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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Performance Review

June 17, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

CVT calibration makes this an excellent around-town racer
The Detroit News

precise handling and steering
The Auto Channel

doesn't feel especially quick with the 2.0-liter engine
Edmunds

It’s not exceptionally quick, but the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer offers a brisk driving experience with fun, responsive handling. For 2009, the Lancer GTS model receives a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower.

Car and Driver feels that while the Lancer's 2009 engine is "a bit weak on the low end, the 2.0-liter comes to life with plenty of power around 3500 rpm." Motor Trend reviewers say that the Mitsubishi Lancer's "engine is smooth enough, although not as sweet sounding as the" Honda Civic's. Cars.com attests that the "152-hp four-cylinder engine produces plenty of power to move the Lancer at highway speeds," though Edmunds warns that the Mitsubishi Lancer "doesn't feel especially quick with the 2.0-liter engine."

When it comes to performance, ConsumerGuide finds that Mitsubishi's Lancers have only "adequate pickup with manual transmission, and they're borderline sluggish with the CVT." One notable difference between the trim levels in terms of transmissions is that, "when equipped with the CVT," the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer in GTS trim "features a six-step manumatic mode using steering wheel paddle shifters," according to Car and Driver. The Auto Channel claims that "the standard five-speed manual gearbox has well-matched gear rations and quick, positive shift linkage," and The Detroit News adds that "CVT calibration makes this an excellent around-town racer."

Reviewers at The Auto Channel comment that the new Mitsubishi Lancer sports "precise handling and steering for a fun-to-drive character," which is especially true on the GTS trim. Car and Driver states that steering is "good, not great, with nice off-center precision but not much feedback"; they note "roadholding, however, is absolutely stellar." ConsumerGuide chimes in by saying that "the DE and ES exhibit decent grip," and "the tauter GTS is more agile and fun." One benefit of the slightly reduced grip and handling on the DE and ES models is that, according to ConsumerGuide, they "are absorbent and capable" when it comes to offering smooth rides, while "the GTS rides a bit harsher due to its firmer suspension and 18-inch tires." Theoretically, it shouldn't be hard to turn small cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer into sporty handlers. Sometimes automakers choose not to do so simply for practical reasons, but with the Lancer's 2009 edition, Mitsubishi has crafted a small sedan that boasts excellent handling.

For a small car with a small engine, you would probably expect higher fuel economy numbers than the EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 29 highway for the automatic and 21/29 mpg for the manual. Comparatively, the 2009 Honda Civic with a five-speed manual returns an EPA-estimated 26/34 mpg.

Conclusion

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer provides pretty good performance for the price, though fuel economy is disappointing.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:CVT calibration makes this an excellent around-town racerThe Detroit Newsprecise handling and steeringThe Auto Channeldoesn't feel especially quick with the 2.0-liter engineEdmunds It’s not exceptionally quick, but the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer offers a brisk driving experience with fun, responsive handling. For 2009, the Lancer GTS model receives a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower. Car and Driver feels that while the Lancer's 2009 engine is "a bit weak on the low end, the 2.0-liter comes to life with plenty of power around 3500 rpm." Motor Trend reviewers say that the Mitsubishi Lancer's "engine is smooth enough, although not as sweet sounding as the" Honda Civic's. Cars.com attests that the "152-hp four-cylinder engine produces plenty of power to move the Lancer at highway speeds," though Edmunds warns that the Mitsubishi Lancer "doesn't feel especially quick with the 2.0-liter engine." When it comes to performance, ConsumerGuide finds that Mitsubishi's Lancers have only "adequate pickup with manual transmission, and they're borderline sluggish with the CVT." One notable difference between the trim levels in terms of transmissions is that, "when equipped with the CVT," the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer in GTS trim "features a six-step manumatic mode using steering wheel paddle shifters," according to Car and Driver. The Auto Channel claims that "the standard five-speed manual gearbox has well-matched gear rations and quick, positive shift linkage," and The Detroit News adds that "CVT calibration makes this an excellent around-town racer." Reviewers at The Auto Channel comment that the new Mitsubishi Lancer sports "precise handling and steering for a fun-to-drive character," which is especially true on the GTS trim. Car and Driver states that steering is "good, not great, with nice off-center precision but not much feedback"; they note "roadholding, however, is absolutely stellar." ConsumerGuide chimes in by saying that "the DE and ES exhibit decent grip," and "the tauter GTS is more agile and fun." One benefit of the slightly reduced grip and handling on the DE and ES models is that, according to ConsumerGuide, they "are absorbent and capable" when it comes to offering smooth rides, while "the GTS rides a bit harsher due to its firmer suspension and 18-inch tires." Theoretically, it shouldn't be hard to turn small cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer into sporty handlers. Sometimes automakers choose not to do so simply for practical reasons, but with the Lancer's 2009 edition, Mitsubishi has crafted a small sedan that boasts excellent handling. For a small car with a small engine, you would probably expect higher fuel economy numbers than the EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 29 highway for the automatic and 21/29 mpg for the manual. Comparatively, the 2009 Honda Civic with a five-speed manual returns an EPA-estimated 26/34 mpg. ConclusionThe 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer provides pretty good performance for the price, though fuel economy is disappointing. 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "Lancer ES projects a far more polished appearance” Edmunds: "dashboard is not nearly as exciting as the Lancer's sporty, shark-nosed exterior” Car and Driver: "Chic and truly spacious interior" The appeal of the 2009 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The base Jetta comes with a long list of standard features and stands out for its torquey five-cylinder engine, available electronic stability control, and rear side airbags. The Impreza is another sporty sedan that might be considered; it isn't quite as fuel-efficient as the Civic or Sentra, but its torquey flat-four engine provides good performance, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Sentra is one of the cheapest models; although it starts at a price substantially higher than the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer's, the base Sentra S comes a lot better equipped, with a six-speed manual, anti-lock brakes, and conveniences like steering-wheel controls, air conditioning, and keyless entry. However, the Sentra's interior doesn't feel as inviting and sporty as the Lancer's. The Honda Civic is also a bit more expensive, but it includes a much more refined, more rev-happy, and more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, along with an equally slick-shifting manual transmission. Each of these rivals is considerably quieter and more refined inside than the Lancer.

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See the Mitsubishi Lancer in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

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