has also put in much work to reduce service costs and has stretched check-up intervals.
 

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025