Mitsubishi is the world's largest producer of turbochargers yet hasn't had a single turbocharged model in their US lineup since 2000. If I was to get a Lancer, I'd seriously wait for the Evolution VII.
The new 2000+ Eclipse is indeed a pile of unreliable hideous trash built to compete with Grand Ams. According to JD Power, Consumer Reports, and the like anyway. I'd rather get hit by one than be seen driving it (though I've actually driven more than one). Mitsubishi totally ruined everything the Eclipse stood for (TURBO!!!, available AWD). They should have called it something else (Craplipse?) and brought the fwd FTO to the US with a 4g63 and called it the Eclipse.
Anyway, if the Lancer turns out to be even half as reliable as the new Eclipse is reportedly, I'd avoid it like the plague. The styling isn't much to write about either... Mitsubishi does, and has had a reputation for being unreliable. I own one, and have been lucky for 4 years while beating the crap outta my GSX. If you want a compact 4-door look at the Hyundai Elantra GT, seriously.
