2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Overview
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer marked a significant redesign for the compact sedan, ushering in a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic along with improved performance and a wider range of features. This generation aimed to position the Lancer as a more compelling choice in a competitive segment, offering a blend of practicality and an engaging driving experience.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2008 Lancer offered two primary engine choices:
- 2.0L Inline-4 (GTS, ES): This engine provided a good balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for daily driving. It was well-suited for urban commuting and general use.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Evolution SE): This potent engine, derived from the legendary Lancer Evolution, delivered exhilarating performance with significantly more horsepower and torque, making it a favorite for driving enthusiasts.
- Safety Features: Mitsubishi equipped the 2008 Lancer with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features:
- Front Airbags: Standard dual front airbags provided frontal impact protection for the driver and front passenger.
- Side-Curtain Airbags: Available side-curtain airbags offered enhanced protection for occupants in side-impact collisions by deploying along the windows.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This standard system prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): Working in conjunction with ABS, EBD optimally distributes braking force to each wheel based on load and road conditions, improving stopping stability.
- Traction Control (TC): Available on some trims, this system helps prevent wheel slippage during acceleration on slippery surfaces by reducing engine power or applying brakes to spinning wheels.
- Active Stability Control (ASC): Also available, ASC helps prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects oversteer or understeer.
- Trim Levels: The 2008 Lancer was offered in distinct trim levels, each catering to different priorities:
- DE: The base model, offering essential features for value-conscious buyers.
- ES: A step up from the DE, adding more creature comforts and a slightly more refined experience.
- GTS: Positioned as the sportier mainstream option, featuring a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and enhanced exterior styling.
- Evolution SE: This performance-oriented trim was a special edition that brought the Lancer's motorsport DNA to a wider audience, offering a significant performance upgrade.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- All-Wheel Control (AWC) System (Evolution SE): The Evolution SE featured Mitsubishi's advanced AWC system, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that provided exceptional traction and handling capabilities, especially in adverse conditions.
- Stylish Exterior Design: The 2008 Lancer boasted a bold and aggressive exterior design, inspired by jet fighters, which gave it a distinct road presence.
- Well-Appointed Interior: Higher trims, particularly the GTS and Evolution SE, featured well-designed interiors with quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit.
- Optional Rockford-Fosgate Audio System: For audiophiles, an optional premium Rockford-Fosgate sound system delivered impressive audio quality.
What to Expect
Owning a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer typically offers a reliable and engaging experience. For daily driving, the ES and GTS trims are generally well-behaved, providing comfortable rides and predictable handling. Maintenance on these models is generally straightforward, with readily available parts and a good network of service centers. Common maintenance items would include routine oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and fluid checks. Insurance costs can vary widely based on location, driving history, and specific trim level. The Evolution SE, with its performance-oriented nature, might incur higher insurance premiums due to its higher power output and potential for spirited driving.
Potential Considerations
While the 2008 Lancer is a solid vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few things:
- Road Noise: Some owners report that road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds, particularly on rougher surfaces, which might detract from the refinement for some.
- Interior Materials (Base Trims): While generally well-assembled, the interior materials in the base DE and ES trims might feel a bit basic and less premium compared to some competitors.
- Fuel Economy (Evolution SE): The performance-focused turbocharged engine in the Evolution SE, while exhilarating, will naturally consume more fuel than the standard engines, impacting its overall efficiency.
- Turbo Lag (Evolution SE): Owners of the Evolution SE might experience a slight turbo lag before the full power of the turbocharged engine is delivered, which is typical for many turbocharged vehicles of this era.
Overall Summary
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer represented a significant leap forward for the model, offering a compelling blend of sporty styling, engaging driving dynamics, and a comprehensive feature set. With its distinct trims catering to both practical commuters and performance enthusiasts (especially with the Evolution SE), the Lancer proved to be a versatile and enjoyable compact sedan that offered good value and an appealing alternative in its segment.