2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
Price Estimate: $1,487 - $2,469





+48
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.
For sale near Manor, TX
3 listings
- 86,285 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 22 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- Community Auto Sales (1,006 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Gastonia, NC
***86K ORIGINAL MILES***4CYLINDER***A/C***RUNS GREAT***7**-4**-2*****
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AJ26E16U061129
Stock: 061129
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-09-2025- 76,822 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 22 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- Florida Direct Cars (1,068 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Stuart, FL
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AJ26E06U061087
Stock: 648
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-12-2025
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.
Compare 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$131/mo for Lancer ES
Lancer ES
vs
$145/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
8 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 18V220000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-18-005
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-08-04 to 2006-08-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 17120
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.
- Recall Number:
- 17V569000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-17-004
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-08-04 to 2006-09-01
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 66001
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-17-001. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-321.
- Recall Number:
- 16V458000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-16-003
- Manufactured from:
- 2006-09-08 to 2013-03-11
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 174382
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Mitsubishi issued an interim notification to owners on August 19, 2016. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
- Recall Number:
- 16V334000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-16-002
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-06-29 to 2007-06-19
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 38628
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-002.
- Recall Number:
- 15V321000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-14-012
- Manufactured from:
- 2003-08-04 to 2006-08-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 82784
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles manufactured August 4, 2003, to August 28, 2006, Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to September 1, 2006, and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles, manufactured August 4, 2003, to January 23, 2004. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger+s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-012. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V752 in its entirety.
- Recall Number:
- 09E025000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 42540
- Defect Description:
- DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Defect Consequence:
- DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Recall Number:
- 06E064000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4029
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Defect Consequence:
- LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
- Recall Number:
- 06E023000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 292000
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Defect Consequence:
- WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
Mitsubishi Lancer Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2006 Lancer
4.88 out of 5 starsBagsy1, 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.
Good Reliable gas saving car.
5 out of 5 starsShone 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.
A Fun car to drive
5 out of 5 starswranglerman59, 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)
Love my Lancer 3
5 out of 5 starsTim, 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!
2006 Lancer Highlights
ES
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,599 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $131/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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