2003 Mitsubishi Lancer O·Z Rally

The Lancer has been around for 30 years, just not here. So why did the sixth-gen compact sedan arrive in the U.S. only in '02? Mitsu needed to replace the aging and largely forgettable subcompact Mirage with something more competitive, more Civic-like in its size, appeal, and build quality. When the '02 Lancer (ES automatic) competed in last year's Car of the Year contest, it won the praise of our staff for its roomy interior, friendly price, and just-adequate performance. Many said the well-sorted 120-horsepower front-driver would be a whole lot more fun with decent rubber and a manual box.

Enter the O·Z Rally model to supplement the ES, LS, and giant-slaying, truly rally-inspired '03 Lancer Evolution (VIII)--of which we're huge fans. While the O·Z is a step beyond basic transport, the $16,682 car's 15-inch (O·Z-made) wheels, body-colored trim, and five-speed raise its appeal only to that of other entry-level import sedans. ABS isn't even available. A better-equipped Civic EX, Corolla S, or Sentra SE-R offers more for the same money. Finally, the pretensions of the Lancer being a "Rally" edition, however, are made all the more ridiculous in the presence of the already infamous Evo.

What did the kids say? The boys were disappointed we didn't bring them a 271-horsepower AWD Evo. They thought the O·Z needed more power (coming in the form of the '04 Ralliart edition), that the "hibachi" grille was ugly, and the wheels were still too small. The girls thought it looked like a family car: sensible and practical. We'd say the students did their homework.