Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Small Family Car
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, individuals seeking a reliable and practical daily driver.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza
        
     
    
        
            Differentiation:
        
        
            Often positioned as a more affordable and performance-oriented option within its class, especially in higher trim levels. The 2008 model year also marked a significant design refresh for the Lancer.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            The 2008 Lancer introduced the 'jet fighter' grille design inspired by Mitsubishi's fighter jets, giving it a distinctive and aggressive front-end appearance. This generation (CY) saw a significant styling departure from previous Lancers.
        
     
    
        
            Variants:
        
        
            Available in various trim levels, including ES, LS, GTS, and the performance-oriented Ralliart and Evolution (though the Evo is a distinct model, the standard Lancer shares its platform.)
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Offers a compelling blend of style, features, and value for money, often providing more standard equipment or performance for the price compared to some rivals.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine mechanical systems, diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing belt/chain, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, drive shafts, differentials, gearbox overhaul, fluid specifications
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system diagnostics, repair, ABS, EBD, parking brake, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, wheel alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, steering rack, fluid specifications
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, structural components
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system diagnostics and repair, seatbelt mechanisms
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting common problems, identifying causes of malfunctions, using diagnostic tools and equipment, interpreting DTCs
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, bodywork repair
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical component specifications, fluid capacities, pressures, and tolerances
        
     
    
        
            Adjustments:
        
        
            Brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, idle speed adjustments, headlight aiming
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers from basic preventative maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code Common:
        
        
            4G69 (2.4L SOHC)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Displacement:
        
        
            2.0L to 2.4L
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type Common:
        
        
            Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC (MIVEC on some variants)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.0L:
        
        
            Approx. 152 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.0L:
        
        
            Approx. 147 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2.4L:
        
        
            Approx. 162 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.4L:
        
        
            Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Electronic Ignition, Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU Type:
        
        
            Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Standard Transmission Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission Type:
        
        
            CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (depending on trim and market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Awc:
        
        
            All-Wheel Control (AWC) system available on some higher trim models, particularly related to the Ralliart variants or AWD options.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific viscosity and type (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            DIA Queen ATF-SP III or equivalent (specific to Mitsubishi)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 177.4 inches (4505 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 58.1 inches (1475 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 90 cubic feet
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 11.5 cubic feet
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 2900 - 3200 lbs (depending on configuration)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Refer to vehicle specific VIN plate
        
     
    
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Standard Tire Size:
        
        
            Typically P205/60R16 or P215/45R18 (depending on trim)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            5-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2008 model year.
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact:
        
        
            5-Star (Front and Rear Occupants) for 2008 model year.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Ebd:
        
        
            Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Available Active Stability Control (ASC) on some models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front driver and passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags and curtain airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
        
     
    
        
            Child Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature Rockford-Fosgate premium audio systems, and optional satellite radio.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional in-dash navigation system available on higher trim levels.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control on most trims.
        
     
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Available keyless entry and ignition system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Available Bluetooth hands-free calling system on select trims.
        
     
    
    
        
            Headlights:
        
        
            Halogen headlights, with available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) or Xenon headlights on sportier trims.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 3,750 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or typically every 30,000 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Inspect annually, replace as needed or every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Refer to manual; typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (standard vs. iridium).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (refer to manual for specific coolant type).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Automatic: Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed. Manual: Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed (refer to manual).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (check manual for precise specification, may vary slightly by engine).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) - Pink or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicon-based additives.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Premature wear or failure of engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
        
     
    
        
            Cv Axles:
        
        
            Front CV joint boots can tear, leading to lubrication loss and eventual joint failure.
        
     
    
        
            Catalytic Converter:
        
        
            Some reports of premature catalytic converter failure, often linked to engine misfires or oil consumption.
        
     
    
        
            Window Regulators:
        
        
            Power window regulators can be a common failure point, leading to windows not operating correctly.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Components:
        
        
            Sway bar links, ball joints, and bushings can wear over time, leading to knocking sounds and handling issues.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mitsubishi Motors:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to the early 20th century. Known for producing reliable and capable vehicles, including performance icons like the Lancer Evolution.
        
     
    
    
        
            Lancer Lineage:
        
        
            The Lancer nameplate has been in continuous production since 1973, evolving through numerous generations and body styles. It has served as a platform for rally racing success, most notably with the Lancer Evolution.
        
     
    
        
            2008 Generation Intro:
        
        
            The 2008 model year introduced the ninth generation of the Lancer (chassis code CY/CZ), which was a significant redesign. It adopted a more European styling influence and introduced new engine options and technologies. This generation was also the basis for the highly regarded Lancer Evolution X.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Primary production often occurred in Japan, but depending on the market, assembly could also take place in other facilities globally.