2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Lancer is a new addition to the Mitsubishi lineup for 2002, replacing the Mirage economy car. The new Lancer name has been used to...
The Lancer is a new addition to the Mitsubishi lineup for 2002, replacing the Mirage economy car. The new Lancer name has been used to announce significant engineering improvements to its entry level car. The Lancer is larger, more powerful, and more equipped than its predecessor.
There are three trim levels for the Lancer: the ES, LS and O-Z Rally. All models are powered by a 2.0 liter inline four, which generates 120 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. The ES and O-Z are available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The LS is only available with the automatic. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 26/33 mpg with the manual and 24/30 mpg with the automatic.
More features also become available with the Lancer, as Mitsubishi attempts to distance this new offering from the Mirage. All models come standard with air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, a CD player and automatic-off headlights. The two upper trims include cruise control, keyless entry and alloy wheels.
According to reviewers, he Lancer's best features are a comprehensive features list, a spacious interior and fuel economy. There is plenty of head and leg room are adequate, but the cabin is too narrow for three adults to be comfortable in the back. Some interior materials retain the low quality attributes of the Mirage, but the interior does appear to be well-constructed.
The Lancer's acceleration might be frustrating for some drivers. Test drivers recommend the manual transmission.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciate the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and handling. Many find it to be a fun car to drive, especially for its price. However, some owners have noted issues like limited power, especially compared to performance versions like the EVO, and concerns about long-term durability of certain components. Many liked the car's sporty appearance and its potential for customization, while some disliked parts replacement needs over time."
I love getting Japanese quality for Korean prices. The Lancer gets passed up as an "off-brand" Japanese car, making used-car prices appealingly low. The thing's a blast to drive, even in automatic trim. It's peppy (for a small car) and relatively quiet. Cost of ownership is very low. Aside from regular oil /fluid changes and a timing belt swap at 120k, the car has not required any service.
April 29, 2009Great car. Japanies brand are always bulletproff. No matter how hard the conditions are it has always proved its good traction and handling. The only thing that created problems was when it was checked by the local machanic. Otherwise its lots of fun.
June 3, 2012This is a fun city care, good in traffic. It has enough get up and go to have some fun, but it is no racer. It has nice rims and a keyless started added to it, both are just plus to its already cool appearence. Last but not least is the iPod jack and sweet sound system.
March 2, 2010What owners say
I love getting Japanese quality for Korean prices. The Lancer gets passed up as an "off-brand" Japanese car, making used-car prices appealingly low. The thing's a blast to drive, even in automatic trim. It's peppy (for a small car) and relatively quiet. Cost of ownership is very low. Aside from regular oil /fluid changes and a timing belt swap at 120k, the car has not required any service.
April 29, 2009Great car. Japanies brand are always bulletproff. No matter how hard the conditions are it has always proved its good traction and handling. The only thing that created problems was when it was checked by the local machanic. Otherwise its lots of fun.
June 3, 2012This is a fun city care, good in traffic. It has enough get up and go to have some fun, but it is no racer. It has nice rims and a keyless started added to it, both are just plus to its already cool appearence. Last but not least is the iPod jack and sweet sound system.
March 2, 2010This is a good, reliable car that is built to last, is reliable, with low maintenance costs and good gas mileage. I have hardly had to put it in the shop at all and I have had it for five years.
December 15, 2012Fun to drive with a great mid range pull. great comfort for long runs. easy to maintain. Spec is not great. no mods done to it.got 35'000 miles out of one set of Dunlops and still plenty of grip left.so it was cheap to run. no repairs to body work no rattles or squeaks after 100,000 miles on clock. sorry I sold it.
June 30, 2011It's a very good quality car. No real problems. It doesn't have the power as its older brother the evo but it's still enough to get around. The enigne is very torquey so its a very fun car to drive. Acceleration is better than per say a honda 4cyl. Braking is good. Handling in the LS is better than the es due to the upgraded suspension. Build quality is very good. Appearance of the interior is the same as the evo but without the boost/vacuum gauges and so on. The exterior has similiarities to the evo 7 but it still isnt exactly the same. Cost of ownership, Gas mileage with all the mods done to it is about 23 city maybe about 30 hwy. Maintenance is always a thing to do. I usually do everything myself so price really isnt a problem.
August 6, 2009Not a Performance car, but has great braking, and good handling. Great build, had nothing go wrong so, "touch wood". the interior is average, but the exterior is well shaped. Cheap on petrol, great mileage. Love my Car, its the perfect first car for anyone. Only wish it had more power.
August 8, 2009Reliable, Efficient, Handling This is a very in depth experience with the car First got the car right out of high school and since it’s been strong! Currently sits at 165,000miles(I’ve put a decent amount on it) Being on the younger side I’ve driven and beat this car up and it can take it! This review isn’t about if this car is a good stunt/race car, this review should tell you that it can handle a teenagers ego to drive this car like it’s a toy so it’s a very reliable car for the average driver (120HP) It’s by no means fast at all for its appearance but if you have the manual version, it’s a zippy car. Aftermarket support isn’t large but it’s there! Engine can handle about 220 hp before needing upgraded engine internals(not a good engine to make a race car out of) The handling is my favorite part about the car, extremely light steering but also giving you some feeling of the road, for me it feels like a hybrid between sporty and light. Extremely comfortable and easy Interior is very roomy for a small car but materials are cheap. Large truck for its size, interior storage isn’t impressive but it’s there. Though, every car has its down sides and problems, the lancer has a few. I obviously might have sped these problems up quicker but they are common for anyone planning on keeping it for a while. This car is just tough. It’s no Honda, but it’s close. Sure you’ll have to replace parts but there pretty cheap. I really appreciate this car because it won’t ever leave you stranded, something might break but it won’t be something that leaves you stranded. I’ve driven this car without oil on accident a couple of times and it’s never shown me any problems because of it. (Control arms need to be replaced because of recall). Cons: (It leaks oil pretty bad when in higher miles) Definitely has to do with gaskets unsealing due to aluminum block expanding from being hot to cold over time (warping) (Transmission isn’t weak but it isn’t strong) make sure to keep up with transmission fluid, do not ignore it especially past 100,000miles (automatic version) (Engine mounts is most likely the killer of this car) Higher mile Lancers mounts will become weak and loose slowly over time. You will notice when you hear a weird high pitch tapping noise which will get worse. Getting this fixed is not cheap, way more than the cars worth. I am currently driving with this problem but ignoring it. Understand that this car is a Mitsubishi and that usually means a good engine with cheaper parts around it. Interior is very roomy for a small car but the trim is obviously plastic. 2002 Lancer was designed to be an affordable, gas efficient, great handling car! If you treat this car right, it will treat you better.
April 25, 2022The Performance is great,Acceleration is good,easy to handle on the roads tar or dirt, only the when it needs service, No squeaks/ rattles.I think the Appearance of my car is great out standing,love the interior & exterior all matches very well,very good in the price, goes well on the gas mileage,it only has it service when it need it does not need any maintenance on it.my car is so easy to drive and fun being in it to and very comfortable to. i love the colour rose...
November 13, 2009It was a good car. The engine was good. Acceleration was also very good and so were the brakes. But its engine is not long lasting and the cost is also quite a lot. The interior, however, was also quite cool.
July 15, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,572 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,504 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,795 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
