2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution User Reviews

Pros

great overall feedback, confidence inspiring, precise steering, track ready

Cons

mediocre interior, poor quality paint, noisy cruising speeds, eats tires & pads fast

I use this car as the occasional daily (when my beater is in the shop). I also do some autocross and track days. i came from a 06 Subaru Sti, which was a somewhat similar car. I got it with the SSS package with keyless entry fob, HID's, upgraded 600w stereo, gargantum rear wing spoiler (a must for the evo, imho). So far I've put 10k miles on my 08 GSR.

Where this car shines is feedback. It comes very well from the steering, suspension, braking, grip, rotation (although might take time getting used to, because it works unexpectedly well). The feedback makes the car very entertaining, and it inspires confidence unlike any other car I've driven. The car communicates it's limits to you very well, and does so forgivingly when it does. The X really shines at the track, and I highly recommend any new evo owner to at least autocross the car, in order to get to know it better.

The slightly heavier, but sharp & precise steering is where this car shines the most. Makes track duty a lot easier, and your daily commute much more fun.

Suspension is a good compromise between being stiff enough to minimizing body roll in most situations, yet being soft enough to absorb most bumps in the street without upsetting anything. Watch out for road debris and speed bumps, as the ride hieght is a bit low.

Brakes communicate, & perform well. They are also consistent. On hpde events, doing 20-30 min runs, the braking feedback and performance did not seem to deteriorate at all.

Grip is excellent. Don't forget to turn off the ASC/traction control track events, as it is extremely instrusive, & somewhat unpredicatable. Car is also very forgivable. I have yet to spin it despite multiple errors that would have cost me on my prior 92 miata. Once even had a fender bender nudge at approx 80mpg, and the car composed balance very well.

Rotation is superb. It's extremely easy to do this, with minimal counter streer. You just have to trust the car, and it will take care of you.

I am not too fond of the shifter. It feels a bit too notchy, and at times I had trouble shifting 2nd to 3rd. Might be just me, but I've never had this issue with any other car.

Clutch is forgiving, but not the most responsive.

For street driving, you have to figure this car was probably not built for total comfort and practicality. The overall feedback makes this fun car to drive, even on an otherwise ho-hum commute, but it doesn't make it uncomfortable either.