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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Rating: 4.41
Based on 24 Owner Reviews
Jovan | March 31, 2025
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan that gained popularity for its sporty styling and affordable price. Part of the Lancer's fourth generation (2007-2017), the 2010 model was available in trims like DE, ES, GTS, and the high-performance Ralliart and Evolution (Evo). Original pricing ranged roughly from $14,000 to $35,000 depending on the trim. It stood out for its sharp looks, available all-wheel drive (on select models), and engaging driving dynamics, appealing to those seeking a fun and practical car.
The Good

The 2010 Lancer offers a blend of sporty design and practicality. Emotionally, its aggressive styling and available performance trims like the Ralliart provide driving enjoyment. Practically, it's affordable, reasonably fuel-efficient (depending on engine), and offers decent passenger space, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking some flair.

The Bad

Potential weaknesses of the 2010 Lancer include a somewhat lackluster interior with hard plastics, especially in lower trims. Some owners have reported issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) in non-Ralliart models. Rust can be a concern in colder climates, so inspect the undercarriage. The base engine can feel underpowered for some drivers.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.0L Inline-4 (DE, ES): 148 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 engine.
  • Fuel Economy:
    • 2.0L: Around 25 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
    • 2.4L: Around 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
    • Ralliart: Around 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
    • Evolution: Around 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
  • 0-60 Times:
    • 2.0L: Around 9 seconds
    • 2.4L: Around 8 seconds
    • Ralliart: Around 6 seconds
    • Evolution: Around 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, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim.
    • GTS: Sportier styling, alloy wheels, sport suspension, and available sunroof.
    • Ralliart: Turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, dual-clutch transmission, and sport seats.
    • Evolution: High-performance engine, advanced all-wheel drive, Brembo brakes, and Recaro seats.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2010
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 2-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

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Safety
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Analysis

What Problems Does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Have?

Frequently reported problems for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer include issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), particularly in the ES and DE trims. Some owners have experienced shuddering, slipping, or complete failure of the CVT, often requiring expensive repairs or replacement. Other common issues include problems with the air conditioning system, particularly the compressor and condenser.
Rust is a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh winters and road salt. Check the undercarriage, wheel wells, and door seams for signs of corrosion. Electrical issues, such as malfunctioning power windows and door locks, have also been reported.
Recalls for the 2010 Lancer have addressed issues such as faulty airbags and potential fuel leakage. It's essential to check the vehicle's VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed. Long-term reliability concerns center around the CVT's longevity, rust prevention, and the durability of certain plastic interior components. The turbocharged engines in the Ralliart and Evolution models require diligent maintenance to prevent issues with turbocharger failure and oil leaks.

How long will the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer last?

With proper maintenance, a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer can realistically reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. However, longevity heavily depends on regular servicing, particularly fluid changes and rust prevention. Models with the CVT require more frequent transmission fluid changes than those with a manual transmission. Weaknesses over time include potential rust issues (especially in northern climates), wear and tear on suspension components, and potential failures of the CVT. The turbocharged engines require careful attention to oil changes and cooling system maintenance to avoid premature wear. Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of this vehicle.
Positive Owner Reviews
Husaberg
This car meet all my needs. Comfortable and stylish. Lot of leg space and large trunk area. Good gas mileage. Easy to maintain. Safe for Pennsylvania winter driving.
Marci
It is the perfect size for and my grandkids when I need to drive them here and there. I love it. It is starting to have problems about 2 times a year. For the last 2 year's but for its age so far not bad. Has 75700 miles on it. Hope it last for a few more years. I am retired. I have MS and live by myself so need to get around to doctor Apts and grocery shopping. Still. I love this car. This is my 3rd Mitsubishi lancer car.
Dandada911
For car lovers this is the car to own ..built for speed one of the best motor built ..the holy grill of cars. ..a plus all the way
Negative Owner Reviews
RALLIART DRIVER
i bought a 2010 mitsubishi lancer ralliart. WORST DECSISION EVER!! I have about 23,000 miles on it now and for a little over a year and it has been nothing but trouble since day 1. It started with a burning smell within the first week witch turned out to be a transfer case leak, up to transmission leaks, 5 bad radio's and so forth. If your in the market for this type of sports car, go with subaru.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer offered a relatively basic level of technology and features for its time. Standard tech on lower trims (DE, ES) included a CD player with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary input. Higher trims (GTS, Ralliart, Evolution) added features like a Rockford Fosgate sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation system.
Driver-assistance features were limited; stability control and anti-lock brakes were standard. More advanced driver-assistance technologies like blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warning were not available.
Safety features included front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags.
Optional features included a sunroof, upgraded audio system, and alloy wheels.
Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) varied. The IIHS gave the 2010 Lancer a "Good" rating in frontal offset and side impact tests. NHTSA ratings were generally positive, with overall scores of four or five stars, depending on the specific test. It's worth noting that ratings can vary based on the specific configuration and testing methodologies.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Apex Silver Metallic
Black Mica
Cool Silver Metallic
Graphite Gray Pearl
Laguna Blue Pearl
Rally Red Metallic
Tarmac Black Metallic
White Solid
Oceanic Blue Metallic
Stone Gray Metallic
Phantom Black Pearl
Lightning Blue
Mercury Gray
Labrador Black Pearl
Octane Blue Pearl
Interior Colors
Black Fabric
Gray Fabric
Beige Fabric
Dark Gray
Black Leather

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ranged from approximately $14,000 for the base DE trim to around $35,000 for the Evolution model. On the used market, prices vary considerably based on condition, mileage, and trim level. Expect to find examples ranging from $4,000 to $15,000 or more, with the Evolution models commanding the highest prices due to their performance and collectibility.
The Lancer has depreciated significantly over time, typical for vehicles in this class. Factors affecting resale value include the car's condition, maintenance history, mileage, and trim level. Ralliart and Evolution models hold their value better due to their performance capabilities and enthusiast appeal. A clean title and documented service history are crucial for maximizing resale value.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Cost of Ownership

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer generally falls into the economical category for ownership costs, *except* for the Ralliart and Evolution models. Insurance costs are typically moderate. Fuel costs vary depending on the engine, with the base 2.0L being the most efficient. Maintenance costs are average, but potential CVT issues (in non-Ralliart models) and rust repairs can increase expenses. Ralliart and Evolution models command higher insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs due to their performance components and complexity. Repair costs can be higher for these trims.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage -
Highway Mileage -

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Side Overall Star Rating Not Tested
Overall Rollover Star Rating
Combined Front Seat Rating Not Tested
Combined Rear Seat Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Side Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Insurance

Insurance for a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Compare to Other Sedan?

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer competes with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Subaru Impreza. In terms of performance, the Lancer (especially the Ralliart and Evolution) offers a sportier driving experience than the Civic and Corolla, but the Mazda3 provides similar agility. The Subaru Impreza offers standard all-wheel drive, a feature only available on the Lancer Ralliart and Evolution.
Regarding features, the Civic and Corolla often offer more advanced technology and interior refinement compared to the base Lancer trims. Reliability is a mixed bag; the Corolla and Civic are generally considered more reliable than the Lancer, especially concerning CVT issues. The Mazda3 provides a good balance of reliability and driving enjoyment.
In terms of price, the Lancer is often more affordable than the Civic and Corolla on the used market.
Alternatives to consider include the Mazda3 for its sporty handling and reliability, the Subaru Impreza for its standard all-wheel drive, and the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla for their proven reliability and fuel efficiency. For enthusiasts specifically seeking the performance of the Ralliart or Evolution, there are fewer direct competitors, though a WRX STI could be considered.

Ranks #1599 SUV

Final Verdict: Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer a Good Sedan?

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking sporty styling and an engaging driving experience. It's worth buying *used* if found in good condition with a well-documented maintenance history. Avoid models with excessive rust, and carefully inspect the CVT in non-Ralliart trims. The GTS trim offers a good balance of features and performance without the high running costs of the Ralliart or Evolution. Enthusiasts may find the Ralliart or Evolution tempting, but should be prepared for higher maintenance and repair expenses. Ultimately, a thorough inspection and test drive are essential before purchasing any used 2010 Lancer.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Owner Reviews

4.41
Consumer Rating, Based on 24 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Husaberg on October 20, 2020

Very reliable. Low maintenance car.

This car meet all my needs. Comfortable and stylish. Lot of leg space and large trunk area. Good gas mileage. Easy to maintain. Safe for Pennsylvania winter driving.

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Marci on May 17, 2020

Great car. It is slowly having problems for this y

It is the perfect size for and my grandkids when I need to drive them here and there. I love it. It is starting to have problems about 2 times a year. For the last 2 year's but for its age so far not bad. Has 75700 miles on it. Hope it last for a few more years. I am retired. I have MS and live by myself so need to get around to doctor Apts and grocery shopping. Still. I love this car. This is my 3rd Mitsubishi lancer car.

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Misu187 on June 11, 2019

I had over 200,000 miles on it.

The Lancer was a great value and very stylish. Even 9 years later it still looked great. To bad Mitsubishi decided to only have SUVs and the Mirage. Would have definitely purchased another one. :'(

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Dandada911 on May 9, 2019

The car to own

For car lovers this is the car to own ..built for speed one of the best motor built ..the holy grill of cars. ..a plus all the way

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Taigagato on March 28, 2019

Drive it gently

Bought our 2010 ES as a demo with 9k km on it. Worked very nicely for the first few years. Love the handling, good acceleration with two people in the car (poor thing can't move quickly with four adults though). Very comfortable back seat and spacious trunk. Six years in, she needed a new battery (no biggie), then in 2017 the ABS system went berserk... quite dramatic, black smoke coming from the front tires while driving kids to school - ground to a complete, unmovable stop. Cost a pretty penny to fix her up... and was advised by the mechanic that we needed a whole new catalytic converter... looking for a way to do this without spending more on the car than what it's worth... and hoping she holds on for a few more kms. Radio is shot completely, keys don't work remotely anymore, and AC is gone (not fun in the summer!) She's at almost 160kms now (100k miles). I need two more years out of her!

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MC Carranza on July 17, 2018

Great car!

Great car for all my needs. 4 cylinder economical with a little push when i need it. Great leg room from and back and im big. 4 door convenience. Great appearance. Great sound! Easy use dash.

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MKovacs29 on June 9, 2018

Evolution

Fun sporty, all wheel drive, four door car that handles corners very well. Never gave me one issue. Mild bolt on performance modifactions increase the enjoyment of the vehicle.

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AK on May 5, 2018

Mitsubishi is Better than costly honda and toyota

I am going to have Mitsubishi for life. More space. Better drive and control. More comfort. More style. More convenience with keyless entry and start. Best value for money. Check it for yourself and you will know.

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takenfaded on April 16, 2018

260,000 miles and still runs like new

I love it dont want to change models ever again. lancers from now on for me. with regular maintaince i should make it to 500,000 easily.

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Tadpole on December 7, 2017

A great grocery getter.

I enjoyed this car a ton. Not a lot of power in the petal, but it will get where you need with a decent amount of comfort. Drive is a little loud with road sounds, but engine isn?t overbearing. Reliable until I ran into an ABS issue. Sounds like a computer malfunction that is common in this year and model. Beware of this.

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Jovan

Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.