2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Lancer variations continue to increase for 2004; there are now three distinct models for Mitsubishi's compact car. Last year the Lancer...
Lancer variations continue to increase for 2004; there are now three distinct models for Mitsubishi's compact car. Last year the Lancer was joined by the high performance Lancer Evolution, and this year brings a new wagon body style. The wagon has been badged the Sportback, and it houses a more powerful engine. The Lancer receives a front end face lift this year, highlighted by a new grille, integrated bumpers and halogen headlamps.
There are now four trims for the Lancer sedan. The ES, LS and O-Z Rally styles return, and the Ralliart model debuts this year. The Ralliart is more performance-focused than the O-Z, thanks to a larger engine. All Lancers come standard with air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories, auto-off headlamps and a CD player.
There are now two engine options for the sedan. The ES, LS and O-Z Rally house a 2.0 liter inline four, which makes 120 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. On the ES and O-Z, buyers may choose between a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. The LS comes only with the automatic. The new Ralliart is powered by a 2.4 liter inline four, generating 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This performance model is only available with the automatic. Fuel economy for the 2.4 is estimated at 23/29 mpg.
The Lancer earns high marks for performance, specifically with the 2.4 liter Ralliart. Testers report a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds, which nearly leads this class. The 2.0 liter acceleration is reasonable with the manual transmission, and more restrained with the automatic. The Ralliart also offers very responsive steering and agile handling. Unfortunately, stopping confidence is hindered by the lack of ABS on most models.
One of the most common owner complaints is the lack of standard safety features. ABS and side airbags are not available on the lower trims.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer enjoy its fun driving experience and sporty handling, especially in urban settings. Many appreciate its unique looks and affordability, while some mention the engine power as lacking, particularly for highway speeds. Though it's garnered a reputation as a good daily driver with decent gas mileage, several drivers wish for more power and performance features, particularly in automatic variants."
This car is quick with the 2.4L MIVEC power plant. The FWD isn't the greatest, there ia a little torque steer on hard take offs, but not enough for very many people to notice. A LSD would go nicely up there. The handling around back road twists is very neutral. There are some curves that i was afraid to take the Z around at any sort of speed, those are the curves where the Lancer shines. This is a great performing car. The interior is pretty basic, one complaint is the lack of a map light, but it's no big deal. I have gotten around 23-24 MPG with mixed driving
October 7, 2013This is my gorgeous 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralli Art. It has a 2.4L Mivec 4cyl. I have installed a injen cold air intake and a vibrant cat-back exhaust system. It also has an evo 8 spoiler and a front strut bar. Best car i have ever owned, and the most fun to drive. Great for drifting.
December 22, 2008I love everything about this car. It's my first Mitsubishi and I'm hooked. It may not have leather seats, heated seats, or dual climate control but I wouldn't trade it for anything(except a newer ralliart or evo of course).
May 15, 2011What owners say
This car is quick with the 2.4L MIVEC power plant. The FWD isn't the greatest, there ia a little torque steer on hard take offs, but not enough for very many people to notice. A LSD would go nicely up there. The handling around back road twists is very neutral. There are some curves that i was afraid to take the Z around at any sort of speed, those are the curves where the Lancer shines. This is a great performing car. The interior is pretty basic, one complaint is the lack of a map light, but it's no big deal. I have gotten around 23-24 MPG with mixed driving
October 7, 2013This is my gorgeous 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralli Art. It has a 2.4L Mivec 4cyl. I have installed a injen cold air intake and a vibrant cat-back exhaust system. It also has an evo 8 spoiler and a front strut bar. Best car i have ever owned, and the most fun to drive. Great for drifting.
December 22, 2008I love everything about this car. It's my first Mitsubishi and I'm hooked. It may not have leather seats, heated seats, or dual climate control but I wouldn't trade it for anything(except a newer ralliart or evo of course).
May 15, 2011This car has lots of zoom power and because of it compactness can zip in and out of traffic well. The seating is a bit boxy, but for the price this is a good basic car to own. Gas mileage is good - average about 28MPG city and Highway. Stats reveals that this is a low cost maintenance car.
February 26, 2011I love my car it came stock with a 2.4 litre engine pushing 168hp.I got it in lightning yellow.It`s got manual shift with good acceleration,good braking & great handling.Myself i love the exterior & interior looks or i would not have bought it right?So far i`ve only put brakes and tires on ,And that`s pretty good as i drive it like i stole it hahaha.Sticker price at the time was $24 888.38mpg highway 28 city???with just the regular maintenance thos far...I`ve owned the car for 4 years and still love driving it...speedometer marks 220kph...hit that at about 5000rpm in 5 gear...burried it by the time i hit rev limitor at about 6700rpm.Car felt real tight at those speed...incredible for a 4 cylinder stock besides a k&n filter in the stock air box...what a blast to drive!!!
August 7, 2008I've driven this car since Nov. '05 and never had one problem. Only routine maintenance. Power isn't thrilling, yet sufficient for a 2 litre 4-cyl getting an average of 25-28 MPG city/highway mixed driving. I am actually getting ready to install a chrome air intake kit, but in the mean time, to improve air flow, I cut out a section of the bumper between the inside of the grille and the opening of the air intake duct (stock intake). Basically that allows more direct airflow straight through the grille into the duct, as opposed to the dumb design it comes with. Already I am noticing noticable improvements in throttle response and acceleration, and I am currently in the midst of calculating gas mileage.
April 4, 2008For the base model of the lancer, it is surprisingly quick. Even though it is no where near as fast as the Evo edition. I do love it for what i paid for it and how well it has lasted me. Though i have never before owned a four door car, it does come in quite handy. Gas mileage is pretty decent IMO. and yes it is fun to drive. Standard FTW!
June 29, 2009i love my car, its great for running around town, its so fun to drive, servicing is cheap, goes pretty good for a 4 cylinder car, it handles pretty good on the road and they sell cheap, the auto is easier to drive than the manual, but boring on long trips
August 2, 2008This car is great, It's almost time for the first oil change since I have had it and it hasn't gotten old yet. This car is quick with the 2.4L MIVEC powerplant. The FWD isn't the greatest, there ia a little torque steer on hard take offs, but not enough for very many people to notice. A LSD would go nicely up there. The handling around backroad twisties is very neutral. There are some curves that i was afraid to take the Z around at any sort of speed, those are the curves where the Lancer shines. This is a great performaing car. The interior is pretty basic, one complaint is the lack of a map light, but it's no big deal. Fuel Economy isn't the greatest, especially is you have a lead foot. The MIVEC kicks in a 3500RPM and will suck gas like no other past that point. I have gotten around 23-24 MPG with mixed driving.
April 5, 2008good car with cheap price lovely appearance strong build quality and comfortable space in it with cars in it's price just need more some opition in inside like cd player electronic seats and extra things but overall is a good car
July 13, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,572 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 162 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $14,172 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,572 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,572 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
