Car has quick response even as being stock (mine has an exhaust system, cold air intake and a performance module). Also has amazing suspension as the base model: ES (can really powerslide great!) Appearance just looks simple but great.

This car is great, It's almost time for the first oil change since I have had it and it hasn't gotten old yet. This car is quick with the 2.4L MIVEC powerplant. The FWD isn't the greatest, there ia a little torque steer on hard take offs, but not enough for very many people to notice. A LSD would go nicely up there. The handling around backroad twisties is very neutral. There are some curves that i was afraid to take the Z around at any sort of speed, those are the curves where the Lancer shines. This is a great performaing car. The interior is pretty basic, one complaint is the lack of a map light, but it's no big deal. Fuel Economy isn't the greatest, especially is you have a lead foot. The MIVEC kicks in a 3500RPM and will suck gas like no other past that point. I have gotten around 23-24 MPG with mixed driving.  

I've driven this car since Nov. '05 and never had one problem. Only routine maintenance. Power isn't thrilling, yet sufficient for a 2 litre 4-cyl getting an average of 25-28 MPG city/highway mixed driving. I am actually getting ready to install a chrome air intake kit, but in the mean time, to improve air flow, I cut out a section of the bumper between the inside of the grille and the opening of the air intake duct (stock intake). Basically that allows more direct airflow straight through the grille into the duct, as opposed to the dumb design it comes with. Already I am noticing noticable improvements in throttle response and acceleration, and I am currently in the midst of calculating gas mileage.

The car handles very well, power needs to be tuned up to around 200 hp/tq. car also need to be dohc instead of sohc. Its very light at 2850, i bought mine for 16,500 brand new with 20 miles on it. the short throw shifter is amazing. You cannot get a better priced car in its class.