2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES review from North America

Yesterday I took my teenage daughter out looking to replace her aging 1995 Camry, and we both test drove the Mitsubishi Lancer, KIA Spectra, and Hyundai Elantra. All three test cars had automatic transmissions and standard engines which delivered comparable acceleration. But the Lancer seemed to strain the most, had very rough shifting through the gears, rode the roughest and noisiest, and had the cheapest feel of the three.

We also looked at (dealers ignored us or didn't offer a test drive) Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, Honda Civic, KIA Rio, Hyundai Accent, and I'm sure many of the untested cars would have performed as well or better than these three low end cars. But for the quality, driving response, warranties, price and incentives differentials our money will likely go to a new KIA Spectra over any other new or used options.