Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Review

Road rally racing is not a much appreciated sport in the U.S., but in Europe and other parts of the world it's quite a different affair. In fact, winning that Championship is a prime target for manufacturers, as it will help sales.

The other by-product of competition is technological innovation. A few years after these developments take place, consumers are able to benefit from this racing experience and drive better cars and certainly more fun ones, as in the case of the Evo. The famous Monte Carlo Rally featured Minis, Porsches, Alpine Renaults and Lancias. Later, the invincible Audi Quattros, R5 Turbos and hyper-developed Peugeots came onto the circuit. These days, the Championship is dominated by Subarus, Peugeots, Fords, Citroens and Mitsubishis. Hence the Evolution VIII.

True, it's not a car for everyone but a car everyone should test-drive. It's an outstanding value for the performance package it offers, but there are no extras luxuries here. And if you drive the car the way you are supposed to [and don't get in trouble with the law] it might not be the most quiet and comfortable ride out there. You could easily test any high performance—and high priced—sports car at the traffic light and give them a pretty good run. Not only is the acceleration with the twin-water-intercooled turbos rocket like, but you'd also be hard pressed to find a better handler. The best thing about it is that your insurance won't be crazy and you have four doors and a full trunk. Going to the grocery store has rarely been more fun.

Read a review of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
and the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

Warranty/Service: Three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty; five-year/ 60,000-mile powertrain warranty; seven-year/100,000-mile rust perforation warranty.