Mitsubishi Lancer

The Lancer was Mitsubishi's compact sedan in the US across two post-1995 generations spanning 2002-2017 — separate from the Lancer Evolution performance variant (which we cover separately on the site). CS (2002-2007) — 9th-gen Lancer launched in US 2002 (replaced the Mirage compact sedan role). 2.0L I4 (120 hp Lancer ES, 162 hp Lancer Ralliart 2004-2006). 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, FWD only. Lancer OZ Rally (2003-2005) styling-package model with body kit, OZ wheels — popular in tuning circles though not a real performance variant. CY/CZ (2008-2017) — 10th-gen Lancer, completely redesigned on PSA / Mitsubishi platform shared with Outlander 2nd gen. 2.0L MIVEC I4 (152 hp), 2.4L MIVEC I4 (168 hp on GTS trim), 5-speed manual or CVT (with manual mode and paddle shifters). Lancer GTS with 18-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension; Lancer Sportback five-door hatchback variant launched 2009 with same engine options as sedan. Lancer SE AWC (2010+) introduced All-Wheel Control AWD as a budget option (without the Evo's S-AWC complexity). 2014 mid-cycle facelift refreshed front fascia, dropped some trims. Final Edition (2017) marked the last US Lancers — Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer (and Lancer Evolution X) globally after 2017 model year, ending the Lancer nameplate after over 40 years (since 1973 globally). Now affordable used and a budget-tuning option, particularly the GTS / Ralliart non-Evo trims.