Overview:
This is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWD. And in this class they are fairly basic general purpose 4-door sedans that seat 5. This Lancer is comparable in most respects and I enjoy all competitors listed here. All are affordable at around $22,000.
Some will determine their purchase based on country of manufacturer that include Japan, Germany, Korea and USA. I’d be hard pressed to make a final decision and although I don’t presently need to make that call, you may.
Considerations will vary widely based on your particular situation. But if your current car will need major repairs all the way to simply needing tires, you can hardly go wrong replacing that car that also is likely 5 years old and pushing 70,000 miles. Make your choice and take the plunge – that’s my suggestion.
General Information: It is assembled in Kurishiki, Japan Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Japan 97%; Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Compact Cars. Cars from Mitsubishi: iMiEV, Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Mirage, Mirage G4, Outlander and Outlander Sport.
Handling & Performance:
Handling is perfectly fine. I enjoyed the ride all week and enjoyed the excellent fuel economy while I never felt shorted on the power it delivered. I was a happy camper.
Styling:
Basic… and that’s a good thing.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Competitive.
Conveniences and comfort:
Basic in this class to me means it just doesn’t have that level of convenience including things like adaptive smart cruise control, Blind spot detection, Crash avoidance and the like. But that being said, it DOES include all the necessary features as standard equipment. I was, for example, surprised when it began to rain and the windshield wipers came on before I would have turned them on. Yep, rain sensing wipers. Cool.
And you know what, as I drove each day I appreciated simple things – like the radio that actually had knobs for volume and tuning. That is important because it gives me hope that some car makers still agree that knobs may be the best way to select stations. Not everything needs to be push button. A good example is the years that Chrysler employed a push button shift system. Predictably it didn’t last long.
Consumer Recommendations:
Mitsubishi has a long heritage and a very good reputation. I haven’t heard a lot about them and for me that is a very good thing. Why? Because as you may recall I was co-owner of an automotive repair shop in La Canada CA for many years. We simply didn’t work on many Mitsubishi cars.
Recognized Competition:
Mitsubishi Lancer SEL $23,000, Subaru Impreza $20,000, VW Jetta $25,000, Hyundai Elantra $22,000, Chevrolet Cruze $20,000, Mazda 3 $24,000, Dodge Dart $25,000. Kia Forte $21,000, Toyota Corolla $24,000.
Good News:
Fantastic price point value, very good fuel economy – what more can you ask of a lower cost family sedan / commuter.
Bad News:
A little light weight that IS this segment of the market. For example, you notice the “thin” and a bit flimsy sun visors and they don’t extend. I know it’s a small thing but it reminds me that I’m in a basic car priced accordingly and you therefore expect such things including a higher level of road noise and trunk lids and doors that sound tinny when closed.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, power steering, all wheel drive, auto headlights, fog lights, heated mirrors, rain sensings wipers, 18” alloy wheels, heated leather front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, climate control, leather wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, am/fm/cd/mp3/siriur XM 6-speaker audio, bluetooth technology with usb port, rear view camera, keyless proximity entry system, power windows and locks, ABS brake system with brake force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction controls, tire pressure monitor, front and side airbags and driver knee airbag, LATCH, safety rear door locks, theft security alarm system and theft deterrent engine immobilizer.
Gas Stats:
$2.59 Gal avg. September 24, 2016
for more information.
23 City and 31 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $21,995.
