Today, Mitsubishi sells affordable cars, crossovers, and SUVs. However, there was once a time when Mitsubishi built popular and athletic performance cars, inspired by its World Rally Championship motorsport efforts. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (or simply Evo) was a direct competitor to the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The world seemed a better place when these two vehicles were duking it out, but today, Mitsubishi merely leverages the legacy of its better years in the naming of its new vehicles. The Lancer Evo had a somewhat limited run in the North American market, but it made a splash while it was here. The Lancer was discontinued in 2017 and the Evolution bowed out two years before that in 2015. Given its short run relative to the WRX, the Lancer Evolution has the potential to be a collectible car that is affordable and fun to drive.

Generations: Four

• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Pros: Quick acceleration, handling that inspires confidence, turn-key race-car for the road
Cons: Cheap interior materials, harsh ride quality, bloated by the end of its run (Evo X)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008-2015)

The Lancer Evolution X was offered in GSR and MR versions. The Evo X came with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine. It makes 291 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, routed to all-wheel drive. This combination allows it to do 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds. It’s a spirited car, even if it's heavier than its predecessors.

If you are looking to row your own gears, look to the GSR trim, which provides a five-speed manual transmission. The MR trim features a six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. This automatic features a manual shift mode with steering wheel-mounted magnesium paddle shifters. It makes fast and precise shifts, so is good if your aim is more on quicker lap times than the raw joy of the manual. The MR features Normal, Sport, or Super Sport modes, each with their own transmission shift mapping. Fuel economy for the Evo X GSR is 16 mpg city, 22 highway, 18 combined. The MR is slightly more fuel-efficient, returning 17 mpg city, 22 highway, 19 combined.

The Evo X features a functional rear spoiler, antilock brakes with Brembo calipers, and Super All-Wheel Control. This system regulates torque at each wheel for optimal grip in cornering. The 2008 Lancer Evolution features impressive handling, which is thanks to its race-inspired chassis and suspension components.

Performance-focused gear includes an exhaust system that’s designed to disperse heat more rapidly. Even the location of the manifold is such that it improves the weight distribution of the Evo X. The fully independent suspension and front-and-rear stabilizer bars help keep the car firmly planted through hard cornering.

Moving inside, the Evo X features an enthusiast-focused cockpit, including Recaro bucket seats with integrated side airbags. The high-contrast instrumentation was designed to make critical information easily readable even during spirited drives. As for equipment, expect power windows, power door locks, and cruise control. Other standard features included a 140-watt, six-speaker stereo. Selecting the MR trim added Bluetooth connectivity as standard equipment.

Owners generally praise the Lancer Evolution for its handling and performance. Some even place it above the WRX STI in terms of handling refinement. Some owners have commented that, while the interior is a bit drab for the price, the exterior looks more sophisticated than that of the STI.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (2006-2007)

As the name suggests, the Lancer Evo IX was an evolution rather than a complete rethink. It is a facelift of the Evo VIII, and also featured some powertrain updates. It features an updated turbocharged four-cylinder engine that put out 286 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed manual in the case of the MR. All models feature full-time all-wheel drive. The RS is still the minimalist performance machine, deleting creature comforts to ensure optimal lap times. The MR features BBS wheels and a re-tuned suspension, helping to make it a performance car for the road and track.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (2003-2004)

Boosted by the appearance of the Evo VII in “2 Fast 2 Furious,” the Evo VIII was the first Lancer Evo widely sold in the United States. It was designed to compete with the Subaru Impreza WRX, just as it did in the World Rally Championship. Both are based on frugal compact sedans, built out with beefed-up engines, focused chassis, and sophisticated AWD powertrains.

The Evo VIII featured the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the previous Evo, this time making 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in the RS and GSR trims. In the Evo MR trim, it produced 276 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. The Evo VIII made 44 more horsepower than the Subaru WRX, and the brand later would respond with the 300-horsepower WRX STI. Power is sent through a 5-speed manual transmission to a trick all-wheel-drive system.

For 2005, Mitsubishi made leather available as an option, as well as a 315-watt Infinity sound system. The RS trim was once again the most focused model, and features added reinforcement of the trunk, removal of some sound-deadening, and the addition of a helical limited-slip differential. The rear spoiler was also removed, as well as the power locks and windows.

The updated turbocharged four-cylinder engine put out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a manual transmission to all-wheel drive. A helical front differential and active center differential were standard equipment.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (2001-2002)

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution had been offered in the Japanese Domestic Market since the early 1990s. Subsequent models were offered in parts of Europe (including the UK) in the late 1990s, but the Evo finally made its way to North America for the 2001 model year. This new car was based on the new Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia, which debuted in Japan in 2001. It featured hood vents, a large grille, and lower front valence openings to feed the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

When new, this engine made 276 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to all-wheel drive through a five-speed manual transmission. It can do zero to sixty in 4.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 157 mph. More than just snappy acceleration, the Lancer Evo VII features performance-tuned ABS, Active Yaw Control, Brembo disc brakes, and three differentials, including an active center differential and a helical limited-slip front differential.

The Evo VII was initially offered in two trims: RS and GSR. The RS–or Rally Sport–was more of the minimalist racer sedan and came with manual windows and front Recaro bucket seats. The GSR added power windows and an upgraded audio system.

In 2002, Mitsubishi added the GT-A trim. Only produced for this model year, it came equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, unique 17-inch wheels, hood vents deleted, and a rear spoiler deleted or reduced to a small lip spoiler. The cabin of the GT-A could be had with Recaro sport bucket seats, or more comfortable seats with either leather or premium velour upholstery.

The automatic in the GT-A was a Tiptronic with the option to manually shift up or down via buttons on the steering wheel or a gate on the shifter. This transmission also had technology that could learn the driver’s shifting/driving habits and set up a shift pattern accordingly.

In 2003, the Evo VII was one of the two Mitsubishi hero cars in “2 Fast 2 Furious,” the sequel to “The Fast and the Furious.” It featured an upgraded wing, aftermarket wheels, custom paint and graphics, and other modifications, but was still very recognizable as an Evo VII. This movie placement raised the notoriety of the Evo in North America. It was a well-known car in tuner communities, but the movie placement put the car on the map in the States.