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 31 through 40 of 53.00

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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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  ralliart wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By 2fastdogs - August 2 - 10:00 am

  very agile and easy to drive. ample room for 5 adults. with the rear seats folded down gives me plenty of room for my two greyhounds. the motor is very responsive even with an automatic.

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  Lancer Sportback! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By polli - May 15 - 3:10 pm

  The sportback has been a great vehicle and tool that I can use day to day and have a little fun while Im at it. The engine is strong, and the lower gears pulls pretty hard and therefore really quick. I just wish the 4th and 5th gear ratios werent so close. Also it would have been nice if this was offered in a 6 gear manual transmission.

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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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  Buy it if it is cheap - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By MD driver - March 29 - 4:03 pm

  When you need a cargo space, there is no better choice than this car, really. Mivech works great and runs surprisingly good for a wagon. In reliability and built quality, this car will not be as good as any other major Japanese makers, but again, this car got cargo space that no other matches, at least with good gas mileage of a car instead of an SUV. So, there is only 2 reason to buy this car, cargo space, cheaper price, at least in used market, Mitsubishi goes way cheaper than Toyota or Honda. If money and cargo space is important to you, this car is for you.

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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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  A fine vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ping - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  I just finished driving it hauling a 1500 lbs 5 by 8 moving trailer from Florida to California in 4 1/2 days. The longest day was acroos Texas, 750 miles day. No problem what so ever!! If you can be really gentle on the gas pedal like myself, 24mpg with that kind of load is possible. On the hills it struggles a bit. The sweet spot for the rpm is arond 2200 to 2600. I found that at the 4th gear this would give you 50~63 mph and really efficient. 32~35mpg on the high way is possible if you do this constantly. I had the car for more than 3 years now. Admitted, it is not a luxury car, but its practical and you can almost say its fun to drive.

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  Good engine, poor interior - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Alex - October 28 - 5:16 am

  This car has a smooth, powerful 4-cyl engine tucked inside a body of average quality. It runs quietly, great acceleration and quick handling, with plenty of power for nimble highway and city driving. The frame is moderately stiff, and the ride can feel a little rough at higher speeds. The exterior design is cool, looking almost like a Volvo wagon from the rear. However, the paint job is horrible, easily scuffing and flaking after the slightest scratch on the bumpers or quarter panels. The console and dashboard designs are logical, with controls well spaced and easy to access, but the function of the cheap plastic controls is terrible, as is the design of the windshield defrost vent.

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  Ralliart Supporter - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Tim - August 15 - 9:23 am

  Purchased in August 2004. Vechile has been excellent in -40 degrees to plus 40 degrees. Build quality is excellent. Service from dealer is very good. Only fault was squeeky rear bushings and fan door rotary switch. All replaced under warranty in a flash. Excellent winter and summer handling. Goodyear RSAs are poor versus Brigestones.