Competed against vehicles like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
The 2008 Lancer, part of the tenth generation (CY/CZ), introduced a bolder 'jet-fighter grille' design language and a more sporty aesthetic, setting the stage for performance variants.
Target Audience:
Appealed to buyers seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and stylish compact car with the option for sporty performance. The availability of performance trims (GTS, Ralliart) broadened its appeal.
Manual Value Proposition
Utility:
Essential for DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and Lancer owners wanting to perform their own maintenance and repairs, ensuring longevity and optimal performance of their vehicle.
Automatic transmission operation, disassembly and assembly, hydraulic control systems, torque converter, shift solenoids, maintenance, troubleshooting, electronic control unit (ECU) interfaces.
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBD-II system, diagnostic procedures for various systems, troubleshooting flowcharts, common faults and remedies.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-ups, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, brake pads, suspension components).
Engine Overhaul:
Comprehensive procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for complete engine rebuilds.
Transmission Service:
Fluid changes, filter replacement, seal replacement, and full transmission rebuild procedures.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line bleeding, parking brake adjustment.
Replacement of struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, tie rods, and steering rack service.
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser), leak detection, control system diagnostics.
Body Panel Repair:
Procedures for removing and installing body panels, doors, and trim components.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Expert level, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete vehicle overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Print Readability:
Designed for clear viewing and printing, ensuring accuracy of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Base:
4G15 (1.5L SOHC I4)
Engine Code Performance:
4G63 (2.0L SOHC I4) for ES, SE; 4G63T (2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I4) for Ralliart; 4G69 (2.4L SOHC I4) for GTS
Performance
Horsepower 1.5L:
Approx. 105 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.5L:
Approx. 99 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 120 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L:
Approx. 152 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L Turbo:
Approx. 240 hp @ 6000 rpm (Ralliart)
Torque 2.0L Turbo:
Approx. 255 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Ralliart)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher, premium recommended for turbo models)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (depending on trim and market)
Features
Transmission Features Ralliart:
6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic (TC-SST) automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Fluid Spec
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity (e.g., 75W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent.
Cvt Fluid:
DiaQueen CVT Fluid J1 or equivalent.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 59.4 inches (1509 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 59.3 inches (1506 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 2,800 lbs (1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Tire Sizes Standard:
195/60R15, 205/55R16 (depending on trim)
Tire Sizes Performance:
215/45R18 (GTS, Ralliart)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 stars (for 2008 model)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for 2008 model)
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good (for 2008 model)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Active Stability Control (ASC)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system, optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system on higher trims, auxiliary input jack.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on select trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system available on some trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil (refer to specific manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed based on environment.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs; potentially longer for iridium type.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 45,000 - 60,000 miles (72,000 - 96,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation based on temperature).
Long-life coolant, Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (green or pink ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Complaints Engine:
Occasional oil consumption (especially on higher mileage engines), minor coolant leaks from hoses or thermostat housing, spark plug fouling.
Common Complaints Transmission:
CVT hesitation or shuddering in some units, manual transmission clutch wear, occasional synchro issues.
Common Complaints Suspension:
Premature wear of control arm bushings and ball joints, strut mount noise, occasional alignment issues.
Common Complaints Electrical:
Power window motor failures, occasional alternator issues, battery drain from parasitic draws.
Common Complaints HVAC:
AC compressor clutch failure, blower motor resistor issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its technological innovations and rally racing heritage (e.g., Lancer Evolution).
Model Evolution
Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer nameplate has been in continuous production since 1973, evolving through numerous generations, with the 2008 model representing the start of the tenth generation (CY/CZ).
Production
Production Period:
The tenth generation Lancer was produced from approximately 2007 to 2017 globally, with the 2008 model being an early production year for this generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing plants were in Japan (Mizushima Plant), but also produced in other global facilities like the United States (Illinois) and Taiwan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Top Safety Pick Status:
While not always explicitly a 'Top Safety Pick' in all years, the 2008 model generally received good ratings from IIHS for its safety performance.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific model, with some years showing average or below-average reliability in consumer surveys.