To come in at under $14,000, the base Lancer DE forgoes some important equipment like air conditioning and antilock brakes; both are part of a $1,100 option package. The DE does come with power windows, an auto-theft engine immobilizer and a knee airbag.

The ES is the next level, starting at $15,990 with a manual transmission and adding A/C, 16-inch alloy wheels, split-folding rear seats, remote entry and ABS.

At $17,490, the GTS is the top trim. It adds a sportier suspension setup and huge, 18-inch alloy wheels. The disc brakes are also larger on the GTS, and there's a body kit and rear spoiler to add to the sports car look.

My tester had the optional Sun & Sound package, which added a sunroof and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate six-CD sound system with a subwoofer for $1,500. It's not an insignificant price, but the stereo isn't one of those "I could build a better one myself for the money" affairs. I tested a number of CDs on it, and the bass from the sub perfectly matched whatever I was listening to. It never distorted the sound, even during bass-heavy hip-hop selections. Rock fans will be just as happy, as the mid-ranges hold their own with the bass. Clarity was also superb. It will bring the price right up to $20,000, but it's an option that's hard to pass up if you're already thinking about the GTS.

There's also a $2,000 Navigation & Technology package that includes a 30GB hard drive navigation system that can also play digital music. The price tag is an additional $2,000. Leather seating surfaces aren't offered on any trim level.