Lancer buyers are likely looking for a small sport sedan, but on a very tight budget.
The Sentra is one of the cheapest ones; although it starts substantially higher than the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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.
But 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.
The base Jetta is another alternative; it also comes with a long list of standard features, and it 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 especially, but its torquey flat-four engine provides good performance, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive.
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