2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Lancer looks sportier than it is but holds up well with plenty of value and technology features.
The Lancer has been a part of the Mitsubishi lineup for quite some time, and the car was overhauled for the 2007 model year. Now in its ninth generation, Mitsubishi is marketing the car as a compact sport sedan instead of the economy car that we were all thinking. It’s a handsome car with sporting intentions in all trims, but how does it stand up against more established and well-known competitors?
6/10
The Lancer Evolution is a hotted-up answer to the Subaru Impreza WRX, but even the more pedestrian, non-Evolution versions look the part of hardcore rally racer. The car's nose is aggressively pointed down, and large vents accent the front fascia. Higher trims like the GTS get fog lights set into the lower bumper and aero bodywork to complete the racy look.
Though the lower trims get hubcaps and more pedestrian bodywork, the Lancer’s rising beltline and smooth lines give a sleek look to all versions of the car. Larger wheels on the top trims fill the Lancer’s wheel wells and make it appear truly aggressive, especially with the addition of the optional rear decklid spoiler.
5/10
Just one engine appears under the hoods of every 2008 Lancer. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 152 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to make the Lancer a solid commuter, but not enough to live up to its sporty styling. Acceleration off the line is limp, but once up to highway speeds, the Lancer can pass with ease.
That lonely engine comes paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the latter of which seems to suck the power right out of the engine under acceleration. The 5-speed manual has a solid feel and quick shifting action.
5/10
Compared to competition from Nissan, Volkswagen, and Honda, the Mitsubishi feels more spacious. But it still leaves much to be desired in the headroom department. Tall passengers will find decent legroom, but people nearing the mid-six-foot range will find that there are limits to the Lancer’s abilities.
The Lancer excels with materials quality, but some cheap bits show through. Build quality is strong for the segment, but the cabin allows more than a little road noise to seep through.
Cargo space and storage are generously spread throughout the Lancer’s cabin. There are useful and roomy spaces in the doors, glove box, and center console, though the optional subwoofer drastically cuts into the 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space. Without the subwoofer, the trunk is spacious, but taller cargo and longer cargo will run into conflict with the Lancer’s low trunk opening.
7/10
The Lancer is one of the most tech-forward cars in the segment. Higher trims get a combination navigation and music storage system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive that allows users to download and store a significant amount of music in the car. The touchscreen system is easy to use, and the screen allows for customization in the interface that makes it a personal system.
The optional, upgraded audio system supplies too much bass, and the stereo is too loud for such a small car, Combined with the Lancer’s lack of sound-deadening materials, the audio system can sound washed out and thin, despite its overall powerful volume levels.
6/10
The 2008 Lancer missed a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIH)S, but picked up “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories except for the driver's side small overlap front test. The Lancer has a long list of standard safety equipment that includes full-length head curtain airbags and knee airbags for the driver. That said, the Lancer does not come standard with anti-lock brakes, so buyers will need to step up to the mid-level ES trim to have that benefit.
9/10
The Lancer’s sub-$15,000 starting price tells a value story that may betray some buyers’ expectations. The lack of features considered to be the most basic of equipment means that the entry-level Lancer won’t hit the right notes for most owners. Stepping up to the mid-level ES trim adds $2,000 to the Lancer’s price tag, but brings the creature comforts and operational features that most people expect. The range-topping GTS trim starts at $18,590 and includes all the bells and whistles. This is where the Lancer’s value proposition is strongest, and the price is still well within most peoples’ budgets.
Published May 25, 2021 by Chris Teague
User reviews for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
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by Reinaldo S
Mar 03, 2021
Got a very nice car for the value.has everything I need.i would compare it to the Evolution .Mar 03, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2013
Pretty nice car, nothing to fancy. If you want a car to race, or a car that's good on gas and you won't have to worry if its going to make it back and forth from work then this is the car for you.Nov 13, 2013
by Calvin N
Oct 23, 2013
I liked how sporty it looked compared to the competition, but did not like the fuel economy compared to the competition. Overall, great car. If I had to buy this again for my first car, I would without hesitation. Great car.Oct 23, 2013
User rating:
by Reinaldo S
Mar 03, 2021
Got a very nice car for the value.has everything I need.i would compare it to the Evolution .Mar 03, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2013
Pretty nice car, nothing to fancy. If you want a car to race, or a car that's good on gas and you won't have to worry if its going to make it back and forth from work then this is the car for you.Nov 13, 2013
by Calvin N
Oct 23, 2013
I liked how sporty it looked compared to the competition, but did not like the fuel economy compared to the competition. Overall, great car. If I had to buy this again for my first car, I would without hesitation. Great car.Oct 23, 2013
by Myles K
Apr 10, 2013
its great on gas in the spring fall and maybe winter, but when summer comes, the AC uses power and takes away from pick up, and AC uses more fuel as well. The car is very reliable but if the clutch only lasts 50-60 thousand miles, it wasn't made that sturdy. i got 73,000 miles out of the clutch,m so that should tell you something about the driving style.Apr 10, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 16, 2012
I bought the GTS brand new, one of only 2 on the lot at the time. Mine had the Rockford Fosgate sound system which was awesome. I drove it until May 2012, until, unfortunately it was totaled in an accident. A young man turned left in front of me at an intersection in a 90's model Jeep Cherokee. The entire front end was demolished and pieces of the engine were scattered all over the road, however, my daughter and I, who was in the front seat, walked away with only bruises. The seat belts locked so quickly that our faces never came near the airbags. There is a airbag for the driver knees as well, and I really think it saved me from getting a broken leg. The car was great fun to drive and handled great, however I wish it did have a little more power. The stereo system was awesome and handled great, and the navigation system was good too. The only thing that I needed to have done was a new catalytic converter, which was going in and out at about 130k. I've had Mitsubishi's before and the exhaust was usually the thing I had problems with (frequent replacement of oxygen sensors). I got great gas mileage, and overall I would recommend this car for anyone to drive.Dec 16, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 06, 2011
I really had fun driving this car. Does good on gas, has some get up and go power. Hasn't really cost much to own. Looks good inside and out. The CVT is really nice just push the gas and go.Apr 06, 2011
by Nessel G
Jul 15, 2010
i like the handling capabilities and the suspension set up. its even better w/ aftermarket suspension. performance wise, stock is a no go..but with a lil' tinkering of the engine, the beast will unleash. i like the mivec innovation, with a help from road race engineering, the engine uses the best potential of mivec. sun auto products also help's rid of the engine hesitation. overall, the car is not bad for daily commute. with performance in mind, i could handle it good and perform it at its best. Jul 15, 2010
by Gretta S
Mar 23, 2010
Great performance, looks nice, feels nice, drives nice. Not to mention
people look at you when you're in a Lancer. The interior quality is great,
the exterior appearance is amazing. The boxy behind is super sexy ;) This
car is extremely fun to drive.Mar 23, 2010
by Alex N
Oct 15, 2009
i used to have a nissan platina, i changed it for this lancer, is
a perfect car, in all senses, i like it pretty much,
is the best car i have had ever, im lanning to have it for about
4 or 5 years, and continue buying mitsubishi carsOct 15, 2009
by Linda G
Sep 03, 2009
This is the greatest little car I have ever owned alot of fun to use the paddle shifter, goes around corners like its on rails. Great on gas, its really fun to drive. Gas mileage is really great. Built to last.Sep 03, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 12, 2009
looks gorgeous on the outside and its luxury on the inside you couldnt ask for more
its rapid considering its the one down from the evo
there is no difference between the diesel or petrol version
except the diesel has 2hp less than the petrol but is just as fastAug 12, 2009
by Mohamed B
Aug 10, 2009
Performance : good
acceleration : poor
braking : very good
handling : very good
Build Quality : very good
Appearance : excellent
gas mileage : excellent
Cost of Ownership : averege
Fun Factor : good
maintenance : still not teseted
interior : very good
exterior : excellent
over all we can give Lancer EX 8/10Aug 10, 2009
by James M
Aug 05, 2009
Handling is awesome, had some problems with some crazy squeak, in front wheel assembly in the first winter but the fixed it 3 time and now has stopped, love car overall wouldn't have picked another, respectable gas millage too, Fantastic Aug 05, 2009
by Sujeet M
Jul 25, 2009
Power is less. Engine is very reliable. Looks great. Good on
mileage. Comfortable, spacious. This is my first car in life. I
love this car very much. Have modified it a bit by adding alloy
wheels and a spoiler behind.Jul 25, 2009
by Jay B
Jul 14, 2009
Acceleration lacks a lot needs a turbo! barking and handling are great. havent had any problems except the stock tires sucked. the appearance of the car i think looks really good. great gas mileage! it is deff a fun car to drive.Jul 14, 2009
by Daniel H
Jul 04, 2009
i love pretty much everytrhing about my car the looks are killer it handles the curves great and its pretty quick it could use a little more power in 1st gear and i think ill get rid of the wing on the back of it it just looks too boy racer for my taste but overall its a great carJul 04, 2009
by Carmen G
Jul 04, 2009
Performance - quick enough for me!
Build Quality - ony a year old, 10 yr warranty though..don't think i'll need it
Appearance - LOVE
Gas Mileage - 30 city/35 hwy
Fun Factor - such a great car, love to drive it!
Love this car!Jul 04, 2009
by Andre B
Jan 28, 2009
Performance-2.0 liter 168 HP 4 cylinder
Build Quality-hasnt needed any repairs. Amazing
Japanese car.
Appearance- gts sport body kit. Black leather
interior. 7 inch touch screen. 650 watt system.
Fun Factor-lots of fun to drive. Takes turn faster
then other cars.
Cost of Ownership- about 20 dollars to fill tank
from empty to full. Gets 23 miles to gallon in the
city. 28 highway.Jan 28, 2009
by Doug K
Dec 05, 2008
It is a great car but needs more power, if had to do it all over again I would have waited for the turbo,all wheel drive 2009 Ralliart. Overall cost is not bad at all no major problems and i have nearly 30,000 miles on it in little over a year. The one cost factor is tires because it is a odd size and the car is so new. Dec 05, 2008
by Robert A
Oct 24, 2008
I love the look of this car. It has a great amount of performance for the price and can be easily modded to stun your wife into scared silence. It handles like a open wheeled indy car and I have yet to get it to break traction in a corner. The only downside I've seen to it is that the fake carbon fiber dashboard seems to build up condensation underneath the plastic and end up looking foggy and the front tires throw up too much dirt and it punishes the paint on the skirts.Oct 24, 2008
by Irving L
Sep 06, 2008
As I just started work, was looking for a car in the
A$30K range. Had to pick between this, a Civic
Sport and a Mazda SP23. With this being a limited
release - 300 only - Olympic Edition, I just had to
get it. Compared to a stock VRX, it came with
leather seats, chrome trimmings and the in-built
MMCS GPS/Entertainment unit. However, the large
rear spoiler and alloy pedals were removed.
Performance - With the new 4B11 providing 113KW
of power, for normal day to day driving, it doesn't
fall anywhere short. The CVT does take abit of
getting used to but once you figure out the rev
range of the fixed gear ratios, you can call upon
the power almost instantly. Still it's a real driver's
car and I wouldn't consider it a straight auto.
Build Quality - I'm not really impressed with this
aspect and fell they could have done more. Sound
insulation is rather poor and the engine noise could
trouble some. Others will find the engine sound
welcoming though.
Appearance - Hardly a racer car with all the
trimmings put in and a low rise lip spoiler in place
of the high rise one. Put in a VG Sharkfin antenna
to replace the lame RC car looking one.
Cost of ownership - 59L fuel tank takes about 1.5
weeks to empty running 34KM a day in city/suburb
driving.
Fun Factor - Pretty great drive for a starter. I'd
suggest this for fans of performance vehicles going
for their first car.
Sep 06, 2008
by Dennis N
Aug 29, 2008
GLS Best car ever, when you accelarate ufff! awesome "race sound" makes me think about formula 1, good lines, robust, agressive i just love it, bit expensive though at least in my country, when it comes to gas is not too expensive, and yes, it is lots of fun to drive .Aug 29, 2008
by Mikey W
Aug 24, 2008
Just bought the car in June and loving it.
Performance: with an out put of the 2.0, 4 cylinder
naturally aspired engine, it gives an out put of 162
HP. Many drivers complain that the car doesn't
have enough power. I disagree! With the 162 HP
engine, it feels like have the power to over take
many cars with it. It's all comes down to driving
technique and using the standard transmission.
However, the car sometimes does feel a bit over
weight with 3000 lbs. It can stand to use a little
diet. In terms of braking and handling, the Lancer
is designed for rally. It can do some of the things
most cars can never do. It's an extremely agile car
and super fun to drive.
Interior: from the inside, the Lancer is one of the
ugliest cars ever made. The interior is all gray and
black and lacking colour. The gage lights are red.
The inside feels cold and almost too robotic. The
bucket seats have no back support adjustment.
However, the car does come with bluetooth
connection to phone, Rockford Fosgate sound
system with a 10 inch Sub built-in into the trunk,
and radio control on the steering wheel.
Exterior: Mitsubishi has a long history of worst
styling in their cars. All of their previous
generations of Lancers horribly ugly. For years,
Mitsubishi had committed the worst crime in body
styling. However, the new Lancer won the hearts of
many young sport car enthusiasts with it's
aggressive new look. It's by far the most beautiful
car on the outside.
Gas milage: The 2.0 naturally aspired aluminum
block engine gives an average of 7.8L-8.6L/100KM.
A full tank can give you close to 700KM.
Safety: the Mitsubishi Lancer is considered the
safest car in its class. The RISE system, which is
first introduced in 96, gives the Lancer the most
rigid body in its class. It has 8 air bags. The driver
and the front passenger even have their own knee
air bag.
Other worth mentions: the new Lancer is absolutely
one of the best car that ever come out of Japan. It's
no surprised we see Lancer everywhere on the road
and on the street. Lancer is looking to redeem it's
history of despicable reputation. They've done a
great job with the Lancer. For a compact car, it was
very practical. It has a huge trunk. It was fun to
drive. It was considered inexpensive. It's the safest
in its class. It was rally inspired and great on gas.
The only draw back is it's CVT transmission. It's an
absolute mess. Safe the 1000 dollar and stick with
the stick shift.
Aug 24, 2008
by Dean Z
Aug 11, 2008
Solid performance although it is missing some passing power as well as acceleration. Plan to do some upgrades to improve that. Braking is average, not spectacular but not bad. Handling is actually quite good on this car although it is still not at a spectacular level. If they had added a little low end power it would be perfect.
Paint is cheap though, chips and scratches come easily, defiantly worth purchasing the 3M plastic for the hood...as well as mud flaps for front and rear tires. Noticed that it does ride quite loud, although there was a option to coat the under carriage of the vehicle with something to remove that...it is not too noticeable.
Its not too hard on gas, finding around 28mpg city and 36mpg highway...although i do tend to exceed the speed limits...I'm sure it is capable of a lot better, I feel that the American EPA was grossly underestimating the mileage of this car.
Very cool looking car and a lot of fun to drive, its cool without being too flashy and just overall a fun drive.Aug 11, 2008
by Marc B
Jul 26, 2008
It is my first new car and so far it has been mostly good to me. The car does average 550 to 600 kms each fill and lasts for usually 10 days. The new Lancer was built from the Evo platform and is very fun to drive, especially when I can open the throttle and let her rip.Jul 26, 2008
by Kevin K
Jul 12, 2008
Very aggressive forward standing design....enough bell's and whistles to keep me entertained. Incredibly fun to drive, average 28mpg, and when I am driving all highway I average 33-34. Love the CVT, the paddle shifters make it very sporty. The nav and tech package is a must....I love the keyless start. I had to add SRI and AB exhaust, as well as a WORKSflash tune. Jul 12, 2008
by Michael T
Jul 10, 2008
Performance
- Great handling, lots of fun on twisty roads. Only improvement needed is more power, the Ralliart edition is perfect for me.
Build Quality
- Decent, no problem so far.
Appearance
- Very aggressive, love the nose of the car, the shark look is AWESOME. I can do without the wing in the back, but it looks good anyway. Very sporty, I'm totally loving the look, it was one of the main reason I bought it over Mazda3.
Cost of Ownership
- Gas mileage is okay for the size; it's a heavy car so use more gas when doing "Rally Style" driving. Maintenance so far is simply, nothing major yet.
Fun Factor
- I love the car, it is ALOT of fun to drive! If I can put a turbo-charger and boost the power to the 250HP range, I might just create a little monster.Jul 10, 2008
by Kolene S
Jul 08, 2008
I LOVE my car!! It handles great, looks great and it turns heads. I have a standard and if shifted properly it has great pep. great car for only 20k!!! its also awesome cause not everyone on the planet has oneJul 08, 2008
by Mallory S
Jul 06, 2008
It is very comfortable, effortless to drive, sunroof is great, seat warmers are awesome, my hubby likes the paddle shifters...very esthetically pleasing. Jul 06, 2008
by Dean L
Jul 01, 2008
I had a truck, and as the gas prices kept going up, my cash flow kept going down. So I traded for a new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. It's way better on gas, more fun to drive, and doesn't cost much more in a payment.Jul 01, 2008
by David S
Jun 24, 2008
A excellent car, radical styling and awesome driveJun 24, 2008
by Holly L
Jun 01, 2008
I bought this car in February. I fell in love with the Lancer GTS the moment I saw it in an advertisement on TV, and vowed to get one. Not only do I find it exciting and fun, it's very reliable, safe, and roomy. Unfortunately the front end of it is currently smashed up due to a not-at-fault accident that happened on May 28, but the good thing is that the car held up amazingly well and protected us in this accident. Jun 01, 2008
by Dean S
May 20, 2008
Great gearbox in the 5 speed... decent 2.0L engine, a simple car that still gives some experience of driving... with traction control and ESP this thing handles pretty well... and even the non turbo models have some of the sporty touches to make it a bit more exciting that your Mazda 3s and Toyota CorollasMay 20, 2008
by Rob R
Apr 12, 2008
I love my new mitsubishi lancer gts...it has nav, a killer sound system and everything is nice and new and clean smelling!Apr 12, 2008
by Jason L
Mar 13, 2008
The Steering Felt Vaige with little feed back. Good Power even from base engine. tons of trunk space. You Can`t question Mitsubishi`s reliability, they got a 10year warranty and they are the only car maker that also builds planes. Mar 13, 2008
by Zak K
Jan 28, 2008
Best car by far. Faster than my Impreza, better on fuel than any car I have ever driven - paddle shift gear box kitted out with VRX trim and no-key entry or start. It rocks.Jan 28, 2008
by Ivy D
Jan 27, 2008
This is the third Lancer I own and they just seem to be getting better every year...Jan 27, 2008
by Kelly B
Jan 08, 2008
The manual is very fun to drive and communicative. It has a little more tendency to understeer than I like in a vehicle but the Lancer is very competent up to the limit of traction. Transitions are nice and controlled and the vehicle has an ok suspension. I think Bushings, Rear Swaybar and Wheels and Tires are definitely in the future. Maybe coilovers but I'm weighing the pro's and con's of completely destroying the capability/versatility of the car.Jan 08, 2008
by Guillaume J
Jan 02, 2008
Interior is agressive and confortable, well designed.
Exterior is agressive too with a shark look front.
Handling is very impressive on the car, stock with 18" and with sport suspensions, it will surprise a lot of you.
This car is cool even if the engine is a litlle weak compared to the rest of the car.Jan 02, 2008
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing
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