Car Reviews: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

All too often we are treated to sporty and excellent versions of production cars, only to find out that the base (and thus affordable) version of such cars are either boring, disappointing, or so far different from the other trims that they might as well have a different model name. Perhaps one of the best recent example to highlight this phenomenon is none other than the Mitsubishi Lancer. While the Lancer Evolution is a vehicle which represents world class performance and has quickly become one of the most iconic sports car of the modern world, the base Lancer could never even come to close to the Evolution in terms of quality, enjoyment, or even any aspect of the design. However, with the 2008 version of the Lancer, Mitsubishi hopes to break that mold, and create a car which can stand on it's own rights. Even though the 2008 Lancer may not be exactly on part with the Evolution, it is nonetheless an incredible improvement, and has become a desirable car of it's own right.

Whereas once the exterior design of the base Lancer looked like everything else on the road, that day has passed, and the new exterior is simply superb. The entire body has been upgraded. From the aggressive front end to the stock body side skirts, even the back end of the car has been improved. The optional stock spoiler also adds a lot to the overall body design. Far from being a boring vehicle, the Lancer now strides the line between sporty and professional, certainly a rare feat for a car. Even though the Lancer has definitely been given a sportier look, it has not been ruined, and it still a respectable vehicle, only one that now looks impressive. Perhaps the design of the Lancer may not have been what everyone was asking for in the 2008 model, but it is definitely an improvement, and the Lancer has been transformed into a vehicle which is now very impressive looking.

The refinements continue even to the inside of the vehicle. While Mitsubishi has never really been known for their interiors, it is likely that the 2008 Lancer can change that. With high quality materials and fabrics, even on the base model, and a sweeping, sporty interior, the Lancer really has been designed to appeal to drivers. The car provides the perfect view for driving, and the manual shifter (should you opt for it) is in perfect position. The interior of the Lancer has been transformed into a sporty and fun to drive vehicle cockpit. It is definitely a real step up for Mitsubishi, and one that will hopefully continue well into the design of future models.

However, perhaps the single best part of the 2008 Lancer is the way in which it drives. Although the Lancer's of the past weren't exactly horrible cars to drive, the base models definitely drove as one would expect a bland, four door sedan to drive with. The 2008 Lancer, however, changes that greatly. All models, regardless of trim, come with the MIVEC 2.0 liter engine, which is more than enough power for most. Even the models with the automatic transmission glide effortlessly through the higher speed ranges, and although the vehicle isn't going to pin the driver to the seat, it's a definite improvement over years past. Add this with the continuously variable transmission which comes stock on any automatic model, and the smoothness of the ride and ease at which the car goes through the gears is unparalleled. The manual models provide even more fun, and although the stick throws may not be the shortest, they just feel right, and kudos to Mitsubishi for still providing drivers the option of a manual transmission if they should want one.

Although the new, 2008 Lancer may not be exactly perfect, it has been transformed into an incredibly desirable vehicle with it's own merits. Those who want to get a little more appearance-wise will likely want to go a few models up and get the alloy rims and rear spoiler. However, even it's completely base trim, the Lancer is a truly excellent car no matter which way one chooses to look at it. Mitsubishi has done a great job redefining and recreating their vehicle, and car enthusiasts should have a great time owning and driving it.