2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 25, 2022
Reliable, 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.
Apr 25, 2022
by John H
Apr 07, 2014
I love my car and will never trade it until I get a new one. This has been the best car that i have ever owned from new. I love this car. You will too. Great on gas and a wholle lot of fun to drive.Apr 07, 2014
by Christian R
Jul 05, 2013
I loved the fact that there is so much customization parts for this car also the handling is great, mpg is great. Just want a new car for a new look. But I would recommend this car to anybody. Especially if they like tuners.Jul 05, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 25, 2022
Reliable, 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.
Apr 25, 2022
by John H
Apr 07, 2014
I love my car and will never trade it until I get a new one. This has been the best car that i have ever owned from new. I love this car. You will too. Great on gas and a wholle lot of fun to drive.Apr 07, 2014
by Christian R
Jul 05, 2013
I loved the fact that there is so much customization parts for this car also the handling is great, mpg is great. Just want a new car for a new look. But I would recommend this car to anybody. Especially if they like tuners.Jul 05, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2012
This 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.Dec 15, 2012
by Moeed A
Jun 03, 2012
Great 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.Jun 03, 2012
by Jacqui L
Dec 18, 2011
Got this car for the reliability, and so far its doing well. Doesnt have the power i would like but its reliable and efficient :) great car!!
Love going for long drives as its very comfortable.
I originally wanted a Tommi Makinnen evo but only had a $10,000 budget :( one day though.Dec 18, 2011
by Ramil Richard Q
Nov 06, 2011
performance wise is quite ok for a daily driver. needs a little body work because of
its age. but over all, it rides well and fun to drive.it could keep up with b16
hondas.but gas mileage will decrease if youd put the pedal to the metal..Nov 06, 2011
by Shane L
Jun 30, 2011
Fun to drive with a great mid range pull. great comfort for long runs. easy to
maintain. Spec is not great. no mods done to it.got 35'000 miles out of one set of
Dunlops and still plenty of grip left.so it was cheap to run. no repairs to body work
no rattles or squeaks after 100,000 miles on clock. sorry I sold it. Jun 30, 2011
by Raje P
Aug 12, 2010
One of my dream car is the Lancer Evolution IX. I can't afford it so I bought its little brother which is the Lancer ES. I put a lot of effort on it and now it looks awesome. The only I don't like about my car is that I bought an automatic. If you're gonna buy the manual, it's a lot more fun to drive.Aug 12, 2010
by Michael C
Mar 02, 2010
This is a fun city care, good in traffic. It has enough get up and go to have some fun, but it is no racer. It has nice rims and a keyless started added to it, both are just plus to its already cool appearence. Last but not least is the iPod jack and sweet sound system.Mar 02, 2010
by Brandon B
Jan 15, 2010
Performance- not bad,little bit off with the acceleration but
overall speed is good (even stock). braking and handling is
good. Put it to the test about a month ago at the races
against some "souped up" civics.
Build- Great. Learnin to drift i took a corner too hard an
smacked the back end on a curb. Thought i was lookin at
about 1,000$ in repairs but it ended just bein a control
arm. 140$ car runs like new.
Appearance- Interior is great. Nice granite style dash trim.
Exterior isnt bad stock,seen a few body kits an they
looked phenomenal
Cost of Ownership- Alot better than i thought it would be.
gets about 30mpg,doesnt need much maintenance just
basic stuff.
Fun Factor- This car is fun as hell to drive.Jan 15, 2010
by Ahmed M
Dec 31, 2009
Performance -bad acceleration,
good braking,
very good handling
Quality very good
Cost of Ownership
gas mileage good
maintenance every where and lots of spare parts every where
its avery good car, but with ahigher engine i would recommend it to anyoneDec 31, 2009
by Barbara J
Nov 13, 2009
The 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...Nov 13, 2009
by Marcus C
Aug 08, 2009
Not 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.
Aug 08, 2009
by Christopher L
Aug 06, 2009
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.Aug 06, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 02, 2009
it`s a good car to have , it`s the most comfort car i`ve ever ride. it`s not expenseve & not cheap it`s in the right price, you could do alot of things with it like drifting draging & soAug 02, 2009
by Adrienne J
Jul 16, 2009
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.Jul 16, 2009
by Hamza S
Jul 15, 2009
It 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.Jul 15, 2009
by Mario J
Jul 08, 2009
Reliability, fuel economy and the fact that it is the basis for the Evo VII thru IX. Parts are real expensive, but they last a looong time. CVT has build quality issues; tranny was the only big ticket item I had to change. Aside from that, it rides well, will outperform most other compacts with the same cc rating and has ok handlingJul 08, 2009
by Elder Andrew R
Jun 15, 2009
Mitsubishi's are amazing! They handle so well and are quick off the line. I guarentee that I will have an evo in the future. I would not trade my year of car for anything it has held up so well. The only repairs I have had to do so far is regular checkups. And on top of all that, its fun to drive!Jun 15, 2009
by Anonymous
Apr 29, 2009
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.Apr 29, 2009
by Tyler F
Sep 15, 2008
Bought this car 2 years ago completely stock. Realized it was way to slow, so I put an obx header, short ram air and a full exhaust on it. 1/4 mile time went from 17.9 to 16.9 after the parts were put on. The exterior has a body kit, carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber wing and 16 inch Sport race rims. Interior is completely stock. The only thing I don't like about the car is it's slow pick up and that it is an automatic. Sep 15, 2008
by James D
Aug 31, 2008
First car. It is actually a '97 model but car iq wouldn't let me choose. For a 1.5l engine it seems to go nicely. Only $3500 to buy. Very cheap to run. Good fun to drive because of manual. Overall a very nice first car. No real mods planned or intended.Aug 31, 2008
by Johan P
Jul 25, 2008
Its not an EVO or an OZ-Rally edd.
Go's well for a standard 1.6
Very sexy appeal
The wheels and body kit makes it
Handling is like a proper racecar
Its very spacious
The best value for money, it has power steering, electric windows, electric mirrors, airconditioning, central locking, airbags, ABS brakes, 17" mag wheels, factory body kit, and more. I got it for R60 000. Exellent deal!Jul 25, 2008
by Penny F
Jun 22, 2008
It's a little car that is fast and drives well. For a cheap, old car it runs really well, I just love it.Jun 22, 2008
by Erin H
May 11, 2008
Inexpensive to buy, 30 mpg, peppy, good build quality, pretty much zero
problems. This car is both fun and reliable. I'd recamend one to anybody
who is looking for an economical car, but doesn't want to go to a cheap
car.May 11, 2008
by Mansoor B
Apr 27, 2008
A saloon that packs a punch on the highway and manages to get you home in one piece with a smile on your face.Apr 27, 2008
by Amanda G
Apr 04, 2008
In 1 and a half years havent had any trouble with it
Fuel Efficient
Easy to modify
Fun to drive
Looks hot!!!!Apr 04, 2008
by Adam G
Mar 17, 2008
i have a stock OZ Rally but it has a sport exhaust and air intake. it probably gets an extra 25-40hp max with the add ons but you can definitely tell. i love it. it's a quick little 4cyl for sure. Mar 17, 2008
by Adam C
Mar 15, 2008
Not as powerful as the Evolution but this car does have some get-up and go. 0-60 in about 6 seconds is pretty good for a car thats completly stockMar 15, 2008
by Sab K
Feb 13, 2008
Perfect condition bought in Switzerland, I drove it from 2000-2005
It has more than 340.000 mileage and still doesnt used oil and the engine was great. Engine was 1600cc, gear was great, awesome car.Feb 13, 2008
by Daryll T
Jan 19, 2008
Mine didn't have air conditioning... biggest mistake ever!Jan 19, 2008
by Stephanie C
Dec 03, 2007
I look at a car as something to get me from point A to point B. Saying that, I'm pleased with my Lancer. I've owned it for 5 years now and it's never given me any problems. Dec 03, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 16, 2007
it is a nice car that looks good and runs good too. but if ur buying it b/c lancers are fast, probly not ur car. upgrade to the Evo if ur looking for performance... 28-34 gas mileage for the OZ rally is easy on ur pockets though...Nov 16, 2007
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,442 to $16,442Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
