Car Reviews: 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The search for a true sports car is one that many spend a long time pursuing. However, with more and more companies turning towards producing performance oriented machines, the search has become much easier in recent years. Certainly one of the most noticeable of these cars is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a turbocharged, 300 horse power version of the popular Lancer sedan. However, while many love the look of the Lancer, actual driving abilities are something that few have explored.

Indeed, simply by looking at it from the outside, the Lancer has all the hallmarks of a sports car. From the aggressive front end to the high spoiler, the Lancer represents the best of the performance import market, and it takes only a quick look to realize that the Lancer is designed with performance in mind. The body contours and low angle of the body further contributes to the performance oriented look. The aggressive headlights and larger tires make sure that no one mistakes the Evolution as another ordinary Lancer.

The inside represents sort of a mixed bag for Mitsubishi. While the interior definitely looks fresh and open, it would be hard to say that it is not slightly Spartan. There really is not a whole lot to look at in the inside of the Evolution, although that better serves to represent the nature of the Evolution. More than anything else, this car is designed for driving. The steering wheel is appropriately small, and the low sitting manual shifter all set the driver up for the perfect driving experience. Finished in black leather and chrome, the Evolution looks refined and sporty on the inside, managing to set itself apart from the normal Lancer, without cheapening itself or looking overly contemporary. Overall, even though a few more designs may have been nice, the interior is really top notch on this car.

Yet one more aspect that is top notch is the way in which the car actually drives. As soon as one turns the key, there is no going back. The roar of the engine through the dual exhaust, and feel of the pedals under foot, the effortlessness at which the car flies through the gears, all contribute to making the Evolution one incredible drive. The 300 horse power engine reminds you how fast it is even at lower speeds. Although this may not be good for everyone, the car constantly reminds the driver how fast it could be, and pulls hard even at lower RPMs. However, once one gets over 3,000 RPM or so, the car really makes itself known. Once the turbo spins out, the Lancer becomes nothing less than a rocket. The all wheel drive rockets the car around corners and any hairpin curve that may come its way. Driving the Lancer is an amazing feeling, as it feels as though nothing could possibly shake the car, and the obvious speed and pull of the engine, coupled with the seamless six speed transmission is enough to make a believer even out of one who has driven more expensive cars. True, the ride quality may not be the best, but this is to be expected in a car with a sport tuned suspension.

Yes, there are cars that are similar in nature to the Evolution, few can really compare with the way in which it drives. The Evolution is a top notch car, and although one may pay for the performance, at no point does it feel as though their money has been wasted. From the all wheel drive to the powerful engine and impressive exhaust, the Lancer really leaves nothing to be demanded.