2007 Mitsubishi Lancer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.

Mitsubishi Lancer
Pictured: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE sedan -- 02-04-2012 2. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD De, 4dr Sedan FWD Ez, 4dr Sedan FWD Gts
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
Length
179.9 in
Curb weight
2,921–3,031 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2007 compact car (22.1 MPG).
  • Few owner complaints2 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 93 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2007 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,921 lb (4dr Sedan FWD De).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 18% better than the 2007 compact car average of 22.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2007

  • New body dimensions: 0.8 in shorter, wheelbase +1.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered

Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Lancer →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD De179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in2,921 lb
4dr Sedan FWD Ez179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in2,943 lb
4dr Sedan FWD Gts179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in3,031 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Lancer2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+18%$2,600342
Lancer2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+13%$2,700355
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.1 MPG2007 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2007 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2007 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car)26 MPGNot rated2
2007 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2007 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated7
2007 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated9
2007 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated7
2007 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2007 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (2)

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V334000 · 38,628 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-002.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

2Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Exterior Lighting1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/04: 115/12: 115/0415/12max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Lancer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Lancer30181.9 inNot rated06
2016 Lancer30181.9 inNot rated230
2015 Lancer29180.7 inNot rated226
2014 Lancer28180.7 inNot rated221
2013 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated111
2012 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated219
2011 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated428
2010 Lancer26179.9 inNot rated741
2009 Lancer25179.9 inNot rated764
2008 Lancer24179.9 inNot rated450
2006 Lancer26180.7 inNot rated435
2005 Lancer26180.7 inNot rated317

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →