2004 Mitsubishi Lancer: Road Test
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2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
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- MSRP: $13,597 -$29,999
- Invoice: $12,913 -$28,182
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Our road test for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer help you decide if a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 4 |
2.0-liter engine adequate with manual transmission, but despite fairly prompt downshifts, automatic leaves it feeling sluggish. 2.4 liter noticeably stronger with either transmission; test Ralliart wagon with 2.4 and automatic did 8.1 sec 0-60, strong for the class. High-performance Evolution is a real hot rod: Test vehicle did 5.5 sec 0-60 mph, but lacked low-end power and suffered turbo lag--a delay in power delivery--at lower speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.6 |
Test O-Z with manual transmission averaged 26.4 mpg. Test Ralliart wagon with automatic averaged 23.1 mpg in city/highway mix; a Ralliart sedan with manual averaged 23.9. Evolution averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 22.8 in mostly highway. Mitsubishi requires premium-grade fuel for Evolutions; others use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 4.4 |
Evolutions are quite firm but not unbearably harsh. Ralliarts can jolt over sharp bumps, but are in keeping with sporty pretensions. Other Lancers are comfortably stable and composed, though big bumps and dips can cause minor bounce.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5.3 |
Mainstream models are economy-car competent, with moderate cornering lean and fail-safe front-drive moves. Ralliarts are more agile, responsive, and fun. Evolutions offers laser-sharp handling, tenacious AWD grip, but suffer a large turning circle. ABS should be offered on all Lancers, as stopping power and stability are just OK without it.
QUIETNESS
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
Race-bred Evolutions are quite noisy even in low-effort driving. Other models have acceptable wind and road noise, but suffer mild high-rpm engine boom.
CONTROLS
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Gauges and controls are nothing special, but cause no problems. Cabin materials are inoffensive, look durable, but plastics not that classy in any model. Doors, trunklid close with cheap-sounding clang.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Adult-size room. Comfortable, supportive seats. Drivers get standard height-adjustable seat (except on Evolutions, where it may be sorely missed by shorter drivers) and tilt steering wheel. Good outward visibility, especially on wagons, though Evolution's huge rear spoiler can block view. Evolution and wagons include a rear-window wiper. Evolutions and Ralliarts have supportive sport seats with extra side bolstering to hug the torso.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Average for class, but not cramped for two medium adults. Bench seat too firm and flat for best support, but livable.
CARGO ROOM
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3.9 |
Sedans have fairly large trunk, but opening narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into cargo hold. Wagons are useful compact load-luggers. All models except the ES sedan have a handy 60/40 split folding seatback.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 5.6 |
Lancer is ordinary in 2.0-liter form, but the new 2.4-liter models are worth a look. Still, no mainstream Lancer is a class star, and "deal of the week" marketing means subpar resale values. The potent Evolutions are pricey, but offer rowdy fun to performance buyers.
Total Score
| ES sdn, man. | LS sdn, auto. | Ralliart wgn, auto. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 51 | 57 | 47 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 52
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