A Japanese Beast: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5 evolved drastically both in design and power from the Evo 4, if you’re able to get one of these Japanese imports expect to pay a pretty penny.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Offerings from the Japanese automaker
Mitsubishi
are a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the Outlander SUV fails to stand out amidst a crowded segment, and some even say it's a disappointment. 
However, Mitsubishi is also responsible for several racing legends, including the Lancer Evo. First released for the 1992 model year, the fifth version was a turning point in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo's history.
Rallycars
has all the details about this iconic vehicle.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5 has lots of power

The Evo 5 had some big wheel treads to fill, following after the innovative Evo 4. It got a substantial makeover to include a new rear spoiler, flared body edges, and a wider track. 
The Evo 5's body was given extra welding points to make it more stable and resistant to damage. This model was also outfitted with Brembo brakes. However, it still kept the multi-link rear suspension that made the Evo 4 such a spectacular rally car.
It had the same inline-four engine as before, improved with modifications to increase the cam duration and turbocharging power. On the Evo 5, this engine makes 280 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
All the extra components made the Lancer Evo 5 70 pounds heavier than the outgoing Evo. This, combined with the refined drivetrain, still made the Evo 5 less prone to understeer. It was also more aerodynamic thanks to the redesigned front bumper, spoiler, and extra openings on the hood.
The commercial versions of the Evo 5 were available in two different varieties. The RS is the more bare-bones of the two, lacking airbags and other common interior luxuries. The GSR is geared towards the average driver, with air conditioning and some advanced safety features.
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What changed in later generations?

MORE: A Classic That Screams the '80s: The Mitsubishi Starion
You can tell the difference between an Evo 5 and the classic Evo 6 just by looking at the front end. The headlights are smaller and have been moved to the sides of the bumper. Power output remained the same, but the engine was refined again with a bigger oil cooler.
The Lancer Evo X was the final version of this iconic rally car, available from 2007-2016. It came with new torque-vectoring technology for the AWD system and an optional six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission. Unlike the majority of Lancers, this one also got a North American release.

Where can you buy a used Evo 5?

Unfortunately, not a single Mitsubishi Lancer Evo was available stateside until 2003. The Evo 5 also won't be eligible for the 25-year import rule until next year.
At the time of its release in 1998, it cost the equivalent of $14,000-$21,500. That would make the most expensive model almost at $37,500 in today's dollars.
According to
The Parking
, a Lancer Evo 5 with around 60,000 miles can cost around $35,000. That's before all the import fees you can expect to pay when it becomes available for stateside drivers. 
Competition vehicles were sold out almost immediately, so you probably won't find these secondhand.

How to find affordable auto insurance for Japanese imports

Car insurance is often more expensive for vehicles purchased outside of the United States. These cars are usually made with different safety standards in mind, so they may be a greater liability for U.S.-based insurance companies.
It can be difficult to find coverage in your price range for a Lancer Evo 5, unless you use
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