2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution turbocharged inline 4 from North America

Summary:

Fun, but is warranty prone

Faults:

-Sun glasses holder will not stay up.

-At 4500 miles 3rd & 5th gear were grinding. Tranny got rebuilt under warranty because of a TSB.

-At 8,000 mile the driver's side front spindle (or something like that) had to be replaced.

-14,000 miles 2nd, 3rd, & 5th are starting to grind again.

-18,000 rear rotor/pads had to be replaced. Front rotors were turned (twice) and new pads up front. (No racing or hard driving)

-22,000 it is about time to get new front rotors and to take the Evo in for the tranny again.

General Comments:

This is the best handling car I have ever owned. Factory tires do not last long even if they are taken care of and used as a daily driver would be. I love the seats in the Evo. The motor is strong and has little turbo lag. The only down side is I think I got the lemon of the bunch. It goes in for warranty work and/or some kind of service on a monthly bases; I just listed the big things. All in all I love the car, but it has too many issues. I'm sure most other Evo owners would say other wise. Keep in mine I am 31 and have a family. I like performance cars, not so I can abuse them, just drive them. Coming out of a 2004 Mustang Cobra, this car (Evo) handles better, sits better, but the Cobra had no issues whats so ever. I had a bad experience with Mitsubishi before, gave them another shot. Never again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd March, 2007

17th Mar 2011, 05:01

Ah man. It sucks you have had problems. I also own an Evo, same year too and I have had zero issues with it (I beat the heck out of it!).

Besides regular maintenance, Evos should last. I'd take it back and trade it in for another one if I was in your situation.

Good luck!

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0L in-line 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Didn't pass the test drive comparison!

General Comments:

Yesterday I took my teenage daughter out looking to replace her aging 1995 Camry, and we both test drove the Mitsubishi Lancer, KIA Spectra, and Hyundai Elantra. All three test cars had automatic transmissions and standard engines which delivered comparable acceleration. But the Lancer seemed to strain the most, had very rough shifting through the gears, rode the roughest and noisiest, and had the cheapest feel of the three.

We also looked at (dealers ignored us or didn't offer a test drive) Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, Honda Civic, KIA Rio, Hyundai Accent, and I'm sure many of the untested cars would have performed as well or better than these three low end cars. But for the quality, driving response, warranties, price and incentives differentials our money will likely go to a new KIA Spectra over any other new or used options.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th August, 2006

16th Feb 2007, 06:46

This is very strange!

I have a brand new Lancer with Automatic transmission, and I really don't know how it shift the gears, I hear nothing and the RPM changes very little. my engine is 1600cc.

I really bought the lancer because I heard that it's transmission is the best compared to other cars in the same class.

11th Apr 2007, 06:55

Test drive??? You should own the car and then we will listen.

8th May 2007, 21:14

Yeah good luck with your KIA, I would have taken the Mitsubushi any day!

2nd Jul 2007, 10:14

Lancer isn't frilly by any means. It's a little raw, but I personally like that it reminds me of early 90's Honda's. But then again its got some personality unlike many of the other compact models.

30th Dec 2007, 01:26

OK, firstly, you would have test drove a demo which might have been treated badly, hence the harsh shifting. If it was a brand new car and this was happening then fair enough there would be a problem.

Don't expect that KIA to last as long as a Mitsubishi either. Sure, the Koreans are improving, but as far as I can see it is all perceived quality. That is, when you take a look at a brand new one, it will look and feel as good as a Japanese car. However, remember that they do not have a track record of reliability as yet compared to Japanese cars. But I guess you will find out sooner or later how well the KIA holds up over time.

17th Jan 2008, 17:11

Seriously mate, what is the point of reviewing a car you took for a 5 minute test drive???