The new, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer may not be the most attractive, the most popular, the most powerful, the most efficient or the most fun-to-drive in the affordable, compact sedan class. But in each of those measures, it's second in line or at least competitive. That makes it well worth a look when shopping for a car in this class.

[NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Santa Barbara, California.]