Mitsubishi doesn't have as strong a dealer network as most Japanese automakers in North America, but it's interesting to note how frequently their products are spotted in cities where dealerships are established. All other things being equal, the average consumer is more likely to choose a model available for purchase and service locally than one where the nearest dealership is hours away.
Mitsubishi's last-generation Lancer is the company's entry-level product for North America. It's a fantastic, fun to drive and solid little car- and it turns out you can get into a used one without any serious worries- whether or not there's a nearby dealership. With up to 160,000 kilometres of warranty coverage, you'll likely find one with some left.
Last generation Lancers came with several body styles, engine options, transmissions and trim levels. From a basic runabout to a sporty wagon, it offered something for every shopper. Lancer was popular with younger buyers, as well as families looking for a cheap-to-run second car.
You'll commonly find Lancer available in a sedan, though a curiously styled "sportback" wagon model was available from 2004. If you can handle the strange appearance, you'll find it a useful little wagon with plenty of room.
Trim levels consisted of a basic Lancer ES, Lancer O-Z Rally and Sporty Lancer Ralliart. Basic models were powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with 120 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels by a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Lancer ES rode 14 inch wheels bolted to a four-wheel independent suspension setup which endowed it with a comfortable and sporty ride.
The O-Z Rally model added some styling upgrades, most notably a set of 15-inch rally-inspired wheels from O-Z, an aftermarket wheel manufacturer. Side-skirts and a rear spoiler were fitted as well.
A CD player was standard on the O-Z rally model, as was cruise control, power locks, remote entry and power accessories. Carbon-fibre looking trim and white-faced gauges jazzed up the interior, which boasted excellent visibility and a folding rear bench.
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| 2004-2005 Mitsubishi Lancer |
Mitsubishi's last-generation Lancer is the company's entry-level product for North America. It's a fantastic, fun to drive and solid little car- and it turns out you can get into a used one without any serious worries- whether or not there's a nearby dealership. With up to 160,000 kilometres of warranty coverage, you'll likely find one with some left.
Last generation Lancers came with several body styles, engine options, transmissions and trim levels. From a basic runabout to a sporty wagon, it offered something for every shopper. Lancer was popular with younger buyers, as well as families looking for a cheap-to-run second car.
You'll commonly find Lancer available in a sedan, though a curiously styled "sportback" wagon model was available from 2004. If you can handle the strange appearance, you'll find it a useful little wagon with plenty of room.
Trim levels consisted of a basic Lancer ES, Lancer O-Z Rally and Sporty Lancer Ralliart. Basic models were powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with 120 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels by a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Lancer ES rode 14 inch wheels bolted to a four-wheel independent suspension setup which endowed it with a comfortable and sporty ride.
The O-Z Rally model added some styling upgrades, most notably a set of 15-inch rally-inspired wheels from O-Z, an aftermarket wheel manufacturer. Side-skirts and a rear spoiler were fitted as well.
A CD player was standard on the O-Z rally model, as was cruise control, power locks, remote entry and power accessories. Carbon-fibre looking trim and white-faced gauges jazzed up the interior, which boasted excellent visibility and a folding rear bench.
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| 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback |