I plan on getting a lancer sometimes soon but with all the problems it has now, what if theres more? i mean.. what if something goes wrong with the air bags in case of an accident? I wouldn't want any delays or malfunctioning when someone decides to hit me.

According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in the US, which has much stricter regulations for vehicle safety than government levels, has rated the 2008-2009 Lancer as "GOOD" on frontal offset crash tests. In addition, the IIHS rated the 2008-2009 Lancer as "GOOD" on the side impact tests with the optional side airbags installed.

In my experience (I have been in 3 major collisions in my life) the seatbelt is your primary friend. It helps to keep your body from moving around in the case of a collision or rollover. The airbags have a certain threshold for them to activate. Taking me for example again, when I rolled my previous Jeep, NONE of the airbags deployed. This was because none of the sensors experienced enough force (I didn't have curtain airbags installed) for the front bags to deploy.

The Lancer is a very well built car in a structural sense; I remember doing alot of research on the body and how it was constructed. I believe the Unibody design was what really convinced me about the structural integrity of the car. So I would not fret about it; it is the car's job to keep you safe in the event of a collision. It is your job to keep the car safe from collisions (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

Regards.

I like that quote

The entire mitsubishi lineup is the top pick safety vehicle.

What problems are you referring too? From what I've read these cars are doing very well. I have had no problems (except the paint). I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary in the way of problems, same as any other car has or doesn't have.

And like others said, your safe. The car is a pillow inside. Not many cars have 7 air bags.

^ Good point, even my knees will be safe. I was refering to the paint job and the pulling to the left problems,but ok if you guys think its safe and reliable then I should give it a shot. I have until the end of this year to fully decide on a lancer or a mazda3. I lean on lancer cause of its sexy evo-like appearance but mazda3 is a hatch so hm.

Lancer also comes in a hatch if that is a deal breaker for you.. Although the styling of the Sportback is divided among the community.. All up to your personal tastes! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Regards.

Yeah I know although I'm not a fan of the lancer sportback mainly because it loses the evo look from the back. Mazda3 hatch is possibly my favorite hatch. But yeah any problems with your lancer?

Will you be getting the new always smiling Mazda? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)

Ya the knee air bag is a nice touch. The paint has been an issue with many of us, but it also depends on where you live. The winters here are rough and the road salt is what really got me. Not many chips in the summer, but light scratches are common. Hopefully the 2010 has better paint. I think the pulling issue is more related to the dunlop tires, different tires should help (some have got the dealer to swap them out when buying).

LOL, Ya I agree, what's with the smiley face on the mazda front end. I think it looks goofy. I laugh every time I see one on the road.

I'll probably end up with the lancer just to stick with this forum. Not only will me and my friends can enjoy this ride, I found the community here very helpful (way nicer people than ClubRSX) so heck why not be part of the lancer family. As for the smiley mazda thing, Id get the last gen not the smiley one. The plan was getting my next a preowned anyway. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)

Cool, you should be happy with the Lancer. And ya the last gen mazda is nice I like that one. When you get your lancer let us know and post some pics. (we like pics)