2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A quick look at a few significant numbers will tell you a lot about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: 291 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, and...
A quick look at a few significant numbers will tell you a lot about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: 291 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, and 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds. Those numbers add up to raw power and performance. Mix in sports antilock brakes with Brembo calipers, a functional rear spoiler, and Super All-Wheel Control, which regulates torque at each wheel, and you begin to get the picture. Fast, sleek, and sporty, the 2008 Lancer Evolution packs of lot of performance-oriented components into its race-car-inspired design and delivers impressive handling.
The Lancer Evolution's exterior, with its shark-nosed front end, front grille with black mesh, angular high-intensity headlights, and lightweight 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, gives some indication of its sporty nature. Other exterior features, such as the front- and lower-side air-dam extensions, provide functional benefits as well as good looks, while a lightweight aluminum roof panel, hood, front bumper beam, and front fender panels help lower the car's center of gravity, ensuring less body roll and better overall stability and handling.
The Lancer Evolution comes in GSR and MR trims for 2008. At the heart of both trims beats a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, which pumps plenty of horsepower to the drivetrain. In the GSR trim, the engine links to a five-speed manual transmission, while in the MR trim the turbocharged four-cylinder mates to a new six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission, with a manual shift feature and magnesium paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Advanced gear selection technology helps the driver get from gear to gear faster than with a typical manual transmission. In addition, drivers can choose from Normal, Sport, or Super Sport shift modes. With the manual transmission, the GSR manages 16/22 mpg, while the MR achieves slightly improved fuel economy of 17/22.
An exhaust system that disperses heat more rapidly also helps to improve the Lancer Evolution's performance, while the rear location of the exhaust manifold improves the car's weight distribution. Body and suspension features include MacPherson struts in the front, a multi-link-type suspension in the rear, and front and rear stabilizer bars, which help provide better handling and stability.
The car's performance orientation continues to its interior, thanks to such features as race-inspired Recaro seats with integrated side airbags and a high-contrast instrument cluster designed for easy readability. Keyless entry, cruise control, and power windows and door locks also come standard. The MR adds Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free phone calling. Both trims come equipped with a 140-watt six-speaker audio system with a CD player and MP3 connectivity. Drivers can opt for a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system with a 6-CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. Other options include a 30-gigabyte hard-disc-based navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes and a full range of airbags, including side-impact head-protection curtain airbags and a driver's-side knee airbag.
Most owners, including CarGurus owners, give the Lancer Evolution high marks for performance and handling, and many call it the best-performing car in its class. Some even equate the nimbleness of its handling to that of a motorbike's, while others put the Lancer Evolution on the same performance level as the Porsche 911. Drivers also like the car's exterior design and its sound system. However, some would like to see a more upscale interior, while others consider the car pricey. But most agree the car delivers in the performance arena in a big way.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution rave about its exceptional performance and handling, especially its incredible grip and acceleration. They love its powerful turbocharged engine, smooth driving experience, and AWD capabilities. However, some owners note downsides, including high maintenance costs, average fuel economy, and concerns about paint durability."
Performance- Good acceleration from 3500RPM to 4400RPM(torque peak), the 4B11 is a aluminum block that provides good power. Not a high speed car due to the lack of aero-dynamics. Braking is awesome thanks to the large brembo brake system. Handling is by far the best feature of this car. The super all wheel drive/active yaw control is the main feature of this car, it corners like no other. You don't have to be a race driver to drive this car.
April 27, 2009Got to drive two versions, one with the SST system and the other with a 5 spd manual, the SST version was the best by far!
June 15, 2008One of the best grip cars ever. Showdown King
May 31, 2008What owners say
Performance- Good acceleration from 3500RPM to 4400RPM(torque peak), the 4B11 is a aluminum block that provides good power. Not a high speed car due to the lack of aero-dynamics. Braking is awesome thanks to the large brembo brake system. Handling is by far the best feature of this car. The super all wheel drive/active yaw control is the main feature of this car, it corners like no other. You don't have to be a race driver to drive this car.
April 27, 2009Got to drive two versions, one with the SST system and the other with a 5 spd manual, the SST version was the best by far!
June 15, 2008One of the best grip cars ever. Showdown King
May 31, 2008If you enjoy the rally/ race car feel of it with some modern luxuries. The recaro seats are amazing overall interior is not the best but with some after market parts it can be on par with most modern cars. It’s comparable to the Subaru wrx and sti this being a more drivers car while the Subaru can be driven easily for anyone.
June 26, 2021Love everything about it, handles wonderful, has power to spare, easy to drive around town and at speed. Gas mileage could be better but will increase with a tune. No other car for the price range has the speed, features, and technology wrapped up in this attractive of a package. Great in snow and for hauling everyday stuff. Would definitely purchase again and again.
December 23, 2010I love this car and after a few mods with 350 all wheel horsepower... you CAN'T go wrong ;) Every time I get in this car I have a good time, whether it being going on a mountain run or driving to work and back, I love it!
November 7, 2009Performance - Great Acceleration, Braking as Superb, Handling is Superior. Build Quality - Number 1 Build Quality. Appearance - Sporty Inside and Outside. Cost of Ownership - Average Gas Mileage, Average Maintanance. Fun Factor - Nice on the Humps, has great "chick" attraction, great appearance.
September 1, 2009All Wheel Drive in an inline 4 2.0L Turbo 291hp go machine. There isn't much bad about this car. It accelerates like crazy, brakes on a dime and handles difficult corners with ease. This is the machine that lets you feel that nothing can stop you. The only problem I have had is with the Rear Differential going wonky in the extreme cold (-40 Degrees Celsius or -40 Degrees Fahrenheit for you Americans). This car looks mean, and has the front end of a killer. It constantly gets double looks from people as you pass by or stop beside them at a read light. I have found that I mostly find a WRX or two parked beside me when I come out from a store. It's rather strange.
March 2, 2009Performance is best you can get for the money. Best handling and most solid Evo yet. Amazing tunability. If you look at this beast wrong she will gain 15whp. I Plan to keep her as civil as possible for now but in a few years she will turn into a track monster.
July 25, 2008Well I just got an Evo X MR and when I test drove it it was amazingly quick. A few things I like about the car is that the turbo starts to spool at only 3000 RPM so it launches pretty quick. Its appearance it's nice and looks really good. The interior is much better then the Evo IX's because it has more creature comforts like the seats are now very comfortable and they gave it a gentler suspension. The most useful feature of the Evo X MR that I can see so far is the gear box. Now I know must people think automatics suck ass and to be honest 9 times out of 10 I would be forced to agree, but this is that 1 time out of 10 that I am going to go out on a limb and say this gear box is better then the manual.
July 17, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $38,290 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 291 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $32,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 291 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
