2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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

I like the power this little car has, not at all bad for a 2002 with 200,000 plus miles on her. The little body style is nice and sporty to me. I am not too fond of the fact I keep having to replace things on it. However, I do realize that is all part of buying used or owning period. Woe is me, lol. If times were better I would find more pleasure in replacing parts and tricking my lil ride out.Sep 29, 2014