owners of an EVO
To anyone who owns or has owned an EVO: Have you had to take it into the shop a lot to have the engine worked on? Have you had any major repair problems? What are the downsides to this car?
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2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2006 version of Mitsubishi's street-legal racer, the Lancer Evolution, received a minor redesign, with a new grille, bumpers, and alloy wheels, as well as some restyled interior features, such as the rear seats. Power was bumped up by 10 to 286 horsepower, courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing.
The car was known by the overall designation Evolution IX, although it was actually available in four trim packages, including the RS, the IX, and the SE, as well as the MR. All versions came with a five-speed manual overdrive transmission (which was standard equipment across the Lancer line), as well as air conditioning, Recaro front sport seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and dual front airbags.
The IX and SE packages added power door locks, antilock brakes, and a CD player to the standard AM/FM stereo system, among other features.
In the United Kingdom, the Evolution IX uses a different trim scheme based on horsepower. There were initially three trims available: the FQ-300, FQ-320, and FQ-340, with around 300, 320, and 340 hp (254 kW) respectively. An FQ-360 model was subsequently released as a successor to the Evolution VIII FQ-400. While the new FQ-360 produces fewer horsepower than its predecessor, it has more torque at 363 foot-pounds (492 Nm) at 3,200 rpm - 8 ft-lbs (11 Nm) more than the FQ-400. An MR version of the FQ-360 was subsequently released, which included modified brakes and suspension. All four trims were designed to run on super unleaded petrol only.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
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by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2015
I wanted a sports car that was affordable and gave me handling and performance of more expensive cars. This EVO did the trick. Love to drive it. Handles like a cart. And the 340HP provides thrilling hole shots coming off on ramps.Apr 12, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 15, 2015
Excellent car. Great in snow. Blast to drive. Lots of power for a 4 cly. Always enough room to transport people in. Even if your 6ft tall. Not too bad at the gas pump. Just a 14 gallon tank. Did I mention it was a blast to drive.Feb 15, 2015
by Ryan W
Jan 11, 2014
I love everything about this car. It has head turning style, very comfortable and to top it off, you could keep up with or beat a Lamborghini at the track. Not many things keep up with an evo's performance. The car is also very reliable, I've used it for a daily driver for 3 years, and even with my aftermarket parts, I've never had an issue.Jan 11, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2015
I wanted a sports car that was affordable and gave me handling and performance of more expensive cars. This EVO did the trick. Love to drive it. Handles like a cart. And the 340HP provides thrilling hole shots coming off on ramps.Apr 12, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 15, 2015
Excellent car. Great in snow. Blast to drive. Lots of power for a 4 cly. Always enough room to transport people in. Even if your 6ft tall. Not too bad at the gas pump. Just a 14 gallon tank. Did I mention it was a blast to drive.Feb 15, 2015
by Ryan W
Jan 11, 2014
I love everything about this car. It has head turning style, very comfortable and to top it off, you could keep up with or beat a Lamborghini at the track. Not many things keep up with an evo's performance. The car is also very reliable, I've used it for a daily driver for 3 years, and even with my aftermarket parts, I've never had an issue.Jan 11, 2014
by Chris S
Aug 13, 2010
This evo IX FQ 360 MR by HKS was the best car ive ever owned. It is well known as the best evo ever made, 0-62mph in just 3.9 secs, 0-100mph in just 9.8 secs and a top speed of 177mph GPS verified 3x by myself. Very quick and very loud. Why did i sell it??? gutted.Aug 13, 2010
by Jason P
Aug 10, 2010
Absolutely beautiful handling and acceleration. I've passed a number of $100K+ cars on the racetracks in my area in a $35k car. Absolutely the best bang for the buck money can buy in performance cars. Maintenance is expensive and required often as it has 3 differentials and an AWD drive train. Aug 10, 2010
by Mike M
Jul 14, 2010
Acceleration, is blistering, top speed is crazy, handles you super glued the tires to the road...The car is overall just amazing to drive and own, yet a very liveable 4 seater sedan that can pick up the kids if need be.Jul 14, 2010
by Ryan J
May 05, 2010
Bought for 60k and spent 35K on mods. This car is made for racing. Braking and handling is awesome especially with brembo brakes and upgrade slotted rotors. Car is fun to drive especially on winding roads. Build quality is awesome May 05, 2010
by Gilberto O
Apr 24, 2010
Even it's stock:
Great acceleration, handling and braking. Looks very nice and its fun to drive. Great aftermarket support for any kind of part (body, rims, brakes, interiors, engine internals, engine externals, suspension, in fact, everything). I'm still in the proccess to learn all details about this car (I got on SEP09).
Apr 24, 2010
by Justin W
Feb 18, 2010
Performance: Accelaration can you say 0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds? (On stock tune and mods), 4 caliper Brembo brakes in the front and two caliper Brembos in the rear (Need I say more?) Handling: It has won Rally championships how many times, with AWD for superb traction. Need I say more?
Build quality: No problems.
Appearance: See the pics of it and judge for yourself. It ain't no turd that's for sure. Street legal (For the most part) racecar with my sons car seat. You can keep your SUV.
Cost of ownership: Gas mileage is not that good. Oh well.
Fun factor: This car is a blast to drive. Don't believe me go test drive one. Feb 18, 2010
by Andrew N
Jan 12, 2010
Performance: Dollar for dollar you can't get more performance out of a factory car. The turbo lag in stop and go traffic is quick annoying it feels anemic at times. But to get the full potential you must rev this car up in order for the boost to build and allow for extremely fast and fun acceleration. Braking with the stock Brembro pads are more then enough for any driver. Handling: This car is more a of a go kart on it feels like you own the road with the control you. You think it and it does it. It rides like its on rails. Build Quality: The car is light for a reason and that reason is performance. Due to that reason after time the squeaks eventually come through because of the stiff suspension. Appearance: To quote Jeremy Clarkson "It's not the prettiest car in the world" Cost of Ownership: This car is a performance car strictly: Mobil 1 Oil, 93 octane gasoline, plus costly regular maitenance. Fun Factor: Amazing.Jan 12, 2010
by Harris H
Jan 10, 2010
There is nothing I dislike about my car :) The look of the Evo IX is amazing, performance is outstanding, the 4G63 motor they use is very powerful and is capable of handling A LOT more hp with just the stock internals. For the performance of the car, the gas mileage is pretty decent. Maintenance is normal for any other car. The Evo is such a blast to driveJan 10, 2010
by Jose R
Dec 25, 2009
Love the car besides the transfer-case and the 3100lbs. Other than that, this car is very mod friendly and loves spooling and throwing you to the back of the seat. Overall the car is one of the best cars I picked as of yet. Hands down!Dec 25, 2009
by Eric B
Dec 20, 2009
A car you can go on a roadtrip with 4 friends with on one weekend, drive all week
to and from work, and then go have a blast on a race track with the next
weekend. Definitely turns lots of heads driving around town and at car shows (for
better and for worse). Maintenance, repairs and gas bills do get a bit expensive,
but with the number of SPG (smiles per gallon) I get, I wouldn't trade it for
anything else.Dec 20, 2009
by Nicholas S
Dec 05, 2009
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Totally worth your money
Performance and precision wise is unmatched by any other car
in it's level except for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi from the
same year of production.
Appearance wise is smart, cool and it gives you a 'race king'
feeling. Interior however, it isn't as good compared to the
Subaru. Mitsubishi used cheap plastic and mediocre seats
compared to the Subaru's high quality interior.Dec 05, 2009
by Todd M
Nov 07, 2009
It's faster and handles better than my STi did. LOL
Performance - It runs high 12s/low 13s bone stock. It handles incredible...so much grip.
The IX RS is very rare. I have not found anything official from Mitsubishi, but it's reported there are less than 300. 1/2 of them were white and 1/2 of them red.Nov 07, 2009
by Ajay C
Oct 23, 2009
Best bang for your buck when it comes to out right performance, appearence, handeling, fun factor and even gas milage considering my car makes 400hp daily. One gripe is the "weaker" MR transmisson but everything else makes up for that. I love my Evo and I would recomend it to anyone.Oct 23, 2009
by Farhaan T
Oct 04, 2009
I think that evo is the best car that u can tune n tune n still it can improve...its a very nice car..i lik it a lot n the sensation u got in an evo is not lik in other car!!!!Oct 04, 2009
by Alex K
Oct 01, 2009
Great handling and acceleration, very fun car to drive on the street and track. But there are quite a few more maintenance to do compared to other RWD/non-turbo cars. So far with 60k miles, no major problems but power steering pump dying and replaced under warranty.Oct 01, 2009
by Shihan P
Aug 27, 2009
Performance - acceleration- 0-60 in 4.4 sec
- top speed - 157
- engine 4CYL 1997cc
Appearance- Body kit
- Black & red leather interior
Build Quality - No repairs need for now
Cost - Normal
Fun factor- Accelaration is very fast, perfect handling, awesome to driveAug 27, 2009
by Joe T
Aug 20, 2009
dont really know where to start but this car is just an
amazing machine and its perfect for me. its fast top
end wise and off the line shifts great ! and grabs the
road like a go kart. i love it. never needed any repairs
you tell me what you think about the looks gas
mileage isnt bad considering it hauls and its one of the
funest cars ive been inAug 20, 2009
by Edwin L
Jun 24, 2009
Pocket rocket!Its so fast on the track. Nice to drive it on mountain roads.
Looks gorgeous too. I dont have any problem on its build quality.Very very
solid. And the engine doesnt require daily maintenance. I couldnt ask for
anything else.Jun 24, 2009
by Jesse W
Dec 27, 2008
Like most performance cars,they are built for speed, agility and have to be strong both engine and running gear.
The RS version of the Evo9 is light weight, and with the right mods can be a furious force on the road, track and drag strip.
The body looks sleek and smooth.Dec 27, 2008
by Vincent B
Nov 05, 2008
My god. Have you ever felt what it's like to drive something with 360 HP to the wheels with an AWD system that provides seemingly endless grip? It's amazing. I can't imagine have more fun in any car, even a Ferrari. Go drive one of these - amazing on the track, staggeringly good on surface streets...IF you know where to go.Nov 05, 2008
by Stuart D
Sep 28, 2008
It is the best car i have ever driven i love it. I think they made A mistake With the evo x the IX is the best car ever made and the only thing that would ever be able to replace it is the VII if the made it a bit better.Sep 28, 2008
by Anthony G
Jul 24, 2008
Well built. Goes like a rocket. Much more reliable than an STi. Has the Bilstien Suspension/BBS Alloy Wheel option. Comfortabe to drive. Able to to tune the engine with an aftemarket chip without the engine exploding. Handles well around Mt Panorama (with Toyo Spec R Tyres). Not the world's best looking car, but that is totally forgivable considering the performance.Jul 24, 2008
by Charles T
Jul 14, 2008
I absolutely love it. She handles like a freak.. lots of
torque.. decent acceleration, but to some, insane
acceleration. If you like high performance and don't
care much about comfort, this is the car for you.Jul 14, 2008
by Steven H
Jun 29, 2008
produced from 1992- present, It's a car that grabs everyones attention. Love it or hate it, It's an amazing car, and to everyone that puts it down, I have let to lose to any STI.Jun 29, 2008
by Nawshin B
Jun 12, 2008
all around best performance car for the priceJun 12, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 10, 2008
Great car, just need to tighten up suspension for twisties!Jun 10, 2008
by Karmjeet S
Jun 07, 2008
The last of the 4G63s. AWD drive beast with a turbo charged engine making 286bhp and 289 lb-ft of torque. Boost hitting 20psi at 3500 and tapering off to I believe 16 psi at redline. 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and according to a few ive time slips ive seen people have hit high 12s on a qt-mile with the car dead stock including the removal of the spare and the jack.Jun 07, 2008
by Casey M
May 07, 2008
fast acceleration,smooth brakeing, and handeled perfectlyMay 07, 2008
by Alex C
May 03, 2008
It can corner, it can accelerate, it has a big ass turbo...what's not to like about the Evo IX? Not only is it beautiful, it is also quite practical. Sure, you don't get the best fuel economy, but compared to all those trucks on the road, it gets good mileage and can beat just about any car on the road. 286 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque say just about enough. All this power reaches the road through four 17" forged BBS rims with Yokohama Advan A046's that refuse to slip no matter what. The six-gear transmission is phenomenal. Though its throws are not particularly short, you can feel every nuance and it is also very direct. Cornering is amazing, the car refuses to let go even as you drive along at 80+ miles an hour. Your car doesn't get too much attention either, only from people who know what the car is all about. Much easier to hide from the cops cause of its sedan body.May 03, 2008
by λν κΉ
Apr 09, 2008
Turbocharged power, all wheel drive grip, four doors and comfortable seats. Doesn't get much better than this!Apr 09, 2008
by Jamie S
Mar 09, 2008
Amazing car. interior is nice, power is there, handle is there, everything is there. Awesome
car.Mar 09, 2008
What users have asked
Warm up catalist insufficent in bank 1 P0421
Hi, im looking to purchase a used 2006 Mitsubishi lancer es automatic w/ 182k on the odometer., the car looks great in and out.. the price is cheap because it's service engine light is on, the owner said when he diagnosis it's giving the P0421 code which is Warm up catalist insufficent in bank 1. do you think it's worth buying it, can i fixed it by going to a mechanic shop.
68 views
UK & US differences
From what i've gathered you guys across the pond have one standard power level but then have an option of different trim levels. It works a little differently over in the UK. We just have one trim level but then have different power levels 300bhp, 320bhp, 340bhp, 360bhp and the 366bhp MR version. Of course your evo can be tuned after purchase but i still find it odd that mitsubishi sell the evo in the US with significantly less power.
175 views
115,000 mile. Evo... PROBLEMS???
im looking at an evo 9 mr. With 115k miles on it. What are the problems I will be looking at?
178 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?Compare this car
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,099 to $35,814Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Brakes
Front brakes: ventilated disc Β· Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet Β· Floor Mats: front Β· Shift knob trim: alloy Β· Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage Β· Multi-function remote: trunk release Β· Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable Β· Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket Β· Rear headrests: adjustable Β· Upholstery: suede
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent Β· Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts Β· Rear Suspension Classification: independent Β· Rear Suspension Type: multi-link Β· Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD Β· Premium Brand: Infinity Β· AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel Β· Front brakes: ventilated disc Β· Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet Β· Floor Mats: front Β· Shift knob trim: leather Β· Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage Β· Multi-function remote: keyless entry Β· Reading lights: front Β· Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable Β· Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket Β· Rear headrests: adjustable Β· Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent Β· Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts Β· Rear Suspension Classification: independent Β· Rear Suspension Type: multi-link Β· Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent Β· Rear wiper: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD Β· AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel Β· Front brakes: ventilated disc Β· Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet Β· Floor Mats: front Β· Shift knob trim: alloy Β· Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage Β· Multi-function remote: keyless entry Β· Reading lights: front Β· Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable Β· Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket Β· Rear headrests: adjustable Β· Upholstery: suede
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent Β· Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts Β· Rear Suspension Classification: independent Β· Rear Suspension Type: multi-link Β· Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent Β· Rear wiper: intermittent