The Good
The 2009 Lancer offered a blend of advantages. Performance-oriented drivers appreciated the sporty handling and available powerful engines (especially in the Ralliart and Evo). Practically, it offered good fuel efficiency on base models and a reasonable price point. Its aggressive styling and rally-inspired heritage appealed emotionally, while its reliability and affordability satisfied practical needs.
The Bad
Weaknesses of the 2009 Lancer included a somewhat lackluster interior with hard plastics. The base engine could feel underpowered, especially with the automatic transmission. Reliability issues, particularly with the CVT transmission in some models, were a concern. Watch out for rust, especially in areas with harsh winters. Check for proper maintenance records to avoid costly repairs.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.0L Inline-4 (DE, ES): 148 hp
- 2.0L Inline-4 (GTS): 152 hp
- 2.4L Inline-4 (GTS): 168 hp
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Ralliart): 237 hp
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Evolution): 291 hp
- Horsepower: Ranging from 148 hp to 291 hp depending on the trim.
- Fuel Economy:
- 2.0L: Approximately 22-26 mpg city / 29-34 mpg highway
- 2.4L: Approximately 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
- Ralliart: Approximately 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- Evolution: Approximately 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- DE/ES: ~9-10 seconds
- GTS (2.4L): ~8 seconds
- Ralliart: ~6 seconds
- Evolution: ~5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- DE: Basic features like power windows, locks, and a CD player.
- ES: Adds air conditioning, keyless entry, and upgraded audio.
- GTS: Includes sportier suspension, alloy wheels, fog lights, and a rear spoiler.
- Ralliart: Turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, sport seats, and performance-tuned suspension.
- Evolution: Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, advanced all-wheel drive system, and other performance enhancements.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Lancer |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | MIZUSHIMA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.0L L4 |
| Engine Size | 2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Have?
How long will the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were limited, with standard antilock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) on some trims.
Safety features included front and side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) varied depending on the specific test. Generally, the Lancer performed reasonably well in frontal and side impact tests, but scores may vary across different model years and tests. It's recommended to consult official NHTSA and IIHS websites for specific crash-test data for the 2009 model year.
Overall, the 2009 Lancer focused on basic safety and entertainment features, with limited advanced technology compared to modern vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Prices and Market Value
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Cost of Ownership
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Efficiency
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Rating
NHTSA
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Compare to Other Sedan?
Alternatives to the 2009 Lancer include the Honda Civic, known for its reliability and resale value; the Toyota Corolla, a consistently dependable and fuel-efficient choice; and the Mazda3, which offered a more engaging driving experience than the base Lancer. If performance is a priority, a used Subaru WRX could be considered as an alternative to the Ralliart, offering similar all-wheel-drive performance. The Mazda3 provides a similar driving experience with potentially better reliability in base trims.
Ranks #1808 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1808 | 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer a Good Sedan?
Angel on April 27, 2022
Sexy, handles like a dream, totally worth itWhat can I say about my Mitsubitchy. I love my car. I love everything about her, even when she decides to cost me a few thousand in parts. I own a 2009 2.0 L automatic and all fairness she is high up there in her miles. She’s currently in the shop for new control arms, and new lateral links, new gas tank (along with straps and hardware), new fuel pump (only because they are already changing the tank and it’s wise to do while the tanks off) and 1 of 2 O2 sensors (hopefully the right one or I’m going to have to pay the 290.00 some for the rest one). I have been informed from many lancer owners that this is a common issue with the Lancers.. a check engine light from the O2. I own two lancers and both I have the same issue, corner rusting on the hood, good thing I bought a new one of those too. Also rusting on the very top of the car. Other then that I haven’t really had any issues with her other then basic maintenance and she’s never left me stuck on the side of the road so that’s a huge bonus. Oh and the only finally issue is the heat shield for the Cadillac converter always likes to rust off of them even despite consistent undercoatings and now, they don’t make them anymore for the car. Big sad face on that one as I’m trying to completely restore all the parts on my car to brand new. But honestly, cars cost to maintain, it’s pretty simple, some parts are super cheap, some are more expensive. That goes the same for any vehicle. She’s sexy and sporty, handles like an absolute dream, takes corners like a boss at high speeds… shhh I didn’t say that, and is all around the most amazing car I have ever seen and owned. But don’t just take my word for it, I’m biased, I have loved these cars since I was a child! Take the advice of all these lovely people also saying they rock!
Duke13 on April 17, 2021
I don't know why they stopped making itThis vehicle was fun to drive, good on gas, and extremely reliable. If they continued to make this model I might have bought another instead of the vehicle I just bought.
jscull on December 16, 2019
I love my new carThis is a great car getting to and from where I need to be. My friends enjoy hanging out in it when we go out
Violin GR LIGHTHOUSE on June 29, 2019
Stylish? With too many expensive bug fixes.This car is fun to drive. But due to constant problems it sits in my driveway (looking good) most of the time. Integrated parts make this car expensive to fix. For example, the valve stem on a tire cracked. The stem was integrated into the tire pressure sensor so instead of a $30 US part it was a $100 US part and required a special dealer code to get the computer to recognize the new sensor. The dashboard display froze one Michigan winter making the display unreadable until one of the super hot summer days finally burned out the moisture three years later. The wheel speed sensors are integrated it's the wheel hub making them a $500 part plus three hours of labor to replace. I can understand from a manufacturer's perspective how integrated parts make the assembly cheaper. But from my consumer's perspecti e those parts need to be solid and reliable.
jimmyD on March 24, 2019
Amazing value and excellent dependabilityI purchased this car brand new and for 10 years now other than required maintenance it has performed amazingly well and has been very dependable. Mitsubishi out did themselves with the Lancer, This is the second one I have owned in 20 years.
Cooper1078 on February 3, 2019
Most reliable car I ever own 2009 lancer gtsVery sharp and reliable I got 138000 miles and still runs like new best car I every owned fast sporty and won’t let you down on the side of the road
NewChevGuy on January 11, 2019
Reliable but could be betterThis car is perfect for your daily commute since its cheap on gas. I just struggled during the winters because of it being low and FWD
Driv3nMeNutz on June 10, 2018
Owned for 10 years, most reliable car ever owned!I LOVE this car! When I bought it, I didn't want the 2 additional packages (Navigation / Sun & Sand), as each one added $2500 to the cost of the car...BUT...the dealer wanted to get the car of off the lot so we worked things out. I am SO THANKFUL that we did, as I have never loved a car as much as this. I know it's not an Evo, but let's be practical here. I'm fine with a 2.4L I4 F DOHC 24V engine putting out 168hp b/c it is "quick", keeps me out of trouble, fun to drive, and gets AMAZING mileage. I love being able to put ALL of my CDs into the single disc system and have it automatically convert the them to MP3 format and then copy each CD onto the built-in 40GB hard drive. The sound from the 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch Premium Sound System (9 speakers + 10" dual voice sub) is INSANE. The ability to watch DVD's on the 7" navigation screen is also great for passengers, as is the navigation system and entire computer system itself! The car is easy to drive, comfortable, looks a LOT faster than it is, and has been great to me for 10 years and around 80,000 miles. If you can find a 5-speed Lancer GTS from 2009...jump on it....you will not be disappointed!!!
SteveK on February 2, 2018
Awesome car!!I bought a Lancer GTS brand new in 2009. I drove it to 140,000 miles and it was flawless! It was amazingly reliable and I never had to put a penny into outside of normal maintenance (oil changes/brakes/tires/etc...). This car was so much fun and had great mileage! I would definitely recommend the Lancer GTS!
Camryn Z. on January 10, 2018
Perfect mix of fun and daily drivingGreat car for daily driving or having fun. Its a bit of a pain driving in city streets or traffic. On the highway or windy roads is where its best.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.