VIEWS AND REVIEWS.(Lancer OZ car rated)(Brief Article)

OWNERS

The Lancer OZ represents quite a change for me after 25 years of trucks. The car is quick, very precise in handling and acceleration and with brakes that make you drool. The shifter is user-friendly with a short throw between gears. The Lancer will get up and move while the chassis displays little if any roll. As for the interior, my one-quart coffee mug won't fit in the cupholder. Yes, there's enough room in back for adults, but the roof angle does nothing to prohibit my six-foot-one-inch son and I from scuffing our head. Most importantly, the Scorpions sound simply fantastic pumping through the Mitsubishi sound system.

ERIC P. CARLSEN, Enfield, Conn.

A Lancer OZ was picked to replace a 1992 Nissan Sentra because it looked good and returned good fuel mileage. It may not be an Evo VII, but it is a well-built economy car that doesn't pretend to be anything else. Fit-and-finish is comparable to a Civic, while a 102-inch wheelbase affords room to stretch out. Although a five-speed manual is preferred, mine is equipped with an automatic tranny for other family members sharing the car. A few more perks I would have liked include all-wheel drive, heated mirrors, five-lug wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and fog lamps. Still, if this is as trouble-free as my wife's 2000 Galant, I'll be one happy guy. All I need now is the time to take it out and drive it.

JOHN H. CRESSY JR., Exeter, N.H.

I couldn't be happier with the Lancer OZ. It runs well and is great for California coast road trips. Stellar stereo, but wheel size leaves a bit to be desired. The 15-inch factory units give ...