2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
Price Estimate:Â $745 - $1,241





+46
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious and nicely appointed interior, smooth power delivery, comfortable ride, spirited acceleration in Ralliart model.
Cons
- Base engine lacks punch, ABS and side airbags not available on all models, small trunk.
What’s new
The Sportback wagon, introduced just last year, has been discontinued for 2005. The LS sedan is also gone. The O-Z Rally receives newly designed O-Z racing wheels, and the ES Convenience package is upgraded with color-keyed mirrors, cruise control and intermittent wipers. The Sun & Sound package is now available on the O-Z Rally.
Edmunds says
A midpack player in base and O-Z Rally trim, the more powerful and fun-to-drive Ralliart model gives the Lancer the boost it needs to compete with the class leaders.
For sale near Tempe, AZ
2 listings
- Photos not available
- 253,175 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Fast Track Auto Sales (780 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Fruitland, ID
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:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AJ26EX5U005740
Stock: TR2002
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-03-2024 - 171,935 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- One-Up Automotive (1,477 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Lebanon, IN
Great running and driving gas saver! ICE cold air/hot heat, tinted windows, great tires (photo), factory radio with CD player, great 1st car! Ready to...
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:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AJ26EX5U002921
Stock: 1035
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-22-2025
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.34 per gallon for regular unleaded in Arizona.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arizona
$154/mo  for Lancer ES
Lancer ES
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(78%)
4(15%)
3(5%)
2(2%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Excellent car for price
4.63 out of 5 starslotte311, 12/28/2012
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my car in 2005 with 12000 miles on it. I am now crossing the150k mark. I have not had any major issues.
I have performed all recommended maitaince.
The only major repair so fair was a LF inner wheel which was done last year at 125K miles.
I am now routinely making 1200 mile round trips to another state and this car powers through the drive.
Pretty good for it's value, not the … prettiest car on the road but if you are looking for good value for your money then this is it.
I still get an average of 25 miles in town.
On my last trip out of state I did 30miles/gallon on highways.
Fun and Pratical
4.63 out of 5 starsJVan, 11/15/2006
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
This car is practical and sporty. The four doors are nice to have, I have no problem taking four friends anywhere. I have had it for two years now and haven't had a single problem yet. Its gas mileage isn't even that bad, with about 24 mpg in the city. It handles pretty well with upgraded tires. I don't like how high the RPM's are at highway speed, 3,000 at about 100km/h.
Great car!
4.88 out of 5 starsjooey, 02/28/2011
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car in 1yr after it came out and it only had 12miles on it. I've had it for 6yrs now and never had a problem with it. (During those 6yrs my spouse went through 2 cars). It is the most reliable car ever. Just keep up with regular maintenance and you should have no problems.
Most reliable I have ever owned
3.25 out of 5 starsAlan, 09/13/2010
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
So here is the deal. I have had a slew of other cars and non of them can match up to the reliability and fuel mileage of this car. I have owned it for about 3 years and I have only had to do the basic maintenance stuff (Brakes, tires etc). I also get 38 MPG at 65 mph on the highway and about 30-32 around town. Not sure why anyone who wants a small car would spend thousands more on a … civic or corolla when this car is just as good or better in some regards.
2005 Lancer Highlights
ES
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,299 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $154/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 RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 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
Related Used 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Toyota Sienna 2021 Review
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2021 Review
- BMW M4 CS 2020 Review
- Audi A5 2020 Review
- Chevrolet Malibu 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Acura ILX 2015 For Sale
- Used Acura ILX 2016
- Used Acura ILX 2018 For Sale
- Used Acura ILX 2019
- Used Acura ILX 2023
- Used Acura Integra 2013
- Used Acura Integra 2021
- Used Acura Legend 2011
- Used Acura Legend 2020
- Used Acura MDX 2010
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Audi RS 6 2025
- Aston V12 Vanquish
- Audi RS 3 2024
- 2025 Audi RS 3 News
- 2025 Volvo V60
- 2026 Hyundai NEXO News
- New FIAT 500e
- 2025 Corolla Hybrid
- 2026 Acura RSX News
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2025
Research other models of
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2025
- New Mitsubishi Mirage
- 2025 Outlander PHEV
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2025
- 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2024
- New Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2024 Mirage G4
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2024
Other models
- Used Jeep Compass in Gainesville, FL 2025
- Used Hyundai Sonata-Plug-In-Hybrid in New Sweden, ME 2019
- New Chevrolet Equinox-Ev for Sale in Lisle, IL
- Used Hyundai XG350 in Bluefield, WV 2005
- Used Hyundai Tucson in Quincy, MA 2025
- Used Infiniti I30 in Turlock, CA 2001
- New Subaru Outback for Sale in Anniston, AL
- Used Lamborghini Huracan-Sto in Laurel, MS 2024
- Used Lexus NX-250 in Lutz, FL 2023
- New Honda HR-V for Sale in Cerritos, CA