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:
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Update 10-12-06 - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By ajl - December 19 - 2:13 amMy Lancer Sportback LS now has 63,000 mostly highway miles on it and is still going strong. Its been a much better car then my Ford Focus was, although I miss the handling from the Focus and I still prefer manual shifting. But this is a pretty good automatic and the 2.4 liter 160 hp 4-cylinder runs strong. My 89 Acura Legend was only 160 hp and it was a V6 that was 2.7 liters in displacement! A very enjoyable little wagon that has been very reliable and rather fun.
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Just bought a 2010 Sportback, still new on the dealers lot! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By chefk - June 29 - 10:02 pmSo I saw the local Mitsubishi dealer had a few 2010 Mitsus still on the lot. The 2011s are on their way out so I decided to see if I could get a bargain. I found my Black on Black Lancer GTS Sportback sitting there. Why it was still there I have no idea. Beautiful car. Performs great, handles great, and I am getting great gas mileage. The dash display give plenty of MPG info to keep you driving smart and still maintains its sporty nature. Some reviews complain about the plastics in the interior. One thing the fail to mention is that the dull finish plastics do not reflect the sun. Glare is practically non-existant in this car. I think the interior is comfortable.
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Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By miran - March 23 - 1:33 pmI cant say enough about this vehicle. I like everything about it and the price is right, now I have two, I bought one for my daughter, I traded in a Fordd Focus Wagon. There is no comparison, I wish they were continuing to make the Sportback but I guess they didnt go over and they discontinued the model. Get one while you can, they are getting hard to find.
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I love this ride - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By Vic Diddy - January 21 - 2:00 amThis car is very fun to drive. It has pretty good pickup on the streets, handles well and looks pretty spiffy. its definately NOT a soccer mom car as so many say.
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Very cool vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By hammondjammin - December 3 - 2:00 amIm really glad the dealer recommended this vehicle, after all weve been through with a previous Mitsubishi auto. Definitely a fun car!
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Very Sporty Wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By GeoN - October 1 - 6:50 amWanted manual trans but only automatic was available. Turned out it is a great auto trans, always seems to be in the right gear and shifts smooth. Car is great for carrying bicycles with roof rack because its low enough to put them up without a step ladder. Lots of room for sports stuff inside, too. Accessory soft cargo liner saves the interior & looks good. Motor is surprisingly powerful and seats hold you in place for spirited driving. Could use better fuel mileage: avg 20 in town. Open road trip mileage OK at high 20s. It is the best combo of fun to drive and practical livability I could find.
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Much Happier on 93 Octane (or higher)! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By GM - September 27 - 1:20 amI love my little Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. I have owned a few budget sports cars (Mazda Miata, Dodge Daytona Shelby Turbo, Honda Civic S...) and I would say this car is as fun as the lot of them. Well maybe the Miata was a little more fun. The Lancer Sportback has the acceleration of my Turbo Shelby and the nimbleness of my Civic S...with a lot more room.
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WOW! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By PhoenixFire - September 10 - 12:46 amI just bought my Lancer Ralliart one week ago and I just love it. It handles better than any other car I have driven. I love the unique look of the car. I love the sound of the muffler when I take off from a red light. I love the smooth quiet ride I get when I take my lancer out on the highway. The 6 speaker stereo system sounds amazing. There is so much room inside, sometimes I feel like I am drving an SUV or Pickup truck. I would recomend this car to anyone who goes to the beach, or fishing, or plays sports, or goes camping or to anyone who likes to drive a quality car. Mitsubishi did I great job with this car, its a real shame they had to take it off the line. I hope its brought back.
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Wandering steering - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By donnie - July 17 - 9:50 amCar is nice and looks great but it bounces all over the road. Feels like the struts are weak and its really hard to keep the car going straight down the road. Im taking it to the dealer lets see if they do anything.
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Now we have an Evo-Hatch! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
By Odin - March 14 - 3:56 amGot the car a few weeks ago, fell in love with this Turbo-Hatch! No doubt about the performance, its all from Mitsu rally gene: Never felt turbo- lag; Reaction is lighting fast (in sport mode with the twin-clutch); AWD lets the beast stick on the road all the time no matter how terrible the weather/condition is; Plus the brilliant Rockford stereo and Recaro bucket seats making the ride as such a pleasure... Well, there are tons of good things making you forget about the tough riding though. Besides, if you were enjoying the sporty driving, the engine "noise" would double the fun then. Since its a Turbo+AWD, you need to save some pennies for the Premium gas and maintenance for sure. Good luck!
