2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS 2.4 gasoline 4G69 MIVEC from North America

Summary:

Very hard to find yet satisfying, worthwhile vehicle

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car yet.

General Comments:

Nothing has gone wrong yet.

General comments? The exterior is sharp, very reminscent of Volvo station wagons, which is definitely a plus. The space is also used very well and the back end is loaded with a variety of nooks and crannies and other areas to hold equipment or cargo. The shape itself cuts right through the wind. Sharp black wood accents and brushed metal mark the inside of the vehicle and the displays are well marked and well placed. Everything works great and feels surprisingly upscale.

The 160 horsepower 2.4 liter engine provides a good, peppy even powerful delivery of power, but is also able to ease into higher speeds without any trouble. Passing is a breeze with this vehicle - you tend to get the sensation that you are going faster than you really are. While driving, you feel that you're driving something that's substantial without being bulky or overly heavy, which is reassuring. Even while driving at high speeds, it's surprisingly quiet. Fuel economy is also very reasonable considering the weight of the vehicle (over one and a half tons) and the size of the engine.

I traded in my '00 Corolla because it didn't have enough personality or legroom for my 6' 3" frame. This has been a definite improvement and the car almost feels like an extension of myself because everything works so smoothly and so naturally. Having about 8k miles on my new vehicle, getting it for $11,200 was a great deal and I have to admit there's the added appeal that this particular model is one of only 3,000 others in the US. I cannot say enough good things about this vehicle; it's been my dream to own a wagon and a Mitsubishi and now it's come true. If you find one, I recommend you strongly consider buying it. You will not regret it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2006

29th May 2006, 23:53

What figures do you get or think from your sports wagon.

0-60 mph in auto form.

I'm thinking of getting one, but unsure of power, as it seems to be quite heavy. Otherwise I may opt for a Mazda3 hatch.

Cheers.

30th May 2006, 10:06

Reviewer here.

I've found that I can do a 0-60 in about 6.5-6.6 seconds if I play the gas pedal right, which is pretty good, since I did it with a second person in the car keeping time for me.

The nice thing about the MIVEC engine is that it allows a great deal of flexibility for an automatic. Since the cam profile changes at 3,500 RPMs, you get a sort of "turbo boost" at that point, which is great for stop light take-offs or passing on the highway.

Besides that, there's a computer that will tailor the gear shifting to your driving style (I believe it resets every time the car is started, though I may be wrong), so it may hold one gear longer if you're driving sluggishly to conserve fuel or it will hop through the gears to reach that 3,500 RPM sweet spot if you're really laying on the gas. One of the things I like best about this vehicle is that if you manipulate the gas right, you have a lot more flexibility than other automatics, almost as much as an auto-stick without the hassle.

So I'd say its performance capability isn't really in question. It's actually not quite as heavy as you'd think and the engine does a great job of keeping it moving. Considering its size, however, it does a pretty good job of getting painless gas figures. I've gotten between 25-28 mpg combined, keeping in mind that I don't have cruise equipped for highway driving.

If I were you, I'd definitely consider this little gem, or at least give it a test drive. I guarantee that you'll be the only one on the block with one!

2nd Jun 2006, 01:36

Thanks buddy.

Although 6.6 seconds sounds bit too quick for an Auto natural aspirated engine. 0-60mph.

I was thinking more along the lines of 8 sec.

But I will be doing a test drive soon...can't wait.

2nd Jun 2006, 13:17

I find it rather hard to believe the reviewer achieved those 0-60 times, as well. But still, put the 2.4 (which is large for a 4-cylinder) in a smaller car like the Lancer, and it could be achievable. With a manual transmission, perhaps? Maybe not.

13th Jul 2006, 12:14

Original poster here. Did the poster who said he'd be taking a test drive give it a shot? And if so, how'd it go?

In reply to 13th Jul 2006, 12:14

10th Jul 2017, 14:05

To OP: Eleven years later -- how did your ownership experience turn out? Do you still have it?

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer RALLIART 2.4L from North America

Summary:

High quality car with great performance for the dollar

Faults:

No problems with the car as of yet.

General Comments:

This car is not fast (i.e. Evo, Mustang GT territory) but it is sufficiently quick.

It has an awesome naturally aspirated 2.4 L 4-cylinder that is very flexible, smooth and quiet. It starts hauling around 3500 RPM, and has relatively good torque below that.

It's a high quality car with tight build quality, quality interior materials, solid and stiff body structure, and relatively quiet.

Handling is great, with great feel/communication with little body roll.

The independent suspension is stiff yet still comfortable. Your mom will think it's too bumpy though.

Performance for dollar ratio is awesome, will whoop a Mazda 3s or STi while being second to none in quality.

A viable alternative to the Acura TSX, the Mitsu beats it in performance and yet is also a high quality car.

Best powertrain warranty out there and 3 years free maintenece, can't beat that.

Cheap, ugly, plastic grille on 2004-2005 models, but is easily replaceable with a mesh grille. The 2006 model fixes this problem.

Tires are not performance tires, need to buy a new set of tires if you want more performance.

Navigation not an option, more horsepower always welcome.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2005