Just over 1500 miles on my second one. (My wife has an ES.) I consistantly get 30+ mixed hwy/city mileage. Sport package has nice extras such as the leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, and body moldings. It looks superb and turns heads. The stock stereo is great, RCA inputs are easy to access. The response when you hit the gas is quick. Breaking is quick as well. The price is great, especially when comparing it to other cars in its class.
Cons:
My wife's seems to get paint chips easily. (No problem with mine yet, so mabye it is just the color or bad luck on hers.)
Overall Review:
This car is not a cruiser. It is a sport sedan. The suspension is meant to be crisp, and you are supposed to be able to feel the road. If you want something "cushy" by a Cadillac, if you want something fun and sporty then pick up one of these.
Handling excellent, plenty of power. Fit and finish flawless. Crash test ratings good and plenty of airbags.
Cons:
Beware gas mileage, or should I say lack of. City driving gets about 18 mpg and highway about 22. Not what I was expecting from a 4 cylinder small car. Wife's 2008 Pontiac G6, a heavier car with a V6 gets better gas mileage. Last time on Interstate I kept it well under 70 to see if mileage would improve. 22.5. No luck. No jack rabbit starts and trying to drive conservatively to get some decent mileage.
Lots of tire noise at speed. Not sure if tires or the car itself. As others have noted the engine is whiny at speed.
Be prepared to invest in seat covers, factory material is showing wear at two months.
Overall Review:
Can not recommend car. Fun to drive but this was bought as a second car, principally for economy. Lousy gas mileage for a four cylinder makes me regret purchase. Traded in a 1992 Cherokee with 4.0 liter 6 cylinder as part of cash for clunkers. With 180,000 miles its gas mileage was only slightly worse than the new Lancer.
The factory stereo sounds better than I expected, and the styling has turned more than a few heads! I was impressed at how much I got for my money (6-CD changer, proximity key, 4-wheel disc brakes, 7 airbags, Bluetooth, spoiler and ground effects, etc. all for under $20K). The CVT will take some getting used to if you're coming from a regular transmission, but once you're used to it, performance is as responsive and energetic as any competitor's. I also like the informative digital display which includes mpg, 2 trip meters, miles remaining on the tank of gas, etc. Also, because this car isn't very commonplace (yet), it looks especially distinctive on the road.
Cons:
The driver's seat lacks lumbar support, so for long trips I recommend a cushion or cover. The passenger has a vanity mirror but the driver doesn't. The only options I miss sometimes are power seats and an mp3 player jack (the sound system CAN play mp3's that are stored on CD though).
Overall Review:
The Lancer deserves a thorough look if you're in the market for a Civic, Corolla, or similar vehicle! Get the Sun & Sound package. (Bonus: The owner's manual has hilarious anime-style illustrations!)
