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2004
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Starts at:
$16,709
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New 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Wgn Sportback LS Auto
    Starts at
    $16,709
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Sportback Ralliart Auto
    Starts at
    $19,319
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

160-hp and 162-hp engines
FWD layout
Rally-car heritage
LS and Ralliart trim levels

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Interior space

The bad

Pending further review

Expert 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Billed by Mitsubishi as “a rally car for today,” this five-door hatchback version of the Lancer sedan is new to the U.S. market for 2004. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, constructed with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC), produces 160 horsepower. In street-tuner Ralliart form, the engine ekes out an extra 2 hp. Competitors in the compact sport wagon field include the Ford Focus and Subaru Outback Sport.

Offered in LS and Ralliart trim levels, the Lancer Sportback gets a driver-adaptive four-speed-automatic transmission and all-disc brakes. The Ralliart edition is fitted with a lower body kit, sport seats, a small spoiler, a sport suspension and low-profile 16-inch tires.

The compact Lancer was introduced for 2002 but not developed as an economy car. Instead, the front-wheel-drive sedan had a competition background that evolved from the Lancer Evolution World Rally Car. In addition to ES, LS and O-Z models, the Lancer sedan lineup includes a high-performance Lancer Evolution.

Exterior
Mitsubishi says the styling of each Lancer body type is European inspired. The fender lines are relatively high, and sharp edges blend with soft curves. The Lancer Sportback contains unique reinforcements to compensate for the lack of a rear bulkhead. All Lancers get a restyled front end with integrated bumpers for 2004.

As in the Lancer sedan, a four-wheel-independent suspension uses front struts and a rear multilink configuration in the Sportback model. The suspensions are tuned for comfort on the LS and more aggressive cornering on the Ralliart.

Alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires on the Ralliart edition, but the LS version gets 15-inch tires on steel wheels. In addition to the specially tuned sport suspension, the Ralliart features fog lamps, a sport-type grille insert, lower body kit moldings and color-keyed power mirrors; halogen headlights feature dark lenses.

Interior
Five people fit inside the Lancer Sportback. A low instrument panel and belt line help with visibility, and a high hip point for the seats should ensure easier entry and exit.

Standard equipment in the LS includes air conditioning, black wood accent panels, a tilt/height-adjustable steering column, remote keyless entry, a 140-watt four-speaker audio system with a CD player, and a 60/40-split reclining rear seat with a center armrest. Power windows, locks and mirrors are standard. A Preferred Equipment package includes roof rails, color-keyed mirrors, alloy wheels and cruise control.

The Ralliart’s interior contains carbonlike accent panels, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob and brake handle, a sport-touch steering wheel with cruise control, a cargo cover and a six-speaker stereo system. Sport front bucket seats and rear headrests are installed.

Under the Hood
The LS trim’s 2.4-liter single-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine develops 160 hp and 161 pounds-feet of torque. The ratings under the Ralliart’s hood are 162 hp and 162 pounds-feet of torque. When the MIVEC system is installed, the accelerating engine switches to a higher cam profile at 3,600 rpm. Both models use a four-speed-automatic transmission that incorporates driver-adaptive shift control. The same engine is used in both the Ralliart edition of the Lancer sedan and the company’s Outlander sport utility vehicle.

Safety
Side-impact airbags and antilock brakes are standard on the Ralliart edition but are not available on the LS. The front seat belts have pretensioners and force limiters.

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Billed by Mitsubishi as “a rally car for today,” this five-door hatchback version of the Lancer sedan is new to the U.S. market for 2004. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, constructed with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC), produces 160 horsepower. In street-tuner Ralliart form, the engine ekes out an extra 2 hp. Competitors in the compact sport wagon field include the Ford Focus and Subaru Outback Sport.

Offered in LS and Ralliart trim levels, the Lancer Sportback gets a driver-adaptive four-speed-automatic transmission and all-disc brakes. The Ralliart edition is fitted with a lower body kit, sport seats, a small spoiler, a sport suspension and low-profile 16-inch tires.

The compact Lancer was introduced for 2002 but not developed as an economy car. Instead, the front-wheel-drive sedan had a competition background that evolved from the Lancer Evolution World Rally Car. In addition to ES, LS and O-Z models, the Lancer sedan lineup includes a high-performance Lancer Evolution.

Exterior
Mitsubishi says the styling of each Lancer body type is European inspired. The fender lines are relatively high, and sharp edges blend with soft curves. The Lancer Sportback contains unique reinforcements to compensate for the lack of a rear bulkhead. All Lancers get a restyled front end with integrated bumpers for 2004.

As in the Lancer sedan, a four-wheel-independent suspension uses front struts and a rear multilink configuration in the Sportback model. The suspensions are tuned for comfort on the LS and more aggressive cornering on the Ralliart.

Alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires on the Ralliart edition, but the LS version gets 15-inch tires on steel wheels. In addition to the specially tuned sport suspension, the Ralliart features fog lamps, a sport-type grille insert, lower body kit moldings and color-keyed power mirrors; halogen headlights feature dark lenses.

Interior
Five people fit inside the Lancer Sportback. A low instrument panel and belt line help with visibility, and a high hip point for the seats should ensure easier entry and exit.

Standard equipment in the LS includes air conditioning, black wood accent panels, a tilt/height-adjustable steering column, remote keyless entry, a 140-watt four-speaker audio system with a CD player, and a 60/40-split reclining rear seat with a center armrest. Power windows, locks and mirrors are standard. A Preferred Equipment package includes roof rails, color-keyed mirrors, alloy wheels and cruise control.

The Ralliart’s interior contains carbonlike accent panels, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob and brake handle, a sport-touch steering wheel with cruise control, a cargo cover and a six-speaker stereo system. Sport front bucket seats and rear headrests are installed.

Under the Hood
The LS trim’s 2.4-liter single-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine develops 160 hp and 161 pounds-feet of torque. The ratings under the Ralliart’s hood are 162 hp and 162 pounds-feet of torque. When the MIVEC system is installed, the accelerating engine switches to a higher cam profile at 3,600 rpm. Both models use a four-speed-automatic transmission that incorporates driver-adaptive shift control. The same engine is used in both the Ralliart edition of the Lancer sedan and the company’s Outlander sport utility vehicle.

Safety
Side-impact airbags and antilock brakes are standard on the Ralliart edition but are not available on the LS. The front seat belts have pretensioners and force limiters.

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
2/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 5 years / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
Remainder of original 5 years / 60,000 miles
Dealer certification
123-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.0 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.7
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.6
Value 3.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Very solid car even over 100,000 miles

    Excellent running car with little maintenance needed. Comfortable and spacious interior, nice exterior appearance, and excellent handling. Still performing quite well at 130k plus miles.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 385,000 Miles and still running

    I purchased my 2004 Lancer Sportback Ralliart wagon brand new with less then 25 miles on it. I was in the market for a black car with black interior and this was a winner for me. I have been traveling the country for 13 years and have never had any issues with my car. Change the oil and rotate the tires. Car is still stock with original engine and transmission. Perfect ride for a girl on the road with her bikes and dogs.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • good on gas, reliable.

    just simple commuting car, good on gas ,had power to weight ratio. too bad mitsubishi not a brand of choice in USA, fortunately still going strong in other countries.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • fun and different

    I always hear about Mitsubishi's poor reliability but i have yet to experience it. I have had my car for five years and i love it.the extra room with the seats down has come in handy more times than i can count,(i actually managed to fit a small couch in the back of it).this car is very fast even with the extra weight in the back and its handling is amazing.i changed the tires to low profile 17 inch racing tires because the stock rims were ugly and looked like bicycle tires.the new tires improved the handling a lot.the exterior styling is very different which is one of the reasons i liked it so much,it doesn't look like everything else on the road and i don't have to worry about losing it in the parking lot. the interior is a little disappointing. considering that this is the top of the line version i would have thought that Mitsubishi would have offered more interior options and features. no leather option, no power seats,it costs more but gets no sunroof while the sedan does? also no awd option. definitely disappointing given the price. the seats are comfortable for most trips.the passenger seat could use more leg and foot room though, i'm 6ft 1 and wear a size 14 and there is just no way to get comfortable in the passenger seat even when its all the way back .The only complaints i have other than the passenger seat is that it does terrible in bad weather thanks to the new tires(should have stuck with the originals). i also had a problem with the car not wanting to accelerate but when i moved and started using bp instead of citgo my car is driving like new again. i hope Mitsubishi changed their paint because for this model year the paint is atrocious Ive had my door painted twice and it is starting to flake off again. overall i am very happy with this car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • attention getter

    This car is a blast to drive and with the wagon design has been a real work horse. I bought this car new because it stood out in a crowd unlike the rest of the cookie cutter designs of the other car companies.My only complaint would be that the gas mileage is not that great for a four cylinder.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • good bang for drivers buck

    This vehicle has plenty of power and is quite a hoot to drive. I would recommend it to anyone who does not want to drive the same car and everyone else(you accord and camry guys know who you are).
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback?

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Sportback LS (1 style)
  • Sportback Ralliart (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback?

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback reliable?

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback owners.

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. 83.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 3.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.5
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