2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Consumer Reviews

Good engine, poor interior

Written by: Alex on 03/22/2007

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This car has a smooth, powerful 4-cyl engine tucked inside a body of average quality. It runs quietly, great acceleration and quick handling, with plenty of power for nimble highway and city driving. The frame is moderately stiff, and the ride can feel a little rough at higher speeds. The exterior design is cool, looking almost like a Volvo wagon from the rear. However, the paint job is horrible, easily scuffing and flaking after the slightest scratch on the bumpers or quarter panels. The console and dashboard designs are logical, with controls well spaced and easy to access, but the function of the cheap plastic controls is terrible, as is the design of the windshield defrost vent.

Favorite Features

Engine performance, acceleration, gas mileage (22/30). Interior design layout, though material quality and function fall way short. Cargo space. Ride quality, after replacing OEM tires. Storage space in door pockets, console and glovebox.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality wipers. More durable and attractive paint job. Vent controls that dont require wrestling. More coverage from the front defrost vents! Only the middle 1/3 of the windshield warms up, causing massive ice buildup on the wipers. Horrible visibility issues in the winter.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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New Car Broken Down Twice

Written by: Jennifer on 12/28/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We traded in our 2000 Galant for another Mitsubishi because we were so happy with our Galant, only I think somehow we bought a lemon. It has broken down on me twice with my two kids in the car. I had to wait hours for a tow truck. Thankfully the tow and repair were covered (yet the whole process still cost me $600 in "necessary" (according to the dealership) tune up fees, plus the cost of a rental car. Not four months after my tune up, my car broke again. The first time was a faulty crank sensor (whatever the heck that is) and second time was some accelerator sensor. Oh and they also had to fix a leaky shock and the mid rear restraint that never worked off the lot. Buyers beware. I;m done with Mitsubishi.

Favorite Features

This car is nice to drive when it isn't leaving me stranded on the side of the road.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Update 10-12-06

Written by: ajl on 10/12/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My Lancer Sportback LS now has 63,000 mostly highway miles on it and is still going strong. It's been a much better car then my Ford Focus was, although I miss the handling from the Focus and I still prefer manual shifting. But this is a pretty good automatic and the 2.4 liter 160 hp 4-cylinder runs strong. My '89 Acura Legend was only 160 hp and it was a V6 that was 2.7 liters in displacement! A very enjoyable little wagon that has been very reliable and rather fun.

Favorite Features

Its performance is surprising for a 4-cyl. wagon. Its build quality is OK. Did I mention that it is reliable?

Suggested Improvements

Improve its gas mileage, road noise, seats, and paint quality. Hopefully, Mitsubishi will bring this car back in 2008 when a new Lancer is due. I'd love to see an Evolution version of this car, but it probably won't happen.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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A sporty commuter that'll make you smile

Written by: Mike on 04/02/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is such a big change from driving my '00 Corolla. There's more space, the interior layout and design is far more stylish and I absolutely am in love with the sleek and boxy body. Wind has little impact on this substantial vehicle when traveling on the highway and you'll often feel like you're going faster than you really are. The seats manage to be firm, yet comfortable and provide the necessary support during highway trips. The interior looks classy and feels pretty sturdy and not altogether cheap. You won't mistake it for a luxury car but you won't mistake it for an economy car either. The engine delivers spirited performance overall and gaining speed in the highway or city is easy.

Favorite Features

I don't know if it could be considered a feature, but I love the sleek, yet boxy body of this vehicle. It's very reminiscent of the high-trim level Volvo wagons that I am very fond of. Also, the numerous storage nooks and crannies come in handy now and then. I also like having a tachometer to watch.

Suggested Improvements

The only complain I can make is the need for the ability to lower the seat further down. I would also be willing to trade some performance for improved gas mileage overall, though so far, it hasn't been a terrible transition from my 2000 1.8L Corolla. I also would have liked to have cruise control.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Update-2-22-06

Written by: Ajl on 02/22/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

In my first review of the car (after just purchasing it) I said I was concerned with reliability. After 30,000 miles in 6 months, my fears have been unfounded so far. I have only made one trip back to the dealer for a minor problem. Its fuel mileage is OK, as mentioned the real culprit is the small fuel tank. I get about 25-27 mpg in the mix of driving I do (usually about 40% city / 60% highway). Paint is irritatingly cheap tough. My car already has lots of swirls and scratches and I generally don't use automatic car washes. As was also mentioned, road noise on the highway above 65 mph in this car is obnoxious. The seats are OK, but were never designed to spend hours in everyday. It does seem to run better on high octane fuel.

Favorite Features

The power of the MIVEC four cylinder engine, responsiveness of automatic transmission ( I still prefer manual), storage space the under rear floor, quality and reliability so far.

Suggested Improvements

It's been a good little car so far. Pick one up if you can, especially a Ralliart version.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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An Overlooked Bargain!

Written by: Samuel B. on 02/14/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I was looking for a new ride after my Honda had an unfortunate meeting with a deer the night before New Years' Eve. I found a fully loaded leftover 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS sitting on the dealer's lot and after negotiating with the dealer ended up buying it for $4,000 under invoice. Overall, I am very happy with the way the car drives and handles, but at highway speeds the wind noise can be almost deafening. I have to turn the volume control on the factory stereo up to about 30 so I can hear it over the wind noise. Other reviewers have complained about gas mileage but the real culprit here a fuel tank that is too small. The mileage isn't really that bad.

Favorite Features

The driving position, seats, and controls that feel right at home to you. Everything is where you expect it to be and it works the way you expect it to, except for the temperature control dial for the heater. It has great storage space under the rear cargo floor.

Suggested Improvements

A bigger fuel tank would be nice. Also, the luggage rack should include roof rails so that items strapped to the roof don't scratch the paint. The temperature control dial for the heater feels like its catching on something when being turned. I'm afraid of breaking it. I'd also like a manual transmission.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Much Happier on 93 Octane (or higher)!

Written by: GM on 02/12/2006

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I love my little Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. I have owned a few budget sports cars (Mazda Miata, Dodge Daytona Shelby Turbo, Honda Civic S...) and I would say this car is as fun as the lot of them. Well maybe the Miata was a little more fun. The Lancer Sportback has the acceleration of my Turbo Shelby and the nimbleness of my Civic S...with a lot more room.

Favorite Features

The car is a great little performer. I have suprised a few of the non-turbo import guys off the line ;). I had never heard of a small wagon with and automatic that could turn the tires over in second gear!

Suggested Improvements

This is not really a complaint, but the car benefits from premium fuel. Both with fuel economy and performance. Run 93 octane or higher and you will notice a difference in the performance!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Sportback Soccer Mom

Written by: Sprotback R Mom on 11/13/2005

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my silver 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart on Nov. 8, 2005, with 800 miles on the odometer. I love the room in it and the way it looks...sporty and practical. It has quite a bit of interior space...I am 5'10" and my husband is 6' and there is ample room for our two children. There is more room in the rear seating than a full size SUV that we were testing. The cost was $14,500 out the door. This is one of the best buys remaining out there. My husband sold a roadster some time ago...but now he says that it has been recreated in this Lancer Sportback Ralliart. The sound of the muffler takes some getting use to...I am getting used to it and beginning to enjoy the sound. I think I'm now starting to understand my hubby's love for sport cars.

Favorite Features

I love the comfortable front seats, simple dashboard layout, and quick steering. you feel connected to the road. it has a light, but solid rear hatch. The car has a lightweight feel with very solid handling. I like the large front and rear doors.

Suggested Improvements

Give the car a quieter muffler and better gas milage. It is very easy to overdo the right foot extension and fun. It needs a manual transmission option (in my husband's opinion). Add the Evolution's front end. Produce it again and my husband will buy a second for the family.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great wagon

Written by: mbm99 on 10/18/2005

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I just purchased this leftover, brand new 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart. I have no complaints at all after my first 600 miles. Its fuel economy could be better (23 city / 30 highway), for a 4-cylinder car, but it's much better than the Dodge Durango that I tradedin for it. This is a much nicer vehicle than the Mazda3 or Toyota Matrix that I was considering before I found it.

Favorite Features

Understated good looks, great cargo capacity, and interior quality.

Suggested Improvements

I wish it had a power driver's seat and a telescoping steering column.

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Good Commuter Car

Written by: Sam on 09/11/2005

Vehicle

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is the first small car I've owned in many years. Seating and ride comfort good for this size car. Unbelievable power from a non-turbo 4 cyl. Fit finish etc seem top notch, have only put 200 miles on it, so haven't checked the gas milage, I'm hoping for better than I've read in other reviews on this site, I drive mostly highway and without a lead foot, I guess we'll see.

Favorite Features

Volvo style rear lights, good interior materials, really white pearl paint, engine performance, great handling, cargo room 60 cu ft with seats folded

Suggested Improvements

Steering wheel audio controls, softer ride.. I slow for corners, fold flat front passenger seat, more interior lighting.. a map light or something, red lit dash hard to see at night for us old people I'm sure the kids love it

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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