2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review
Fuel Economy
22 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
Storage and performance
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this new. The seats are great, the head rests sit perfect so I can leave my head on the head rest while driving. The roof rack is great to hold cargo box. Suspension is stiff enough that the cargo loaded down for camping is forgotten about. I normal drive with a tool box in back and corners and pulls like a sport coupe. I bought this to keep up with my Datsun 280ZX that I still drive. The Sportback will out straight line and corner the Z but will not give you the precise feedback of the Z saying that about a wagon that gets the same MPG as My Z is amazing I now have 66k miles on the Wagon. MPG 29 hy "towing a HondaTRX450R" 26 hy PS this replaced my Dodge D-50 SP 5 sp
Favorite Features
Power and MPG Mivec for MPG and power I did not like auto until I drove this. stiff suspension is a big plus for me but it is also compliant over bumps. and hardly notices wind. I do not like front drive but this is a good one. Mitsubishi makes more reliable autos than manual.
Suggested Improvements
I installed The Injen intake to open up throttle response and MPG and optional manual 5 or 6 speed maybe a 5 or 6 speed auto would be nice not a CVT. Tires awful I installed Michelin Hydro edge for good all season handiling and tire life
Long Term Review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Bought our 2004 Ralliart Sportback brand new in February 2005. Just turned 22000 miles (Jan 2008). Knock on wood the car has been free of any problems of any kind. Short of routine maintenance the only thing I've had to do is change a tail light bulb. Car is comfortable but about 5 hours into a long trip I find myself wishing for just a little bit more lower back support. Fit and finish is excellent inside and out. For a wagon it's peppy and handles very well. Gas mileage is what I'd expect for a sport wagon and the engine sings over 3500rpm which is when the engine kicks over to the second cam profile. Ride is stiffer but it's suppose to be - sport suspension. Very happy with the car.
Favorite Features
MIVEC is fun, especially over 3500rpm. Handles well and is rare. Only seen others in pictures. 4-wheel discs with ABS, strut tower braces, sport suspension, better exhaust, lp tires, nice rims, CD, sport interior - all standard. Ours came with 10/100k warranty and 4/45k free maint. Strong brakes.
Suggested Improvements
Has a little too much front brake bias for my liking. This means you have to be very light on the brakes in any snow or the ABS will kick in right away due to front lock but ABS works great. Stopping distance in rain and dry is great.
A fine vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I just finished driving it hauling a 1500 lbs 5 by 8 moving trailer from Florida to California in 4 1/2 days. The longest day was acroos Texas, 750 miles day. No problem what so ever!! If you can be really gentle on the gas pedal like myself, 24mpg with that kind of load is possible. On the hills it struggles a bit. The sweet spot for the rpm is arond 2200 to 2600. I found that at the 4th gear this would give you 50~63 mph and really efficient. 32~35mpg on the high way is possible if you do this constantly. I had the car for more than 3 years now. Admitted, it is not a luxury car, but it's practical and you can almost say it's fun to drive.
Favorite Features
sleek exterior looks, front and back lights, firm and supportive suspension/seats are just nice if you like to "feel the road". Recline backseats, large trunk, the engine room has a very clean look too!
Suggested Improvements
Road noise (above 50mph) and engine noise when it's stressed. It's by far my biggest dislike about it. I plan to put some Dynamat in to make it perfect. A fifth gear would be nice too.
Best car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Of the 16 new cars I've purchased, this one is far and away the best car I've owned and the least problematic. Only one warranty issue in 30k miles. Comfortable on my 17 hour drives between Portand and Palm Springs. Paint seems thin to me, lots of road rash on hood and windshield. Would have bought two if I could! I'm not overly concerned with mid 20s gas mileage as I would rather have the performance and smiles per mile. Would love to have this wagon in EVO form which they sell in Japan.
Favorite Features
Ext design; love the seat fabric; hauls a lot of stuff; exhaust note and engine/trans performance. Nice to have something relatively rare. Warranty is great.
Suggested Improvements
Interior plastic and metal scratches too easily.
Update
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I have stopped using the car for business (see previous reviews) and have started using it for commuting. The car is still holding up very well and has been one of the best cars I've ever owned mechanically. Still no squeaks or rattles, engine uses no oil between changes. The storage space is excellent for a small wagon and the overall performance of the car My only big complaint is that fuel mileage is awful and has decreased big time since I began all-city driving. I'm now lucky to average 18-19 mpg around town, which is absurd for a small, 4 cylinder wagon. I'm fairly conservative driving it 90% of the time, although I do like to have fun now and then.
Favorite Features
Excellent build quality and reliability, storage space, handling and power. It's no Mitsu Lancer Evolution, but the handling is still quite capable.
Suggested Improvements
Seats are uncomfortable and have little support. Paint is very thin and scratches easily and the awful fuel mileage mentioned above. The revised EPA estimate for the car lists MPG as 20 city/26 highway, so 18-19 mpg is not far off. Still, I had a 95 Mercury Cougar V8 that got nearly the same MPG!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
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