2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
Price Estimate: $632 - $1,051





+46
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious and nicely appointed interior, smooth power delivery, comfortable ride, spirited acceleration in Ralliart model.
Cons
- Base engine lacks punch, ABS and side airbags not available on all models, small trunk.
What’s new
The Sportback wagon, introduced just last year, has been discontinued for 2005. The LS sedan is also gone. The O-Z Rally receives newly designed O-Z racing wheels, and the ES Convenience package is upgraded with color-keyed mirrors, cruise control and intermittent wipers. The Sun & Sound package is now available on the O-Z Rally.
Edmunds says
A midpack player in base and O-Z Rally trim, the more powerful and fun-to-drive Ralliart model gives the Lancer the boost it needs to compete with the class leaders.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
3 listings
- 160,539 miles
- 1 accident, 5 owners, personal use
- 22 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Mike Castrucci Chevrolet (364 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Milford, OH
Electric Blue Metallic 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES FWD 4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive 2.0L 4-Cylinder SOHC 16V Lancer ES, 4D Sedan, 2.0L 4-Cylinder SO...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AJ26EX5U014647
Stock: C184003
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-28-2025- 84,540 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 22 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- D & D Auto Sales (2,260 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Whittier, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AJ26E45U051399
Stock: N2508
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$144/mo for Lancer ES
Lancer ES
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Mitsubishi Lancer Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Excellent car for price
4.63 out of 5 starslotte311, 12/28/2012
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my car in 2005 with 12000 miles on it. I am now crossing the150k mark. I have not had any major issues.
I have performed all recommended maitaince.
The only major repair so fair was a LF inner wheel which was done last year at 125K miles.
I am now routinely making 1200 mile round trips to another state and this car powers through the drive.
Pretty good for it's value, not the … prettiest car on the road but if you are looking for good value for your money then this is it.
I still get an average of 25 miles in town.
On my last trip out of state I did 30miles/gallon on highways.
Fun and Pratical
4.63 out of 5 starsJVan, 11/15/2006
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
This car is practical and sporty. The four doors are nice to have, I have no problem taking four friends anywhere. I have had it for two years now and haven't had a single problem yet. Its gas mileage isn't even that bad, with about 24 mpg in the city. It handles pretty well with upgraded tires. I don't like how high the RPM's are at highway speed, 3,000 at about 100km/h.
Great car!
4.88 out of 5 starsjooey, 02/28/2011
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car in 1yr after it came out and it only had 12miles on it. I've had it for 6yrs now and never had a problem with it. (During those 6yrs my spouse went through 2 cars). It is the most reliable car ever. Just keep up with regular maintenance and you should have no problems.
Most reliable I have ever owned
3.25 out of 5 starsAlan, 09/13/2010
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
So here is the deal. I have had a slew of other cars and non of them can match up to the reliability and fuel mileage of this car. I have owned it for about 3 years and I have only had to do the basic maintenance stuff (Brakes, tires etc). I also get 38 MPG at 65 mph on the highway and about 30-32 around town. Not sure why anyone who wants a small car would spend thousands more on a … civic or corolla when this car is just as good or better in some regards.
2005 Lancer Highlights
ES
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,299 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $144/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 RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 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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