Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Positioning:
Known for its sporty driving dynamics, reliability, and value proposition, often appealing to younger buyers and those seeking an affordable yet engaging driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus
Design:
Distinctive 'jet fighter' grille inspired by Mitsubishi's F-2 fighter jet, available in sedan and hatchback (sportback) body styles.
Performance Variants:
The Lancer Evolution (GSR, MR) offered high-performance variants with turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive, and advanced handling technologies.
Demographics:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, enthusiasts seeking sporty styling and performance (especially for Evolution models).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism, overhaul procedures
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, hydraulic control, overhaul procedures
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, drive shafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering column, rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, rotors
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, wipers, horn
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, dashboard
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant system
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS system diagnostics
Maintenance Routine:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit tracing
Repair Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement
Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter motor, water pump, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors
Alignment Calibration:
Wheel alignment specifications, steering angle sensor calibration
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code Base:
4A92 (MIVEC)
Displacement Base:
1.8 Liters (1798 cc)
Configuration Base:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Horsepower Base:
Approximately 140-150 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on market and tune)
Torque Base:
Approximately 125-130 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (depending on market and tune)
Optional Engine Performance
Engine Code Sport:
4G63T (Turbocharged - Evolution models)
Displacement Sport:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower Sport:
Approximately 291 hp (Evolution GSR) to 300+ hp (Evolution MR)
Torque Sport:
Approximately 300 lb-ft (Evolution GSR) to 300+ lb-ft (Evolution MR)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Coil-on-plug ignition system
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Capacity Base:
Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts)
Length:
Approximately 4570 mm (179.9 in) for sedan
Width:
Approximately 1760 mm (69.3 in)
Height:
Approximately 1490 mm (58.7 in) for sedan
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2635 mm (103.7 in)
Curb Weight Base:
Approximately 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs)
Gross Weight Rating:
Varies by trim and configuration
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for this vehicle class
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch steel or alloy
Optional Wheel Size:
17-inch or 18-inch alloy (sportier trims/Evolution)
Standard Tire Size:
205/60R16 or 215/50R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-star rating (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5-star rating (driver and passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models equipped with side curtain airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
E Brake Force Distribution:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - often standard or optional
Stability Control:
Active Stability Control (ASC) - available on some trims
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front seat-mounted side airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium or platinum tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial flush at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 4 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy) or 5W-30 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Washer Fluid Spec:
Automotive windshield washer fluid (diluted with water or pre-mixed).
Transmission Cvt Reliability:
Some CVT models may experience occasional hesitation or failure to engage, particularly with high mileage or poor maintenance. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Engine Misfires:
Potential for ignition coil failure or spark plug issues leading to misfires, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
Suspension Noise:
Worn strut mounts, ball joints, or control arm bushings can lead to knocking or rattling noises from the suspension over bumps.
Evaporative Emissions System:
Canister vent valve or purge solenoid issues can trigger Check Engine Lights (CEL).
Rust Corrosion:
In regions with road salt, rust can develop on body panels, undercarriage, and suspension components over time.
Mitsubishi Motors:
A long-standing Japanese automaker with a history of reliable and innovative vehicles, including strong performance heritage with the Lancer Evolution.
Ninth Gen Introduction:
Introduced for the 2008 model year, representing a complete redesign from the previous generation. Built on Mitsubishi's Global Platform.
Design Philosophy:
Sleeker, more aerodynamic styling, improved interior quality and space, and a focus on driving dynamics.
Key Variants Introduced:
Introduction of the Lancer Sportback (hatchback) body style, and significant updates to the performance-oriented Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution models.
Manufacturing Location:
Mainly produced in Japan (Mizushima Plant) and also in North America (Normal, Illinois, USA).
Model Year Range:
2008 - 2017 (Ninth Generation)