2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

*Est. $32,990 to $38,290

Race-tuned sports sedan

Powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Outstanding all-wheel-drive (AWD) handling
Communicative, balanced steering
Practicality

Downscale interior
Five-speed manual in GSR model
Plain styling

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Our Analysis

Although the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is based on the ordinary Lancer economy family car, the Evolution is one of the top performance cars available for under $40,000, reviews say. The current model is the 10th generation, known as the Evo X. The styling is quite similar to the plain Lancer, which some critics feel is a drawback. Reviews also find the Evo's interior quality lacking. On the positive side, the Evo's notable features include body panels that are lightweight aluminum, a suspension that is completely different from the Lancer and an AWD, turbocharged, 291-horsepower, four-cylinder powertrain. In comparison tests with the Evo's arch rival, the Subaru WRX STI (*est. $34,995 to $38,795), the Mitsubishi is chosen as the better performance car. Although the STI is more powerful with superior acceleration, reviewers say the lighter and less expensive Mitsubishi Evo handles better and is faster on the track. For more money, reviewers say the AWD 300-horsepower BMW 335xi (*est. $41,200) is an excellent alternative.

Many reviews list the Mitsubishi Evo along with the lesser Lancer model on which it is based, but the Evo is a specialty performance model that can't be compared to its base model. The best reports on the Evo are comparison tests against the Subaru WRX STI. Four well-executed tests and reviews are available from Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track and Edmunds.com.

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Our Sources

1. Road & Track Details/Subscribe

Road & Track's comparison between the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is heavy on technical details. The Evo is chosen as the clear winner, having "scored a win in almost every performance category."

Review: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Sam Mitani and Mike Monticello, Mar. 2008

2. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com includes both the "base model" Evo GSR and the loaded Evo MR with automated manual transmission in its comparison with the Subaru Impreza STI. The winner is the 2008 Evo MR, which runs faster and rides better than the second-place Evo GSR.

Review: What It's Like When Worlds Collide, Jason Kavanagh, Jan. 14, 2008

3. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, and the VW R32 are high-performance versions of otherwise ordinary economy cars, each priced around $35,000. After test-driving them, Car and Driver editors confer victory to the Mitsubishi, saying: "It's predictable, it's capable, and it's more communicative than the competition."

Review: Subaru Impreza WRX STI vs. Mitsubishi Evo vs. VW R32, Michael Austin, Mar. 2008

4. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

With turbo four-cylinder engines, AWD rally heritage and mid-$30,000 base pricing, these two Japanese compacts seem evenly matched. Motor Trend's performance testing reveals the Subaru is the faster car in straight-line acceleration, but the Mitsubishi carves up a road course quicker and has a higher cornering limit. The win goes to the Evolution.

Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Subaru WRX STI vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution GSR, Edward Loh, Mar. 2008

5. Edmunds.com

This full road test provides a good description of the Evo's technical details and driving impressions. Though the 2008 Evo is noted to be a fraction of a second slower than the 2006 model, it has a higher cornering limit and shorter braking distances. The 2008 model is deemed the best Evo yet, and is said to be affordable and "more livable."

Review: Full Test: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Road Test Review, Scott Oldham, Jan. 8, 2008

6. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

Automobile Magazine editors compare the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, the 2008 Subaru WRX STI and the 2008 BMW 335xi. The Evolution gets high praise for its aggressive performance and agile handling, but neither it nor the Subaru can beat the BMW.

Review: What Would Jason Do?, Jason Cammisa, Apr. 2008

Each year, the editors of Popular Mechanics choose the "most significant, compelling cars and technologies of the year" in 13 categories. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution wins the "Fun to Drive" category. The award page links to a "First Drive" review that provides more detailed Evo information.

Review: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Automotive Excellence Awards 2008 (Fun to Drive), Editors of Popular Mechanics, Dec. 2007

8. The Truth About Cars

TheTruthAboutCars.com tries to be more provocative than other automotive websites, and their frequently exaggerated comments can be quite insightful. Writer Michael Karesh notes the Lancer Evolution's interior is not as premium as the car's price would indicate and claims there is a hint of front-wheel torque steer. In the end, however, he concludes that the "polished and controllable" Evo is a "blast to drive."

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Review, Michael Karesh, May 23, 2008

9. Cars.com

Cars.com provides a description of the Evolution with good technical details, but no driving impressions. Highlighted features include the sport seating, performance, brakes and safety features. Dislikes include undifferentiated styling (from the base car) and a ride that enthusiasts might find lacking.

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Review, Kelsey Mays, Dec. 21, 2007