2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
Fuel Economy
22 - 27 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A midpack player until now, the introduction of the more powerful and fun-to-drive Sportback and Ralliart models gives the Lancer the boost it needs to compete with the class leaders.
Pros
Multiple body styles and trim levels, clean cabin design, solid power from Ralliart and Sportback models, wagon's generous cargo capacity.
Cons
Base engine lacks punch, no manual gearbox in Ralliart models, ABS and side airbags not available on all models, small trunk in sedans.
What's New for 2004
The Lancer Sportback wagon joins the lineup, along with performance-oriented Ralliart versions of both the sedan and wagon. All Sportback wagons as well as the Ralliart sedans get a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower (162 hp in Ralliart form). The entire Lancer line gets a redesigned front fascia with Mitsubishi's corporate grille design, plus new integrated bumpers, halogen headlamps and a relocated rear license plate.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great First Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Overall this is an excellent beginner's car. I have owned this car for five years and before I got it, it had 17000 miles on it from a rental car company. I haven't had any problems with it other than standard repairs (oil changes, brake pads, new tires, etc). It is almost 6 years old now and it has just under 60000 miles on it. It is completely reliable and easy to maintain on my own and I'm a do-it-yourself kinda girl without much mechanic experience. My only complaints about this car are primarily superficial. The only thing I need to fix is the ac/heat knob bc it won't turn to heat. Read my suggested improvements (which I think got fixed in future models, the 2009s are really nice)!
Favorite Features
Reliability! Simplicity of regular maintenance, Price
Suggested Improvements
Better paint (scratches easily), latch on glove compartment, ac/heat knob Add: 40/60 seat foldback, cruise control, ABS, same color door handles and side mirrors, front interior light, Park/Drive/Reverse/etc. indicator on front console, MP3 plug-in, navigation, alloy wheels (available on '09 models)
Best Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Not one bad thing. Got me through college, several million bad nights and its been Driven XC two times from AZ to NH. It is like a child to me, 75,678 miles to this date. Next this thing will be on blocks, waiting for bubble rap. Ralliart made it up to the Car Driver est top speed as well. I am impressed. This is the best car I have ever had and I will NEVER get rid of this car.
Favorite Features
Short throw shifter 2.4L. Good Aero dynamics. Tight suspension.
Suggested Improvements
Make 5th gear much deeper.
Awesome Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The reason I purchased a Mitsubishi was because everyone I know has one. Best decision I have made. My car, brand new, came out to 10,000 flat. I am the worst person to take care of a car and considering that, my car is still in excellent condition. I will buy Mitsubishi's until I die.
Favorite Features
Keyless entry
Suggested Improvements
Connection for ipods
Impressed With Lancer
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I spent 3-4hrs a day to and from work in Chicagoland traffic and weather. I was very impressed with how it handled all of these situations. Its now 4yrs old with 121000 miles and still have not had any trouble except for tire issues which is expected with distance and weather issues. It still has same back brakes and suspension is near perfect. Very happy and will probably buy a new lancer soon.
Favorite Features
Quick up and go with stick from stop lights.
Suggested Improvements
Seats could be more comfortable. Consider adding leather as option.
poor parts availability
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
What good is the warranty if you can't get the parts. The air flow sensor went on my car 2000 km out of warranty and the co. refused to assist with cost. To make matters worse I have now been 8 days with no car while we wait for the part to be shipped from the States. Mitsubishi would be the last car I would ever buy. Warranty is all smoke and mirrors. The fact that they have no parts warehouse in Canada shows they can't back there vehicles and care very little about Canadian consumers. This car was a blast to drive but will be for sale if I ever get it back.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Make parts available to customers at a reasonable time
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