2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Review

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The new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, with its more upright styling and memorable front end, is only slightly larger than the model it replaces, though it's considerably sportier and more refined and is built on a completely new platform.

All Lancers are powered by a 152-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine (though the engine only makes 143 horsepower in California-emission states), which can be mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT also features a Sportronic mode, which simulates six gears that can be selected using magnesium steering-wheel paddle shifters.

The base DE model is offered at an especially low price point but doesn't come with standard air conditioning. The middle ES model brings a more... see more

The new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, with its more upright styling and memorable front end, is only slightly larger than the model it replaces, though it's considerably sportier and more refined and is built on a completely new platform.

All Lancers are powered by a 152-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine (though the engine only makes 143 horsepower in California-emission states), which can be mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT also features a Sportronic mode, which simulates six gears that can be selected using magnesium steering-wheel paddle shifters.

The base DE model is offered at an especially low price point but doesn't come with standard air conditioning. The middle ES model brings a more luxurious and refined package, with color-keyed door handles, chrome grille trim, and five-spoke alloy wheels. At the top of the range, the performance-oriented GTS brings a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and brakes, special front and rear air dams, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and a chrome tailpipe tip. Inside, the GTS brings many more convenience features, including a Bluetooth interface, upgraded audio, cruise control, automatic climate control, and rear-seat heater ducts.

The Sun and Sound Package, available on ES and GTS models, brings a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system, Sirius satellite radio, and a power glass sunroof. All Lancer models come prepped for the Sirius service. Available exclusively on the GTS is the Navigation and Technology Package, which brings a 30-gigabyte hard-drive navigation system and digital music server, plus the FAST keyless entry and ignition system, which allows the driver to enter and start the car with the key fob in a purse or pocket.

Front seat-mounted side air bags and side-curtain air bags, along with a driver's knee-protection air bag, are standard on all Lancer models. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are included on ES and GTS models but optional on the DE.
The Mitsubishi Lancer has been completely redesigned for 2008 with a new look, new powertrains, and a more distinctive, refined, and sporty appearance. see less

Trims	City MPG	Hwy MPG	MSRP	Invoice	Displacement	Engine
4dr Sdn CVT DE	22	29	$14,890	$14,186.06	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn CVT ES	22	29	$16,990	$16,186.22	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn CVT GTS	22	29	$18,590	$17,710.54	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn Man DE	21	29	$13,990	$13,328.12	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn Man ES	21	29	$16,090	$15,329.30	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn Man Evolution GSR	16	22	$32,990	$31,092.82	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn Man Evolution MR	17	22	$38,290	$36,088.58	2.0L/122	Gas I4
4dr Sdn Man GTS	21	29	$17,590	$16,757.84	2.0L/122	Gas I4

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Â 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER STYLING | [8 out of 10]

Cars.com: "Had plenty of heads turning in its direction"
Motor Trend: "An aggressive face and Volvo-ish profile"
Car and Driver: "Chic and truly spacious interior"

The Mitsubishi Lancer has emerged from a recent redesign with a nicely tailored shape that appeals to reviewers across the Web, including those at TheCarConnection.com.

The exterior styling on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is aggressive and certainly stands out among its rivals, without seeming too far-fetched like, say, the Honda Civic. Cars.com reviewers write that they rarely test "a sub-$20,000 car that gets stares, but the Lancer GTS" does just that and had "plenty of heads turning in its direction." The Auto Channel raves about the "huge upside-down trapezoid grille, bisected by the bumper" that dominates the Lancer 2008's front end and combines with "faux brake ducts for a scowlingly aggressive look." Reviewers at The Detroit News add that, aside from the front-end restyling, the "wedge-shaped body" and "raised beltline add to its speedy character," while "even the spoiler doesn't look out of place, appearing more tasteful than gaudy." That spoiler is available only on the "top-level GTS," according to Kelley Blue Book, and they note that other styling differences among the three available trim levels (DE, ES, and GTS) include "black door handles, black mirrors and 16-inch covered wheels" on the "base Lancer DE." Kelley Blue Book adds that the "Lancer ES projects a far more polished appearance, with 16-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome grille surround."

(see full review)

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

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