Snapshot : An economical 4-door family sedan, the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer is quite spacious. A 120 hp 4-cyl. engine, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors are standard. However the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer is the basis for a series of rally-type upgrades ranging from mostly cosmetic to 271 hp wild. Prices start at $13,597 in the US. Basic warranty is 3 yrs./36,000 mi.
Should You Buy a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?: With the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer you get choice of autos running from a rather pedantic base model to a wild Evo model based on Mitsubishi's championship rally cars. The base sedans are quite roomy and therefore well-suited to a family on a budget. The 2-liter, 120 hp engine provides adequate performance but the handling is merely average and road noise pronounced. For 2004 a Sportback wagon joins the lineup. Upgraded Lancers are all rally-related, starting with the mild 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer O.Z. Rally, followed by a 2-liter 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart rated at 162 hp, on up to the all-wheel-drive 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, which produces a whopping 271 hp from its turbocharged four. At over $30,000 the EVO is no longer an economy car but succeeds as a much-needed flag-waver for Mitsubishi.
