2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engines in GTS and Ralliart
- confident handling
- high-tech equipment
- edgy styling.
Cons
- Power-sapping CVT
- weak, noisy base engine
- poor interior materials
- no telescoping steering wheel
- high price of Ralliart.
What’s new
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer adds electric-assist power steering and brake regeneration to its base engine models, increasing fuel economy. Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system also debuts while standard features and optional packages see a minor reorganization. Also, the base model replaces the former rear disc brakes with drum brakes.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer represents a sporty alternative to economy sedans, yet doesn't deliver when it comes to refinement or fuel economy.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer DE 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 $3.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
$169/mo for Lancer DE
Lancer DE
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Are you bored of humdrum economy sedans? Are you looking for a little excitement without breaking the bank? The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer could be a remedy worth checking out. When used as directed, the Lancer can elevate your heart rate and generally enhance your mood. But it's not without a few side effects.
The Lancer is offered in three varying doses, from the commonplace DE and ES base trim levels to the more potent GTS and prescription-strength Ralliart. Depending on the seriousness of your ailment, there seems to be a Lancer for every taste. Its sharp exterior styling and lively performance (in higher trim levels) are sure to have you back to your old self in no time.
The downsides, though, could give you second thoughts. The base 2.0-liter engine lacks power and, if combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), leads to rather anemic acceleration. Stepping up to the more powerful GTS and Ralliart engines helps immensely, but an increased appetite for fuel also results. The Lancer also has a rather plain interior design and subpar interior materials.
Fortunately for the Lancer, Mitsubishi has tinkered with the 2011 formula to eliminate some of the side effects that plagued previous versions. The addition of electric-assist power steering and brake regeneration serve to increase fuel economy for the base models while the optional Fuse voice-activation feature reduces frustration when controlling phone, navigation and entertainment functions.
The Lancer isn't the only antidote for the economy sedan doldrums; the 2011 Mazda 3 and 2011 Subaru Impreza deliver similarly effective results. Both competitors are also available in varying potencies in the form of the Mazdaspeed 3 and Impreza WRX. The Impreza provides a bit more enticement with all-wheel drive for all models, while the Mazda 3 scores points with its more attractive interior. You could also check out the Kia Forte, which presents a better value proposition. In the final analysis, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is a worthy habit-forming cure to the econo-sedan blahs, but we recommend trying out the alternatives first.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer DE and ES are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In California-emissions states, this engine earns Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification but it's also down on power a bit with 143 hp and 143 lb-ft of torque. The Lancer GTS upgrades to a 2.4-liter four that makes 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard for both engines, and a CVT is optional on the ES and GTS. The GTS also includes a CVT manual mode with simulated gear ratios operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel. The Ralliart features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that thumps out 237 hp and 253 lb-ft. Power is sent to all four wheels through an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles.
In Edmunds testing, a GTS with a manual transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is quick for this class. The combination of the base engine and five-speed delivers a time of 8.8 seconds to 60 mph, while the CVT can muster only a performance of 9.1 seconds. The Ralliart dispatches the 0-60 dash in a sizzling 5.8 seconds.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0-liter achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the automatic transmission, an average rating for this class of car. The 2.4-liter gets 23 city/30 highway and 26 combined with the automatic. The manual transmission delivers nearly identical fuel efficiency. The high-performance Ralliart has notably poorer fuel efficiency, with a rating of 17/25/20.
Safety
The Mitsubishi Lancer comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Antilock brakes and stability control are standard across the board, but four-wheel disc brakes are standard only on the GTS and Ralliart. The DE and ES trims get by with rear drum brakes. In recent Edmunds brake testing, a Lancer GTS stopped from 60 mph in a scant 115 feet.
In government crash testing, the Lancer received a five-star rating for driver frontal crash protection and front-seat side crash protection. It earned four stars for passenger frontal crash protection and for rear-seat side protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests, the Lancer achieved the best rating of "Good."
Driving
With a decent amount of comfort and a quiet cabin, a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer equipped with the base 2.0-liter engine is fine for the daily commute. Unfortunately, this engine seems to also generate more noise than horsepower, especially when saddled with the CVT. For those seeking a bit more excitement on a budget, the GTS is a better alternative thanks to more low-end engine power and a suspension that responds better to spirited driving.
The Ralliart bridges the gap to the high-performance Lancer Evolution model with turbocharged power, sharp handling and rapid-fire gearchanges from the dual-clutch transmission. Mechanically, the Ralliart provides plenty of thrills in the curves, but in our testing we've found its tires to be a bit too economy-minded considering the car's strong performance potential.
Interior
While the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer's chiseled exterior lends an air of aggression, its interior design and materials tend to drag down the vehicle's overall appeal. On the whole, the cabin design is uninspiring and rife with hard plastic elements. Taller drivers will likely bemoan the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and the lack of under-thigh support. On the other hand, the rear seats are quite comfortable, with a generous amount of legroom. These 60/40-split seats fold flat to accommodate bulky items, which is advantageous considering the Lancer's rather small 11.6-cubic-foot trunk.
One item of contention from last year, the operation of the touchscreen navigation unit, looks to be remedied by Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activation system. Much like Ford's Sync system, selecting a destination or your favorite music is only a voice command away. The Mitsubishi system lacks some of the Sync's functions and commands, but we still prefer it to the tricky touchscreen layout in any case.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer models
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan available in DE, ES, GTS and Ralliart trim levels (the Lancer Evolution is reviewed separately).
The base DE comes with 16-inch steel wheels, rocker-sill bodywork extensions, a tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories, a trip computer and a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo. The ES comes with all the aforementioned items and adds air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, upgraded upholstery, a 60/40-split rear seat with a center armrest, manual driver-seat height adjustment, steering-wheel audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack for the stereo.
The GTS gains a more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, sport bucket front seats with upgraded fabric, the Fuse voice-activation system, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port. The Ralliart ups the performance ante with a turbocharged engine, an automated dual-clutch manual transmission (with shift paddles) and all-wheel drive. Also included is satellite radio.
Many features listed are also available on lower trim cars as stand-alone options or as part of bundled packages. The Alloy Wheel package adds 16-inch alloy wheels to the ES trim along with rear disc brakes (instead of drums) and a rear stabilizer bar. Several cosmetic and aerodynamic enhancement options are also available for the DE and ES trims.
A Touring package is available for GTS and Ralliart trims and features xenon headlights, a sunroof, a smaller rear spoiler, rain-sensing wipers, leather seats and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. Also optional on all but the DE trim is a navigation system that features a 30GB hard drive capable of storing digital music files.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#18 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer from 2008-2022.$402/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.83x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.8%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
5 star(46%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Sleeper
venster, 08/01/2012
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
CVT takes some time to get used to.
Has its quirks but helps with the mpg.
I bought the car for an economical commuter which it does beautifully.
Averaging 35mpg on my commute-80%highway.
Interior is decent-alot of plastic but mitsubishi pulls it off.
Exterior styling is nice.
Handles well.
It's not a BMW, nor does it cost as much.
4 out of 5 stars
7 years
Brittany, 12/11/2018
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
The 2011 Lancer is the first car I owned and I still have it to this day! Has about 115,000 and has never gave me any major problems (been in 2 car accidents). After reaching 100,000 I noticed I was needing maintenance such as oxygen sensor went out and struts were getting bad but that's it. I drive this car on a daily basis and its great on gas and handles really well on my commute to … work. I love this car! It was been good to me and I wish I can keep it forever. *NOTE the transmission is very different compared to other cars.When friends or family members drive my car they find the transmission odd due to CVT, but that is something I have gotten use to over the years. Also, beware when changing the transmission oil! I had my transmission oil changed at a local mechanic and it started to over heat. I took it to the dealership and the switched it out (cost about 130.00) and everything went back to normal. I highly recommend you have the transmission changed at the dealer or buy he transmission oil from the dealer and change it yourself speaking from experience.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Pros and Cons
jacks74, 03/17/2013
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
This was my first brand new car. A couple months into purchasing it, I had an issue starting it. I took it in and they said that it was a computer glitch with my line of car and that they couldn't fix and to press on the gas to start it when it happens. Currently battling the dealership with that but looking at others comments, it seems it'll likely always do this. Other than that I love … it. I would be more satisfied if the dealership could fix the starting issue. I wish I would have purchased it used because the used price of the car would definitely be worth it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Incredibly reliable, a blast to drive!
jazket, 02/02/2010
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I bought a Lancer Ralliart in February 2009 and I now have 20,000 miles on it. I just can't stop driving it. It's impressive for 26,000 I paid I got A LOT of car. I rather drive my Ralliart than my brother's Benz C300 (unless I'm on a road trip of course) it's incredibly fun. Mitsubishi is really overlooked as a brand, and this car should be on your list when searching for a sporty … sedan, it took last year's IntelliChoce for Best Overall Sport Sedan under $35,000, and well deserved! If you're into modding you won't be let down unless you really want to go big which is where the marvelous TC-SST fails, it's still in its early stages and it won't hold more than 300wlbs-torque!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, so we've included reviews for other years of the Lancer since its last redesign.
2011 Lancer Highlights
DE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,295 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $169/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Lancer include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover12.1%
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 – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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