2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

The Evo offers feline reflexes, hammerhead power, and more urbane polish than this genre of super-boosted weed whackers is known for.

-- Car and Driver

The Evolution's (no VIII on its badge) driving environment is workaday; its steering is quick, precise, and light, and its shifter has short, positive throws.

-- Motor Trend

In quick esses on a short track, its tail hunkers down and slides nicely when reaching for the limit...

-- Motor Trend

Even a trip to the grocery store feels like a transit stage on a pro rally.

-- Automobile

The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 remains basically the same, but it now comes with MIVEC (Mitsubishi's variable valve-timing technology). Mitsubishi also switched to a turbocharger with a larger compressor cover, which, according to the company, has reduced turbo lag. The engine now pumps out 286 bhp at 6500 rpm and 289 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500. While not a huge gain over the current car's 276 bhp and 286 lb.-ft., the results of these changes are noticeable as soon as you hit the throttle. The forward surge is immediate and almost violent as all four tries grab hold of the tarmac.

-- Road & Track

What reviewers liked least about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

The Evo understeers slightly through tight hairpins; however, on all other types of corners, it exhibits near-neutral balance.

-- Road & Track

There's nothing more to the interior than a couple of racing seats bolted to the floor and a fat-rimmed steering wheel.

-- Automobile

Best one-liner about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

The sports car of four-door sedans.

-- Automobile