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.

It'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.

Cheap, quick, enjoyable, cute, easily modified. The steering column and circle and in a perfect position. Handles pretty well, although I will lower it which will help to stick in those corners. The gears are very close together. Interior is a little boring.

A saloon that packs a punch on the highway and manages to get you home in one piece with a smile on your face.