"How come you guys have two black Lancers?"
Well, actually we don't. The Lancer GTS, the one that looked tough but swung with fists made of Jell-O, has left our garage. After 19,172 miles, it proved to be a pleasant-enough economy car with an ample dose of style and high-tech features for the money. But it sure didn't have an ample dose of power, as its rackety engine lacked anything resembling low-end power. Of course, this is a problem that lasted only one year in the GTS, as Mitsu dumped a bigger 2.4-liter MIVEC four banger in the bay for 2009 -- lower trim levels still get the same slow-poke engine. The final fuel economy tally for the car was an average of 24.09 mpg, which is exactly what the EPA combined number is.
As for the new black Lancer (the one we wanted all along), it's at least a different shade of black -- a metallic color with a brownish tinge to it known as Phantom Black Pearl. So there.
Stay tuned for the full wrap-up of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 19,172 miles
dougtheeng says:
11:00 AM, 07/31/08
Disappointing fuel economy overall, but nevertheless the GTS is a great proposition for many people. I certainly liked mine, and could definitely see myself driving one again. I'm sad to see yours go.
1487 says:
11:39 AM, 07/31/08
The mileage (and lack of brand strength) explains why this car is an also ran in spite of numerous laudable features and unique styling.
billt9 says:
11:41 AM, 07/31/08
24 mpg is so midsized. Nice for Mitsubishi to deliver that without the room or power. . .
johnmarco says:
04:22 PM, 07/31/08
I'm old and confused. Did you get a 2nd Lancer or not?
clarkma5 says:
05:23 PM, 07/31/08
Yes, they did get a second Lancer, but not a base model or GTS. The second Lancer is the Evo X MR that just got introduced.
akilez68 says:
06:16 AM, 01/19/09
I wonder how he drive his 2008 Lancer.
NO POWER? I never have a problem Over Taking 3 cars on Interstate 95 in Boston.
I wonder if he used the 5 gear to over take. I usually used 4th gear. 5ht gear is only used when you want to accelerate not over take.
akilez68 says:
07:04 AM, 01/19/09
Mine 25 and 28 highways. $10.00 for 4 days.
I think the reviewer has a very heavy feet.
The technic of driving new cars nowadays is just to TAP THE GAS PEDAL not Using the Gas Pedal as a foot rest.
If you are FLAT FOOTED the more gas you will use doesn't matter it is a Prius or Lancer.
Heavy feet causes more gas to eat.