2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
Fuel Economy
23 - 25 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
No Mirage here. The Lancer is a well-rounded economy sedan that deserves attention from consumers.
Pros
Large interior, classy exterior styling, many standard features.
Cons
O-Z model lacks performance to back up looks, side airbags and antilock brakes available only on LS trim, no available engine upgrade.
What's New for 2002
The '02 Lancer is Mitsubishi's replacement for its Mirage economy car, though the Mirage continues this year in coupe format only. The chief reason for the new name (for the U.S., as the car has always been called the Lancer elsewhere) is Mitsubishi's desire to emphasize that the Lancer is more upscale, larger and better-engineered than the old Mirage.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great Little Dependable Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased this car new in 2002. I have been both surprised and pleased. I have only put 28,000 miles on it, and the car has surpassed my expectations. The gas mileage both in town and on the highway is great, but the best thing about the car is that the only maintenance it has required has been regular oil changes and new tires. Considering the engine it has, the car has decent pickup upon acceleration, and is fun to drive. I expect my Lancer to last me for years to come. I highly recommend this car.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
194K and still runnnin like new....
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Won't say I'm an expert, but this car did really save me a lot of money during rough student life. I bought it with 163K and only thing I did is a tune-up and not so regular oil changes...even then thank God no problems! I am actually shocked it survived me...I'm neither bad or really good care taker, but this car is a really tough nut! I have no leaks, occasionally some noises (with oil change they go away)?!...very DEPENDABLE car!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Reliable cheap transportation
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Purchased with 24,000 miles, formerly a rental. Plain car, cheap transportation. I bought it for $6600 and have put 125,000 miles on it with no repairs. It has been a great deal. The car rides like a cheap little car and has lots of wind noise. The seats are not real comfortable, but do offer plenty of leg and head room. Four adults can ride in the car relatively comfortably.
Favorite Features
Reliable. Heater is great in the cold winters. Good space for passengers.
Suggested Improvements
Cruise should have been standard and larger wheels would have helped improve the ride.
Can't help but love and respect this car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car because I had to - I hit an economic tough patch and had to downsize from my previously owned semi-luxury car. For the first 2 years, I hated the car and made jokes about it. But now, about 5 years in, I have to take my hat off. It has run great, with very little maintenance needed. Something else I have to mention: even today, I'm getting about 30 miles to the gallon - no lie! The car now has about 160,000 miles on it, and it's showing no signs of quitting. It really won me over as a Mitsubishi fan, especially since I so badly wanted to keep making fun of it after I got it. But now, all I do is smile and admit that I couldn't have been more wrong.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage has been great, even after 150,000 miles. Comfortable on the inside, and very VERY reliable. This car has never left me or anyone in my family stranded. When something is going wrong, it always gives us an early heads up and KEEPS DRIVING until we get it fixed.
Suggested Improvements
More power, more power, more power. (Make it like the Evo!) :)
Awesome, dependable car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Took a chance when I brought this car brand new in 2001, very much a Honda/Toyota lover because of their reliability. I have been more than happy with this car - very little has gone wrong with it and I am almost at 197,000 miles!!! This thing drives great, with so many miles still gets around 35 mpg!!! When this car finally dies I will most likely get another Mitsubishi.
Favorite Features
Great looks - Interior/Exterior. Plenty of leg/head room. (I am 6'3") RELIABILITY is great. Most everything just maintenance. Gas mileage is excellent.
Suggested Improvements
Only thing that would improve this car (OZ Rally) would be a bigger engine to give it more pep - power to match the looks - but this is a minor issue.
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