2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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A quick look at a few significant numbers will tell you a lot about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: 291 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, and 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds. Those numbers add up to raw power and performance. Mix in sports antilock brakes with Brembo calipers, a functional rear spoiler, and Super All-Wheel Control, which regulates torque at each wheel, and you begin to get the picture. Fast, sleek, and sporty, the 2008 Lancer Evolution packs of lot of performance-oriented components into its race-car-inspired design and delivers impressive handling.
The Lancer Evolution's exterior, with its shark-nosed front end, front grille with black mesh, angular high-intensity headlights, and lightweight 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, gives some indication of its sporty nature. Other exterior features, such as the front- and lower-side air-dam extensions, provide functional benefits as well as good looks, while a lightweight aluminum roof panel, hood, front bumper beam, and front fender panels help lower the car's center of gravity, ensuring less body roll and better overall stability and handling.
The Lancer Evolution comes in GSR and MR trims for 2008. At the heart of both trims beats a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, which pumps plenty of horsepower to the drivetrain. In the GSR trim, the engine links to a five-speed manual transmission, while in the MR trim the turbocharged four-cylinder mates to a new six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission, with a manual shift feature and magnesium paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Advanced gear selection technology helps the driver get from gear to gear faster than with a typical manual transmission. In addition, drivers can choose from Normal, Sport, or Super Sport shift modes. With the manual transmission, the GSR manages 16/22 mpg, while the MR achieves slightly improved fuel economy of 17/22.
An exhaust system that disperses heat more rapidly also helps to improve the Lancer Evolution's performance, while the rear location of the exhaust manifold improves the car's weight distribution. Body and suspension features include MacPherson struts in the front, a multi-link-type suspension in the rear, and front and rear stabilizer bars, which help provide better handling and stability.
The car's performance orientation continues to its interior, thanks to such features as race-inspired Recaro seats with integrated side airbags and a high-contrast instrument cluster designed for easy readability. Keyless entry, cruise control, and power windows and door locks also come standard. The MR adds Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free phone calling. Both trims come equipped with a 140-watt six-speaker audio system with a CD player and MP3 connectivity. Drivers can opt for a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system with a 6-CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. Other options include a 30-gigabyte hard-disc-based navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes and a full range of airbags, including side-impact head-protection curtain airbags and a driver's-side knee airbag.
Most owners, including CarGurus owners, give the Lancer Evolution high marks for performance and handling, and many call it the best-performing car in its class. Some even equate the nimbleness of its handling to that of a motorbike's, while others put the Lancer Evolution on the same performance level as the Porsche 911. Drivers also like the car's exterior design and its sound system. However, some would like to see a more upscale interior, while others consider the car pricey. But most agree the car delivers in the performance arena in a big way.
User reviews for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
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by Gunther B
May 07, 2022
Reliable and fun cars to own and drive. If you do go with the automatic be prepared for a $400 to $600 transmission oil change every 30k miles under normal driving and closer to every 15k if driving hard. Just my opinion with the experience I have had. May 07, 2022
by Anonymous
Jun 26, 2021
If you enjoy the rally/ race car feel of it with some modern luxuries. The recaro seats are amazing overall interior is not the best but with some after market parts it can be on par with most modern cars. It’s comparable to the Subaru wrx and sti this being a more drivers car while the Subaru can be driven easily for anyone.Jun 26, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 24, 2014
This is a fantastic car that handles like a dream. It has enough horsepower to get out of your own way. The style, color, community, appeal, and passion is what this car is all about. It is truly a drivers car. Feb 24, 2014
User rating:
by Gunther B
May 07, 2022
Reliable and fun cars to own and drive. If you do go with the automatic be prepared for a $400 to $600 transmission oil change every 30k miles under normal driving and closer to every 15k if driving hard. Just my opinion with the experience I have had. May 07, 2022
by Anonymous
Jun 26, 2021
If you enjoy the rally/ race car feel of it with some modern luxuries. The recaro seats are amazing overall interior is not the best but with some after market parts it can be on par with most modern cars. It’s comparable to the Subaru wrx and sti this being a more drivers car while the Subaru can be driven easily for anyone.Jun 26, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 24, 2014
This is a fantastic car that handles like a dream. It has enough horsepower to get out of your own way. The style, color, community, appeal, and passion is what this car is all about. It is truly a drivers car. Feb 24, 2014
by Chris C
Mar 19, 2012
Ford has the Mustang, BMW has the M3, and Mitsubishi has the Evo.
Pros: Power, Handling, Braking.
Cons: Average fuel mileage and 93 octane required means quite pricy at the pump but can be increased by tunes and driving habits (the latter might be hard to do.)
Mar 19, 2012
by Leonard H
Jan 27, 2012
Most amazing car I've ever owned and driven! It's the ultimate affordable driver's car. Wonderful AWD system, and the confidence I gave me while I drove it. To this day I have troubles descibing the way this car mad me feel.Jan 27, 2012
by Ken C
Oct 29, 2011
At a 43k plus sticker price it was a tough buy but you will definitely feel why once you drive it. Out of the box "race car" that can keep up with much higher priced track contenders! Much more refined than the last generations but if road noise and ride comfort is at the top of your list, then you may shy away from what this car has to offer!Oct 29, 2011
by Joel B
Dec 23, 2010
Love everything about it, handles wonderful, has power to spare, easy to drive around town and at speed. Gas mileage could be better but will increase with a tune. No other car for the price range has the speed, features, and technology wrapped up in this attractive of a package. Great in snow and for hauling everyday stuff.
Would definitely purchase again and again.Dec 23, 2010
by ŠäMø C
Dec 21, 2010
Fun to drive and good quality. The performance of this car is just astonishing. Also
lets be honest it's a beautiful looking car. the handling on this cars is so precise.I
personally think you should get this car.Best car ever. Dec 21, 2010
by Keothala T
May 27, 2010
fun to drive and corner, after some basic mods you can feel a big difference in performance. this car can corner very well with the stock yokahama tires. very nice seats, dash layout wasnt designed well, really reminds me of a mazda 3 design.. after i put the exhaust on some rattling from the dash started... common in evo x's. doesnt really bother me because i cant hear it anyways when i have my stock 700watt rockford fosgate bumping lol. gas mileage is ok cant really complain about it. car is pretty pricey but i bought mine brand new from mitsu. but you only live once plus i needed a four door for the family...May 27, 2010
by Anonymous
Apr 25, 2010
The Mitsubishi Lancer carries a fair bit of prestige due to its long lineage. The 2008 model improves on the the already stellar Evolution history. With improved looks and an overall more user friendly interior set up. Where this car may scare some potential buyers away is the maintenance cost. With a strict diet of synthetic oil and 93 octane fuel or higher, it may not be for the faint of heart, or wallet for that matter. All in all this is a truly exciting car to drive on a daily basis.Apr 25, 2010
by NoWa C
Jan 21, 2010
I'll put it this way, there is 1 thing i dont like about it.
And that would be how easy it is to drop money into.
The car handles like nothing you can imagine. The car
inspires you to take the next corner faster and harderJan 21, 2010
by Steve C
Jan 17, 2010
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is built as a rally car and
handles amazingly! You feel comfortable taking any turn
at almost any speed - like you are driving on rails! Turbo
Lag, what's that? The turbo spools very quickly, even
bone stock. If you want to stop, the Brembo brakes give
you more than enough stopping power with your high
performance summer tires (Advan A13c). It has an
aggressive exterior appearance and the Recaro seats are
about as comforting as you are going to get for the
interior. It isn't much too look at inside, but you will be
having too much fun driving this car to notice! The build
quality is very solid - the cabin noise can get loud, but it is
no more than expected from such a high performance
vehicle. As with most performance cars, the gas mileage
isn't great -- expect 22 mpg highway, 16 city with the
manual transmission (GSR) and you will be buying premium
gasoline (93 octane). Maintenance costs depend on how
much you want to drive this amazing car. You will need to
use 100% synthetic motor oil (Mobil 1 is recommended as
seen by the Mobil 1 sticker on your engine cover). Fun
Factor?? I fall in love with my X every time I drive it,
whether I am going up the street or on a long trip!! You
can not go wrong by buying this car!!!Jan 17, 2010
by Kris L
Jan 10, 2010
God-like handling coupled with great acceleration make it a
powerful sports car. Although it's slightly slower than the last
generation Evos, the upgraded technology is a big plus. The
paint quality is slightly lacking, but the overall verdict is no
doubt positive. Jan 10, 2010
by Jason S
Nov 07, 2009
I love this car and after a few mods with 350 all wheel
horsepower... you CAN'T go wrong ;) Every time I get in this
car I have a good time, whether it being going on a mountain
run or driving to work and back, I love it!Nov 07, 2009
by Sam B
Sep 26, 2009
i love this car cos it is the fq 400 vesion :D and the services are every 12500 miles witch is amazing and in my opinion it is one of the best looking cars on sale tbh it also gas carbon fibre sparco seats and fully stripped out and replaced with even more carbon fibreSep 26, 2009
by Anthony S
Sep 01, 2009
Performance - Great Acceleration, Braking as Superb, Handling is Superior.
Build Quality - Number 1 Build Quality.
Appearance - Sporty Inside and Outside.
Cost of Ownership - Average Gas Mileage, Average Maintanance.
Fun Factor - Nice on the Humps, has great "chick" attraction, great appearance.
Sep 01, 2009
by Hassaan K
Aug 17, 2009
It's the back-to-basics version of Mitsubishi's awesome Lancer Evolution. It is a Fast and thrilling car, offers the feel of an incredible grip, a reasonably practical vehicle, and it is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most exciting cars in its price range...
Long story short... a wicked piece of machinery...!Aug 17, 2009
by Austyn S
Jul 27, 2009
amazing car definitly worth the money brembo brakes makes it good the mivec turbo engine is very powerful on this car the car is about 38k fun car to drive always no matter what your doing the car is amazing for everything Jul 27, 2009
by Brandon E
Jul 26, 2009
This car is awesome! Its a street rally car. Excellent steering and overall grip, potent turbocharged engine, long features list, available automated-clutch manual gearbox. Great for driving and drifting! No one complains about its handling, it's just every guy's dream car.
Jul 26, 2009
by Huang X
Apr 27, 2009
Performance- Good acceleration from 3500RPM to 4400RPM(torque peak), the 4B11 is a aluminum block that provides good power. Not a high speed car due to the lack of aero-dynamics. Braking is awesome thanks to the large brembo brake system. Handling is by far the best feature of this car. The super all wheel drive/active yaw control is the main feature of this car, it corners like no other. You don't have to be a race driver to drive this car.Apr 27, 2009
by Brian F
Mar 02, 2009
All Wheel Drive in an inline 4 2.0L Turbo 291hp go machine. There isn't much bad about this car. It accelerates like crazy, brakes on a dime and handles difficult corners with ease. This is the machine that lets you feel that nothing can stop you.
The only problem I have had is with the Rear Differential going wonky in the extreme cold (-40 Degrees Celsius or -40 Degrees Fahrenheit for you Americans).
This car looks mean, and has the front end of a killer. It constantly gets double looks from people as you pass by or stop beside them at a read light. I have found that I mostly find a WRX or two parked beside me when I come out from a store. It's rather strange.Mar 02, 2009
by Zach F
Dec 15, 2008
This car is one solid car with great performance but the only probable with this car is its price tag
Coming in at 37,000 to 50,000 this car has everything but like all nice and luxurious car they are sometimes pricey for the buyer (s)
Dec 15, 2008
by Celeste O
Sep 08, 2008
this car is awesome--lightning fast and tight around corners. The computer is surprisingly fast considering how much data it processes while travelling around the corner. It's rather expensive, and uses up a little much petrol, but as long as you don't fang it every day it shouldn't be too bad.Sep 08, 2008
by Michael A
Jul 25, 2008
Performance is best you can get for the money. Best handling and most solid Evo yet. Amazing tunability. If you look at this beast wrong she will gain 15whp. I Plan to keep her as civil as possible for now but in a few years she will turn into a track monster. Jul 25, 2008
by Joseph C
Jul 17, 2008
Well I just got an Evo X MR and when I test drove it it was amazingly quick. A few things I like about the car is that the turbo starts to spool at only 3000 RPM so it launches pretty quick. Its appearance it's nice and looks really good. The interior is much better then the Evo IX's because it has more creature comforts like the seats are now very comfortable and they gave it a gentler suspension. The most useful feature of the Evo X MR that I can see so far is the gear box. Now I know must people think automatics suck ass and to be honest 9 times out of 10 I would be forced to agree, but this is that 1 time out of 10 that I am going to go out on a limb and say this gear box is better then the manual. Jul 17, 2008
by Kiet L
Jun 24, 2008
This car defines what you are able to do in a car. The Lancer evolution X is the 10th version of this model. When it was released it showed that mitsubishi had taken this evo to a more refined version wanting to get a bigger segment of the market and not just for harcore car addicts. I was a little skeptical of how redefined it would be and whether or not it would be worthy of the evolution badge. I spent about 7 months of research on this car usually during boring classes at u of c. Needless to say I wasn't expecting this much love for the car at that time as I have for it now.
In those 7 months of research I looked at many cars from the infiniti g37 to the bmw 335i. I test drove most of the cars I looked at and was pleasently surprised at how equally I liked them, yet how plain the drive was; all except one the lancer evolution x. I was not able to test drive it because it simply had not be built and released in North America. All I could do was watch countless videos of the car and think how it would drive.
7 months later and I was able to test drive the car finally. I instantly knew this was the car I wanted. Even though it doesn't have the BMW badge or the navigation system of the infiniti g37 it didn't matter.
This brings us to today, the car loves the ground especially because of the super all wheel control which combines the the active skid control and active yaw control to create a car that would make any idiot driving look like a race car driver. Just point where you want this car to go and it will go.
It's 300 HP turbocharged 2.0 liter engine also gives me the ability to do a lane change whenever I want ;)
There are however somethings I would not miss. One of them being the paint that Mitsubishi uses. The car comes stock with sticky tires that hug it to the road which makes rock chips a normal thing that often hits the rocker panel. The paint chips really easily and as a result I have had to 3m the rocker panel to keep it from looking like it a machine gun tore threw it. The interior is ok but definitively not bmw.
Overall though the cars performance definitely beats out its con's. This car is definitely something that everyone should test drive or ride in to understand what I have said. Jun 24, 2008
by Kenny N
Jun 15, 2008
Got to drive two versions, one with the SST system and the other with a 5 spd manual, the SST version was the best by far! Jun 15, 2008
by Brandon V
Jun 03, 2008
Good handling and power. Nice styling.Jun 03, 2008
by Tommy A
May 31, 2008
One of the best grip cars ever. Showdown KingMay 31, 2008
by Alan C
Jan 01, 2008
Very Quick, poised, balances well around corners and has a more up-class interior with respect to its earlier editions.Jan 01, 2008
by Bob N
Dec 28, 2007
This car has got to be one of the best performing off-road vehicles ever! On the fly to
4wd switch. DS drive with belt drive transmission powered by a high power 2.4l engine.
Paddle shift on the wheel. 18 inch alloy rims and low profile tires. All the bells and
whistles with power everything including power sliding doors on both sides as well as the
ower back hatch. Keyless entry and ignition. 12 Speaker Rockford Fozgate system
powered by an 860 Watt Amp! Dual DVD players in the front and rear (8 inch monitor in
the front and 9 inch in the rear). 4 cameras for view of the rear and side and fromt when
in tight areas or parking areas.Dec 28, 2007
What users have asked
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new evos....when they gona stop lmfao
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?Compare this car
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Pricing
Original MSRP
$32,990 to $38,290Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: performance
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Hard Drive: 30GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 650 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: front
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent