12th Place:
Mitsubishi Lancer
Overview:
The Lancer,
freshly redesigned for 2008, has won praise for
its newly sharp handling and newly sharp
styling. But like its predecessor, the new
Lancer doesn't have a whole lot going for it,
providing an overall feeling of cheapness
without an especially low price. The engine is
harsh and noisy and the interior is poorly
constructed from low-quality materials. Fuel
economy is also below par. But the Lancer's
responsive handling makes it more fun to drive
than most of its competitors. If that matters to
you and the Lancer's $16,831 maxes out your
budget, it may be worth a look, but otherwise,
look elsewhere.
Driving the
Lancer:
The Lancer has a stiff ride that doesn't absorb
bumps well. Its suspension is obviously tuned
more for handling; the car corners nimbly with
minimal body lean and sharp, quick steering. The
fun-to-drive quotient would be much stronger if
the powertrain were at the performance level of
the suspension, but the Lancer feels generally
weak and its continuously variable transmission
keeps the harsh engine running at high rpms. It
does feel slower than it is, but it's still not
quick, particularly off the line. Road and
engine noise are constant irritants. Gas mileage
is poor for this class.
Inside the
Lancer:
The Lancer's
front seats are low, but well-shaped,
supportive, and comfortable overall. The rear,
however, is too low, and there should still be
more headroom. The interior feels very cheap,
with low-grade ill-fitting plastic trim pieces
and particularly tinny-sounding doors. The
gauges are very clear at least, and the
instruments are logically arrayed. Drivers sit
comfortably enough, but would benefit from a
telescoping steering column. Visibility is
largely unimpeded to the front and rear. Higher
seats would ease entry/exit, and rear access
would be simpler with larger door openings. The
trunk is small, but reasonably well-shaped.
Lancer pricing:
The Lancer is not inexpensive, coming in at
$16,831, but it is well-equipped at that price,
with the group's expected features as well as a
knee-protecting driver airbag and alloy wheels.
Conclusion:
The general
feel of the new Lancer has not changed in the
redesign: it still feels junky. However, its
sharp handling gives it some potential appeal.
Consider it if driving fun is important to you,
but shop it carefully against other nimble
economy cars before paying close to $17,000 to
deal with its overall low-rent feel.
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