Let's dive deep into the heart of the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE – its engine! Guys, if you're curious about what makes this car tick, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from the engine's specifications to its real-world performance. Buckle up, and let's get started!

Under the Hood: Engine Specs

The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE typically comes equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. This engine is part of Mitsubishi's 4B11 engine family, known for its reliability and decent fuel efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration and a four-valve-per-cylinder design, which helps to optimize airflow and combustion efficiency. The 2.0-liter engine delivers around 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. These figures are respectable for a compact sedan in its class, providing a balance between performance and economy. The engine also features Mitsubishi's MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) technology. MIVEC is Mitsubishi's version of variable valve timing, which adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves to optimize engine performance and efficiency across different engine speeds. This system helps to improve fuel economy during low-speed cruising and enhances power output during high-speed acceleration. The engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, making it convenient and cost-effective for daily use. Overall, the 2.0-liter engine in the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE is a well-engineered unit that offers a good blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability, making it a solid choice for a compact sedan.

Horsepower and Torque

When we talk about the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE, it's essential to understand its horsepower and torque figures. Horsepower, often abbreviated as hp, measures the rate at which the engine can perform work. In simpler terms, it indicates how quickly the engine can accelerate the car. The 2.0-liter engine in the Lancer LE produces around 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. This level of horsepower is adequate for everyday driving, providing enough power for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. Torque, measured in pound-feet (lb-ft), represents the engine's rotational force or its ability to perform work. The Lancer LE's engine delivers approximately 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Torque is crucial for acceleration from a standstill and for climbing hills. The torque curve of the Lancer LE's engine is relatively flat, meaning that it delivers a good amount of torque across a wide range of engine speeds. This makes the car feel responsive and easy to drive in various conditions. The combination of 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque provides a balanced driving experience, making the Lancer LE suitable for both city and highway driving. While it may not be the most powerful car in its class, the Lancer LE offers sufficient power for most drivers, with enough punch for passing and merging. The engine's performance is also enhanced by Mitsubishi's MIVEC technology, which optimizes valve timing to improve both power and fuel efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many car buyers, and the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE doesn't disappoint. With its 2.0-liter engine, the Lancer LE achieves respectable fuel economy figures, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long trips. The EPA estimates for the 2017 Lancer LE with the 2.0-liter engine are around 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. These figures can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. However, they provide a good baseline for what to expect in real-world driving. The Lancer LE's fuel efficiency is aided by several factors, including its relatively lightweight design and Mitsubishi's MIVEC technology. MIVEC optimizes valve timing to improve combustion efficiency, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, the Lancer LE's aerodynamic design contributes to better fuel economy by reducing drag at higher speeds. Drivers can further improve fuel efficiency by adopting eco-friendly driving habits, such as avoiding hard acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady speed, and properly inflating tires. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups, also helps to keep the engine running efficiently. Overall, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a practical and cost-effective choice for budget-conscious drivers. Its fuel efficiency is competitive with other compact sedans in its class, providing a reliable and economical driving experience.

Performance and Handling

The performance and handling of the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE are key aspects to consider when evaluating this compact sedan. The Lancer LE is designed to provide a comfortable and confident driving experience, with a focus on everyday practicality. The 2.0-liter engine delivers adequate power for most driving situations, offering sufficient acceleration for city streets and highway merging. The engine's responsiveness is enhanced by Mitsubishi's MIVEC technology, which optimizes valve timing to improve power delivery across a wide range of engine speeds. The Lancer LE's handling is generally predictable and stable, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The suspension system consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, providing a good balance between comfort and control. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver the car in tight spaces. While the Lancer LE is not a sports car, it offers a reasonably engaging driving experience, with enough grip and composure for spirited driving on winding roads. The car's relatively lightweight design also contributes to its agility and responsiveness. The Lancer LE comes standard with front-wheel drive, which provides good traction in most conditions. Overall, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE offers a balanced and capable driving experience, suitable for daily commuting and occasional road trips. Its performance and handling characteristics make it a practical and enjoyable choice for drivers seeking a reliable and comfortable compact sedan.

Acceleration and Top Speed

Let's talk about acceleration and top speed of the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE. While it's not a sports car, understanding its capabilities in these areas gives you a clear picture of its performance. The Lancer LE, equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, generally achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 8.5 to 9.0 seconds. This is a respectable figure for a compact sedan in its class, providing adequate acceleration for everyday driving situations. The engine's responsiveness, thanks to Mitsubishi's MIVEC technology, helps to deliver a smooth and consistent acceleration experience. The top speed of the 2017 Lancer LE is electronically limited to around 124 mph. While most drivers will never reach this speed in normal driving conditions, it provides a benchmark for the car's overall performance capabilities. The Lancer LE's acceleration and top speed are sufficient for merging onto highways, passing other vehicles, and navigating city streets. The car's performance is also influenced by factors such as road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups, helps to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring optimal performance. Overall, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE offers adequate acceleration and top speed for its class, making it a practical and capable choice for drivers seeking a reliable and efficient compact sedan. While it may not be the fastest car on the road, it provides a balanced and enjoyable driving experience for everyday use.

Handling and Braking

When it comes to handling and braking, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE is designed to provide a safe and confident driving experience. The Lancer LE's handling is generally predictable and stable, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The suspension system consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, providing a good balance between comfort and control. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver the car in tight spaces. The Lancer LE's braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The brakes are responsive and easy to modulate, allowing drivers to maintain control in emergency braking situations. The car also comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping to maintain steering control. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is also standard, which helps to prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels. Overall, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE offers good handling and braking performance, making it a safe and reliable choice for everyday driving. The car's predictable handling characteristics and responsive brakes provide drivers with confidence and control in various driving conditions. Regular maintenance, including brake inspections and replacements, helps to ensure optimal braking performance.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability and maintenance are crucial factors to consider when purchasing any vehicle, and the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE is no exception. The Lancer LE has a reputation for being a reliable and durable car, with many owners reporting few major issues. However, like any vehicle, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Some common maintenance tasks for the 2017 Lancer LE include oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Oil changes should be performed every 7,500 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer. Filter replacements, including air filters and fuel filters, help to keep the engine running efficiently. Tire rotations help to ensure even wear and extend the life of the tires. Brake inspections should be performed regularly to check for wear and tear and to ensure optimal braking performance. In addition to regular maintenance, it's important to address any minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming major problems. Some common issues reported by Lancer LE owners include problems with the air conditioning system, the electrical system, and the suspension. However, these issues are generally not widespread and can be easily addressed with proper maintenance and repairs. Overall, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE is a reliable and durable car that can provide many years of dependable service with proper care and maintenance. Regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly and efficiently, and addressing any minor issues promptly can help to prevent them from becoming major problems.

Common Issues and Problems

While the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE is generally considered a reliable car, like any vehicle, it can experience common issues and problems. Being aware of these potential issues can help owners take proactive steps to prevent or address them. One of the most commonly reported issues with the Lancer LE is problems with the air conditioning system. Some owners have reported that the air conditioning system can be slow to cool or may not blow cold air at all. This issue can often be resolved by recharging the refrigerant or replacing a faulty component, such as the compressor or condenser. Another common issue is problems with the electrical system. Some owners have reported issues with the car's lights, power windows, or other electrical components. These issues can often be resolved by replacing a faulty fuse or relay or by repairing a damaged wire. Suspension issues have also been reported by some Lancer LE owners. These issues can include worn-out shocks or struts, which can cause the car to ride rough or handle poorly. Replacing the worn-out suspension components can restore the car's ride quality and handling. In addition to these common issues, some owners have reported problems with the car's engine or transmission. However, these issues are generally less common and may be related to poor maintenance or driving habits. Overall, while the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE is generally a reliable car, it's important to be aware of these potential issues and to take proactive steps to prevent or address them. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help to keep the car running smoothly and efficiently.

Maintenance Schedule

Following a regular maintenance schedule is crucial for keeping your 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE running smoothly and reliably. A well-maintained vehicle not only performs better but also retains its value over time. Here's a general maintenance schedule you should consider: Every 7,500 Miles: This is the most frequent maintenance interval and includes essential services such as an oil change and filter replacement. Regular oil changes are vital for lubricating the engine's moving parts and preventing wear and tear. Also, inspect and top off all fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check the condition of your tires, including tire pressure and tread depth. Rotate the tires to ensure even wear. Every 15,000 Miles: In addition to the services performed at 7,500 miles, this interval includes a more thorough inspection of various components. Inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear and tear. Replace the cabin air filter to ensure clean air circulation inside the car. Check the condition of the suspension components, including shocks and struts. Every 30,000 Miles: At this interval, you'll need to perform some more extensive maintenance tasks. Replace the engine air filter to ensure proper airflow to the engine. Inspect the drive belts for cracks or wear. Replace the spark plugs to maintain optimal engine performance. Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage. Every 60,000 Miles: This is a major maintenance interval that includes several important services. Replace the transmission fluid to keep the transmission running smoothly. Inspect the cooling system and replace the coolant if necessary. Replace the brake fluid to maintain optimal braking performance. Consider having a professional mechanic inspect the engine and other major components for any potential issues. By following this maintenance schedule, you can help to ensure that your 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE remains in top condition for years to come. Regular maintenance not only improves the car's performance and reliability but also helps to prevent costly repairs down the road.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive look at the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer LE's engine, performance, and reliability. This car offers a balanced package for those seeking a dependable and economical ride. While it might not be the flashiest or most powerful car on the road, its reliability, fuel efficiency, and reasonable performance make it a solid choice. Remember to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure your Lancer LE stays in top shape for years to come. Happy driving!