2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX GSR Review - Still Relevant?

The Evo IX was a true supercar killer back when it debuted, but nearly 20 years later, can it still justify its ~$30k price tag?

[evodaily]

300k plus miles on my Evo 8 absolutely love it!

[CB-ugxh]

Getting one for my 40th bday. Always wanted one when I was young but couldnt afford it back then. Can't wait.

[keithcee]

I grabbed my 06evo IX with 3 miles on it , fast forward to 2024 and now sitting at 68k, non molested and garaged kept. Had no idea in the future it would be considered somewhat of a unicorn. I was single back then, now I have teen kids and there friends like to remind me of how cool it is to have a car from fast and furious movies lol

[AlejandroArchila]

I own a 2011 Mitsubishi Evo X GSR and I wouldn’t trading it for nothing, I actually appreciate the simple interior but what’s really important is how it make you feel when you driving it there’s a perfect connection between you and the car, it’s truly impressive for a Turbo 4 cylinder engine and the S-AWC is no doubt incredible, it’s like the perfect recipe, a true driver’s car.

[BryceWomeldurf]

Before I got into Miatas this was the dream car. They always stayed just out of financial reach though.

[unicornharry]

All Mitsubishi has to do is bring some exciting cars back..

[jonj]

Your assessment is spot on, the chassis and gearbox is incredible… far better than expected.

Are there nicer cars for the money, yes but more engaging with better driving dynamics and practicality? Evo 7-9 is 2nd to none.

[cdeNne]

Loved my Evo 9. It was the car that actually scared my passengers when I took hard turns because of the insane amount of grip which produced a good amount of g force. As much as I love it, I can't say I'd buy one today for $30k

[anthonykiedis]

What happened to Mitsubishi? They need to come out with a new EVO and reinvent themselves.

[supercarmio]

Spot on review, absolutely love my Evo 8 -- I could never see myself selling it. I think the quick rack and cornering feel is my favorite feature (along with the short gears like you mentioned.) Keep up the great content! ❤‍🔥

[ApexClubRacer]

Miss my evo 8 dearly. Don’t regret trading up to a CR, but the evo just had spunk that I have yet to find in a modern equivalent.

[rushfactorygarage]

Love my evo 9 MR! It’s peak evo! We just got a GRC for my wife a month ago and that’s the closest a new car can you get to an evo 9.

[CO_EVO_]

Owned a 2014 Evo X for 6 years. Loved it! I have owned my Evo 8 for almost a year now and more than likely will never sell it. Some of the most addicting cars out there. Once you own one, it's hard to get away from them. Paid 35k for my 03 Evo 8. Documents, on documents and well taken care of. Couldn't pass it up!

[TheBucketOfTruth]

I had a 2006 STi from new, and it was a hell of a car. I ended up picking it over the Evo as it was my only vehicle and there were doubts about Mitsubishi surviving around that time. Subaru seemed better built and a bit nicer. I will say the steering ratio in the Evo seemed so quick and fun. The seats in that Evo were also the best OEM seats from anyone and blew the Subaru out of the water in that respect. These things were crazy bargains for the performance at the time and could give a 911 more than double their price a real run for their money on a twisty road. I ended up trying both subsequent generations of STi on test drives and neither had the same magic. I would have a hard time believing a GR Corolla can match the experience of a cherry car from this era.

[tese]

The JDM version of the Evo8/9 had much taller bottom bolsters, the USDM (and I think Aus/NZ versions) received the more flat wider bolsters because of different body shape of each demographic. The JDM Evo IX wagon received the same seats as the USDM models.

[churchofbrap]

Get ahold of an Evo X MR. Loved mine. Come on Mitsubishi, bring these cars back!

[silligilli]

Makes me miss my evo 8! This car was a helluva unit! Great review!

[pacpacpacpacpac]

Had a lot of sportcars...BMW M4, Porsche GTS and other cars but nothing is like an evo...I love my Evo 9 👌

[tallywhacker]

I drove my evo 9 from SJ to Santa Cruz and back everyday for a year. What a time!

[TheBbprelude]

Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish my car in time for you to drive it out here in socal. Next time you're out here I'll have it ready. 93 Honda prelude VTEC. Pistons, rods, cams, GT35 turbo, factory short ratio LSD transmission, r888s, tokico blue kyb shocks front and rear sway bar, billet shifter etc etc
Ill upgrade the brakes.