2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback User Reviews

Pros

Absolute blast to drive

Cons

Seating not the most comfortable

Purchased As New

I started my search for a new car with 2 "must have" items: enough room to fit three children in a back seat and all-wheel drive to get up and down Western Pennsylvania's hills in wintertime. Although not "must have", I was certainly hoping to find a car that wasn't going to kill me financially and wouldn't bore me to death behind the wheel.

I've had my Ralliart for three weeks now and it has been really great. I have to wonder what driving an Evo version is like because the power on the Ralliart is more than ample. I rarely apply more than a featherweight touch to the gas pedal and when I do, the car responds forcefully. The handling is secure and precise. For an all wheel drive car, the ride is smoother than I expected and superior to the Saab 9-3 which was my previous car. The mileage is not fabulous (particularly for a 4 cylinder) but it is right at what is shown on the sticker. I'm getting about 22 mpg in my local driving although someone that flexes the turbo more will see noticeably lower economy.

I know most people will have negative connotations with a hatchback, but the styling touches on the Ralliart to set it apart from the standard Lancer Sportback give it a noticeable muscular appearance. I've gotten numerous compliments on its looks. The interior appearance compared favorably to just about any other vehicle I considered.

I had two minor issues on the interior:

1. My previous vehicle had an almost endlessly adjustable driver's seat. The Ralliart driver's seat, unfortunately, only slides forward/back and reclines up/down.

2. The display for the sound system is a hideous monochromatic orange display. I wouldn't make that much of an issue out of it except that the information display on the instrument panel is terrific.

And a couple items of caution: The warranty on the Ralliart is not the same as on other trim levels of the Lancer. Do not expect to have boatloads of inventory from which to pick a favorite color.

I plan to come back and add to my review when we've had some nasty weather to see how the all wheel drive responds....read morehide

Pros

Engine, transmission, cruise, steering, braking all work well and easy.

Cons

fuel economy, weak suspension, obstructed rear view, road noise, no light in trunk.

Purchased As New

I believe this car would be better for someone that does mostly highway driving on smooth roads that are not stop and go. And can coast along. The car can go fast and holds the road like glue, until it hits a bump. I do not believe that this car will be good for city driving or anywhere there are roads that are not perfect because the fuel economy is very unsatisfactory in the city and it does not handle the bumps well at all. It almost feels like it has no suspension. - you are the suspension! lol. The car is a very beautiful outside and inside. But remember beauty is only skin deep. I did not realize these imperfections when I bought the car and the dealer test drove me on a very smooth road or I would not have bought it. Its expensive for what you get in my opinion. The long warranty gives some peace of mind. If you have to buy one of these lancers, I would opt for the ES or DE model which does not have as many shortcomings as this sportback or any gts lancer which are all very similar. By the way: The key is very expensive to replace on these cars because the mitsubishi service center has to reprogram it at their 100 dollar an hour labor rate....read morehide