Mitsubishi Lancer 2002-2009 used car review

The Mitsubishi Lancer offers basic, efficient motoring. Its drivetrain is an old design and is unrefined.

When the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer hit New Zealand in 2002, it was already an old car. It had been launched more than two years earlier in Japan under a different name, the Cedia. Unlike most options in the small car market, the Lancer was not available as a hatchback. Initially, a sedan was the only alternative. A station wagon was launched later.

The steering wheel adjusts for tilt but not reach. The seats are covered in a simple, durable but bland grey fabric. The front seats are big for a small car although they don’t offer much support. Rear seat space is surprisingly good, with reasonable legroom and lots of head and shoulder room. Unusually, there are no headrests for passengers in the back row.

Also impressive for its size is the boot. At 320 litres, the space is as big as more practical hatchbacks. Two large and two small suitcases should fit. A folding rear seat was an option only on higher-grade models so this car will struggle to handle large or unusually sized loads.

Externally, the Lancer’s Mitsubishi family nose is also seen on Diamante, Colt and Outlander models of the time. Its curvy shape looks a little unusual grafted on to the otherwise very straight and plain body. The roofline is slightly high for a small sedan, which explains why interior visibility is good. The ES model features steel wheels and simple hubcaps.

Two engines are available in New Zealand-new Lancers. Cars made from 2002-2005 use a 2-litre four cylinder engine and later cars are fitted with a 2.4-litre version. While bigger than other small car engines, it is an older engine, with a relatively low output of 92kW and 173Nm. 

It does a good job of powering the Lancer but does sound a little coarse when accelerating and makes a low droning noise at motorway speeds. Two transmissions are available, a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual in our review vehicle. In VRX models, the automatic can be shifted manually.

The import Cedia model is available with 1.5 and 1.8-litre engines, paired with either a four-speed automatic, CVT automatic or five-speed manual transmission. A 1.8-litre turbocharged version is available and the Evolution uses a 2-litre turbocharged engine.

The Lancer is capable of average towing weights for a small car and review vehicle is fitted with a tow bar. Mitsubishi suggests towing up to 400kg (unbraked), which is a small trailer, or up to 1,000kg (braked), a small boat.

Driver visibility is excellent. The big windows offer very good views to the front and rear of the vehicle. The lack of rear headrests makes it very easy to see behind the vehicle. No Lancers were fitted with reversing cameras or parking sensors as standard and we do not think they are required.

Listen for a harsh rumble from the engine bay at idle or under load. A mechanic will charge from $300 to replace the mounts.

In the cabin, the small coin drawer that hinges out of the dashboard beside the driver’s right knee can be an issue. The drawer has a habit of coming loose and catching the driver’s leg as they get in or out. This rips the plastic hinges and leaves the drawer either permanently open or torn out altogether.

Electric window regulators are known to be an issue in Mitsubishis of this era so make sure all the windows operate correctly.

This review covers the Mitsubishi Lancer for model years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.