Overview & Reviews

For the most part, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is identical to the Lancer sedan, which means aggressive, shark-nosed styling, agile handling and an ample amount of available features. Yet its hatchback body style lends an added degree of practicality thanks to the increased cargo capacity that comes with its extended roof line.

However, the Sportback also comes saddled with the Lancer's drawbacks that include subpar fuel economy, a general lack of refinement and a cabin that's rather plain and downmarket compared to what's seen in rival hatchbacks. Its many available luxury, convenience and electronics features that were once rare for the class are also increasingly par for the course. So while the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback can be an attractive, practical and enjoyable little runabout, we suggest that you consider other alternatives.

Current Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is offered in ES and GT trim levels. The base ES gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The sportier GT gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both these trims get standard front-wheel drive and a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. The CVT features a manual mode with simulated gear ratios operated via paddle shifters.

The Lancer Sportback offers many high-tech features (either as standard or optional), though these are increasingly becoming common in the compact segment. Examples include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a touchscreen navigation system, hard drive music storage, Bluetooth connectivity and Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activated controls. Driver comfort is compromised by the lack of a telescoping steering column, but rear seat comfort is at least very good, with a useful amount of legroom. With the seats up, the Sportback offers 13.8 cubic feet of storage. Maximum cargo capacity is either 47 cubic feet with the Ralliart or 52.7 cubes with the GT.

Our seat time in the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has revealed sporty handling and a strong appreciation for the potent Rockford Fosgate hard-drive-equipped audio system. The base ES is a little on the mundane side, but the GT version is likely sporty enough for most folks thanks to its peppy performance (especially with the manual gearbox) and solid composure through the corners. Unfortunately, the Lancer's lack of refinement, subpar fuel economy and disappointing interior quality make it less desirable than other compact hatchbacks.

Used Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Models
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was added to the Lancer lineup for 2010, but in that first year it was only available as the GTS and Ralliart. The latter featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged-4 (237 hp and 253 lb-ft), an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles, and all-wheel drive. Both were discontinued after 2011, though the current GT is pretty similar to the GTS. The Mitsubishi Fuse system was also unavailable in the first year.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 53.00

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  Still love it after 10 years - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By niftybergin - March 19 - 9:14 pm

  I just turned over 155,000 miles in my Sportback, bought new in 2004. Have to say that I still love this car! Ive kept up with the annual maintenance, use fully synthetic oil and high-test gas, and it runs great. Smooth and quiet. One major repair -- the A/C -- in all this time. Everything else has just been regular maintenance. Love that it has good pick-up when I need it to and that its got enough power to handle mountainous roads. Even after 10 years and 155K miles, I still get 25 MPG city / 31 MPG hwy.

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  Not my Audi TT, but great for $20k less - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By cutcoll - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I use my Mitsubishi Lancer SB/GTS for driving to work and chores. I have an 2009 Audi TT 2.0/Quattro I drive when Im not going to work. When Im driving the Lancer, I often wonder where the $20k difference in price is. The Lancer has many of the same features like auto. headlights and wipers, heated leather seats, pwr windows, ABS/ATC/ASC, 4 wheel disc brakes,anti-theft system, 18" aluminum wheels(extra $850 on the TT), cruise control, paddle shifters, steering wheel mounted controls, automatic temperature control... So where is the difference? The Lancer exceeds the mpg rating. Im averaging 30 with mixed driving. Plus the Lancers 6CD sound system puts the Audis to shame.

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  1 year model only - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By don booth - October 15 - 8:50 pm

  Cant figure out why this model was only made in 2004. It is a great vehicle, my favorite of the 34 cars Ive owned. This baby scoots when needed, love the exhaust note, very comfortable, I love the simplicity of the guages and control knobs. Id love to buy another and keep it for a spare in case this one gets hit. My only complaint is the gas mileage: 20 in town, 25 on the highway.

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  Just the best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By artrocks - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned new and old cars for the last 30 years and this car make me AND my husband happy; Ive got room and vroom... It looks cooler than any other car on the road. I read about Mitsubishi, checked out the Japanese version of this before I bought this. (never buy the beta version) and this model is clean - I couldnt find anything bad about it. Ive never bought a Mitsubishi and put my faith in the good opinions of its customers. Have had this car for 8 months and its the best.

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  A Great Sportswagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By craig24 - February 28 - 1:19 pm

  This sports wagon is perfect for me. It has everything I want and none of what I dont. I wanted; a used, fun-to-drive, reasonably priced, reliable, roomy, comfy, fuel efficient, wagon with great visibility, low insurance and a compromise between sporty handling and good ride quality. I didnt want; expensive repairs & maintenance, electric leather seats, a sunroof, climate control (A/C button & dials are best), paying extra for a badge, a boring vehicle, an SUV. The Lancer Ralliart wagon has all of this and more. Its a great car for; commuting, driving spiritedly (its not fast but sporty and rewarding), highway cruising, moving furniture, grocery shopping, carrying sports equipment.

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  A sporty commuter thatll make you smile - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Mike - November 12 - 1:03 pm

  This is such a big change from driving my 00 Corolla. Theres 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 youll often feel like youre 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 wont mistake it for a luxury car but you wont mistake it for an economy car either. The engine delivers spirited performance overall and gaining speed in the highway or city is easy.

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  Gotta love it! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By jb1201 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased mine, although I do not give high marks to the dealership, the Lancer sportwagon is fun, roomy, and easy to operate.

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  sales and consulting firms - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Dchandler - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my lancer for almost four months now and everything about this car is awesome ,great power ,very reliable ,and great fuel economy.The infinity stereo kicks and the handling of this car is almost like a evolution eight rally car. My wife and i took a trip to the coast recently and the car did amazing . Anyone looking for a smaller wagon or car period should definitely check out the lancer raliart sportback.

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  Best car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By fifthbooth - November 19 - 8:46 pm

  Of the 16 new cars Ive purchased, this one is far and away the best car Ive 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! Im 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.

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  Great car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By igorlg - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is above expectation! Fast acceleration and pleasant drive.