2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 7 FQ300

Summary:

The closest thing to a super car without supercar prices

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

I got a red one (wanted red as most are either black or silver + red is the color that Mitsubishi rally in). Get lots of respect from people (& not just other road users either). Have had a number of conversations with people about the car. I have read that some drivers have had bad reponses from other drivers, but I haven't noticed this any more than with my last car (Honda Integra Type-R)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2004

23rd Jun 2004, 03:47

Only a 7/10 for performance mate... I always knew they were sluggish!

21st May 2007, 07:34

What do you prefer the integra or the evo? I'm thinking of getting an integra.

22nd May 2007, 03:43

What do you mean by bad responses from other drivers? You'd expect people wanting to race you more often than if you had, say a ford focus. But what do you mean, people getting angry with you? being rude? Not letting you in? (STI owner)

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 2.0 turbo 16v petrol

Summary:

Recalibrates your senses!

Faults:

No faults whatsoever.

General Comments:

The most capable real road car money can buy? Perhaps. Certainly for the money, nothing will touch one of these.

280 bhp turbo engine is a peach with very little lag and a fantastic growl. This car goes like absolute stink - 60 in around 4.5 seconds and is capable of an indicated 150 with a small amount in reserve.

Handling is silly. Turn the wheel, it goes round. Everyone's seen Tiff Needell drive these on telly and seen the ridiculous powerslides the car can do, but the speeds you need to be doing are nigh on impossible on public roads. In the real world, your brain is the limiting factor, and the car will string a good B-road twisty sequence together as quickly as you can point the nose in the required direction.

I bought one of the original Escort Cosworths in 1992 and planned on replacing it with an Impreza WRX, but was very disappointed with the Scooby in relation to the Escort. In fact, apart from the engine, it was inferior in every way. Not so the Evo - a real step forward as you might expect from 10 years extra development. Far sweeter engine, more "chuckable", meaty steering, top brakes. The higher limits mean you can't slide it around so easily, but what the hell?! It's an awesome bit of kit. Looks cheesy, but then so did the Cossie.

Like the Cossie, I will keep this car until I find something better for similar money. I wouldn't mind betting it will be another 10 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2003

9th Dec 2004, 08:20

I am lucky enough to own an FQ300 Evolution VII. The car is mental in every way and I still (2 years on) have an grin from ear to ear, every time I drive it.

If you can keep up with the heavy financial burden of 4500 mile service interval, and single figures MPG when you boot it, I truly believe that the Evolution is about the best performance you can have in a "practical" every day car.

I love mine, and will treasure it forever.

I did consider a Subaru, but sorry to say they are far too common on UK roads. The Evolution is rare enough to attract admiring glances and the odd wave, every time I go out in it.

17th Nov 2006, 09:08

OK, I live in Cyprus I'm nearly 19 and I'm in-love...

Every time me or my friends see an evo, we all shut up in respect and admiration, I have not been in one, but I've been in my girlfriends dad's scooby, that was scary and nearly wet myself! I'm wondering if the evo7-8-9 could beat it (i know it can its just hard imagining a car that fast ;P)

7th Dec 2008, 05:16

It depends on the Evo and the Impreza. A low spec Evo Vs a top spec Impreza isn't going to be the same as the 220bhp WRX Vs the 360bhp FQ.

28th Dec 2008, 16:35

Look I think the guy means a comparison with the standard spec models i.e Evo GSR vs WRX STi, WR1 vs FQ 330, 340.

All in all, the Evo would be the car to beat.