2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious and nicely appointed interior, smooth power delivery, comfortable ride, spirited acceleration in Ralliart model.
Cons
- Weak acceleration on ES, SE and O-Z Rally models, small trunk.
What’s new
All 2006 Mitsubishi Lancers receive new front fascias, daytime running lamps, a front-seat occupant sensor for airbag deployment and new seat fabrics for 2006. The ES model gets new wheel covers and a rear stabilizer bar, while the Ralliart now features standard side-impact airbags. Antilock brakes become optional for the ES and O-Z Rally. Late in the model year, a new trim level -- the SE -- debuts. It slots between the ES and O-Z Rally.
Edmunds says
Although the Lancer ES, SE and O-Z Rally models are underpowered, the more powerful Ralliart is worth a look if you're shopping for a fun-to-drive economy sedan with an inviting cabin.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$171/mo for Lancer ES
Lancer ES
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the aged Mirage sedan, the Mitsubishi Lancer came to market boasting upscale style and more rear-seat room than most of its rivals. Apart from that, there was really nothing that separated the Mitsubishi Lancer from the Civics, Corollas, Sentras and Elantras slugging it out in the economy sedan arena, especially since the only engine choice was a weak 120-horsepower four-cylinder. An effort was made (and still is today) to market the O-Z Rally as a sporty sedan, but with just the base engine, it remains all-show and no-go. For 2004, continuing its quest for young, active buyers, Mitsubishi introduced a new compact wagon known as the Sportback and brought out more powerful Ralliart versions of both the sedan and the wagon. For 2005, Mitsubishi discontinued the Sportback wagons, leaving only the sedans once again. The lone remaining Ralliart sedan model still offers 162 horsepower, quite a boost over the base 120.
Ralliart is Mitsubishi's international performance brand, engineered by the same people who worked on Mitsubishi's high-performance Lancer Evolution sedan. Mitsubishi uses the Ralliart sedan to grab a little market share in the econosport sedan and hatchback group. In service of this mission, the Lancer Ralliart has a sport-tuned suspension for tighter handling in the turns.
Despite their well-appointed interiors and smooth ride quality, the base, SE and O-Z Rally models handle a little too sloppily for our taste, and their lack of power doesn't help matters. The Lancer Ralliart, with its more potent motor, better suspension and standard safety features, is a much better choice. These aspects, combined with an attractive interior, make the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer a pretty compelling small sedan.
Performance & mpg
The ES, SE and O-Z Rally sedans are powered by a 120-horsepower, 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder. The Ralliart sedan upgrades to a 2.4-liter engine tuned to produce 162 hp and 162 pound-feet of. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models, with a four-speed automatic available as an option.
Safety
Antilock brakes and side airbags are standard on the Ralliart models, and optional on the ES, SE and O-Z Rally. In NHTSA crash testing, the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer scored five (out of five) stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact tests, the Lancer received a subpar two-star rating for front-occupant protection (without side airbags) and four stars for rear-occupant protection. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Lancer received a "Good" rating (the highest possible). In IIHS side-impact testing, a Lancer without side airbags received a "Poor" rating (the lowest).
Driving
Like its Galant sibling, the smooth-riding Mitsubishi Lancer does a fine job of isolating passengers from nasty jolts on the roadway. Base models provide adequate power around town, but highway travel will make you wish you had more than 120 hp. With 162 horses to go around, the Ralliart model is much more enjoyable, especially when equipped with the slick-shifting five-speed manual. Although standard Lancers offer modest handling capability, the sport-tuned Ralliart model has sharper reflexes and is fun to drive.
Interior
The Lancer's interior is surprisingly stylish and constructed with quality materials. This car also has one of the roomiest cabins in its class. Rear-seat legroom, at 36.6 inches, comes close to what many midsize sedans offer. Ralliart models provide an all-black interior with carbonlike accents and sport bucket front seats.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer models
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer sedan is available in four trim levels: ES, SE, O-Z Rally and Ralliart. ES sedans come with items like 15-inch wheels; air-conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; a tilt steering wheel; a height-adjustable driver seat; and a CD player. The SE adds alloy wheels, chrome door handles (inside and out), Alcantara seating, power sunroof, cruise control, keyless entry, intermittent wipers and six-speaker audio. The O-Z Rally trim adds O-Z Rally alloy wheels, ground effects, white-faced gauges, cruise control, a split-folding rear seat, keyless entry, unique interior trim and embroidered floor mats. Top-of-the-line Ralliart models add foglamps, lower body kit moldings, 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and sport seats. The ES can be had with most of the O-Z's additional equipment through a convenience package, and O-Z Rally and Ralliart buyers can further upgrade with the Sun and Sound package, which provides a power sunroof and a 315-watt Infinity stereo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer.
5 star(88%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
2006 Lancer
Bagsy1, 03/16/2007
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I recently was t-boned on the drivers side. The Lancer was totaled but I walked away. I am completely satisfied with the saftey and reliablity of the car.
5 out of 5 stars
Good Reliable gas saving car.
Shone Joseph, 01/28/2020
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer used few months ago with 145K miles on it. The only reason why I got this car was because the engine and the transmission was still in good condition. This car is really reliable and is a good gas saving car too. I had a 2006 toyota Camry earlier and when compared to mitsubishi lancer I didn't knew mitsubishi was as reliable as a toyota. I would … definitely reccomend this car to anyone. Before I got this car I went ahead and test drove a 2005 hyundai elantra and man that car had only like 100k miles and the automatic transmission already started slipping. Man thank god I didn't take the hyundai. I am glad that I was able to get mitsubishi lancer instead of the hyundai elantra. Japanese car's are really reliable , gas saving and also there cheap to fix too incase something goes wrong. Even their parts are cheaper too. I do my own oil change so I Make sure to Put good quality oil and oil filter too. I personally use Mobil 1 since it's recommended for American and Japanese cars. I also change the automatic transmission fluid every 50k miles for my mitsubishi lancer. As long as I follow strict scheduled maintenance service for my car I believe that it can last as long as above 300k.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my Lancer 3
Tim, 10/27/2010
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
As of October 2010 with over 55,000 miles still loving my 2006 Lancer SE. I had to get new tires at 50,000 miles and the brakes are about due for service (at 58,000 miles!!). I used to tell people my 1993 Honda Civic was the best car I ever owned, but I think my Lancer has beat it. Nothing but regular maintenance after 55,000 miles and 4 years, incredible!
5 out of 5 stars
A Fun car to drive
wranglerman59, 02/22/2012
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Purchased new in Sept. 06, after shopping all the others, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc...
we picked the Lancer.
There is plenty of room for the driver, I'm 6'4".
Will carry 4 adults and luggage.
Handles great, good performance, for a 4 dr sedan.
Very comfortable for short or long drives (took a 7 day 4k mile trip) gets 25-30 mpg around town and 29-36 hwy. have over 98k miles and still runs … great, with only oil changes, tires and timing belt replaced, still has factory brakes!
one of the best if not the best car I have every owned/driven (have owned 36 cars/trucks)
2006 Lancer Highlights
ES
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,599 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $171/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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