2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

March 2009. Reviewers admit that the Mitsubishi Lancer compact sedan is frequently overlooked by economy-car shoppers, but the Lancer gets plenty of positive comments from auto writers who say it's an attractively styled alternative to mainstream economy sedans. The front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer comes in three primary models: the DE, ES and GTS. The base engine on the Lancer is a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that reviews say is a bit low on oomph when matched with the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The sportier Mitsubishi Lancer GTS has a new-for-2009 2.4-liter four-cylinder that puts out 168 horses and can reach 60 mph in a respectable 7.7 seconds, according to Edmunds.com. The drawback to both Mitsubishi engines is that they achieve lower fuel economy than most other compact cars, reviewers say. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer are 22 mpg city and 28-30 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter and 21 mpg city and 27-28 mpg highway for the 2.4-liter. The high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (*est. $26,490) and Evolution (*est. $32,990 to $38,290), featuring turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive, are covered separately in our report on sport sedans.

Reviewers praise the base Mitsubishi Lancer sedans for their solid feel, sporty handling and generally comfortable interior, although several critics mention an excess of hard, cheap-feeling plastic in the cabin. The ride is firm, but not harsh, reviewers say. They often mention that too much road and engine noise intrudes into the Mitsubishi Lancer's interior. A long standard-equipment list includes front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and active head restraints. Antilock brakes are standard on all but the base DE Mitsubishi Lancer model and electronic stability control is optional on the GTS version of the Lancer. The Lancer earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Reviews say the Mitsubishi Lancer is a good value, but it falls short when compared to rivals like the fun-to-drive 2009 Honda Civic (*est. $15,305 to $25,190) and fuel-efficient 2009 Toyota Corolla (*est. $15,350 to $18,860), which lacks the Lancer's spunkier demeanor. Another strong alternative to the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer that delivers in the fun-to-drive category is the similarly priced 2009 Mazda3 (*est. $14,690 to $20,895), auto writers say. The Mitsubishi Lancer is often shopped against the 2009 Subaru Impreza (*est. $17,495 to $19,995), which reviewers say is a superior car, albeit at a higher price with standard AWD.

Most test-drive reviews cover the high-performance, AWD Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Evolution models, but we sought reviews of the base, nonturbo cars. Car and Driver has a comparison test of eight economy cars, in which the Mitsubishi Lancer GTS finishes mid-pack. Automobile Magazine pits the Lancer against the Subaru Impreza in a detailed comparison. Edmunds.com provides a comprehensive summary review and also a separate road-test evaluation. ConsumerGuide.com has its usual detailed, categorized review. NewCarTestDrive.com has an in-depth review and road-test evaluation of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Consumer Reports provides a road-test review, but does not have a reliability report.