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2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS Road Test

In the Ultra Competitive Compact Wagon Market the Lancer Lacks Serious Fun

When I am not testing out a new ride, or running around town doing errands, or studying for school, or writing a car review, I am working at a local drugstore selling cosmetics. I know, can you believe it? Cars and cosmetics are an interesting pairing but hey, I do what I have to do.

Working in both the cosmetic and car industries helps me reiterate the importance of options. I state the obvious when I say what works for one might not work for the other. This brings me to my test drive with the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS. With the meager list of features the LS has to offer in what is an ultra competitive compact wagon market, its no wonder why I have yet to see another Lancer Sportback on the

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS is up against some very serious competition in its class. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

streets of my very import oriented town.

What features am I referring to? Well, Mitsubishi only offers one transmission in the Sportback LS, a 4-speed automatic with no manual mode. Many buyers opt for the gas-and-brake tranny, but Im not one of them. I would rather prefer to tame the LS 2.4-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, SOHC engine, that incidentally produces a commendable 160 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a clutch and a shifter. Unfortunately in this case, I

Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available in the Mitsubishi Sportback. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

have no other option but to put up with an autobox. I was also shocked when I read that ABS isnt even an option. Need I say more?

So, no manual transmission and no ABS are available; is the car still worth driving? Yes. I found it has many strong attributes, starting off with a generous assortment of safety features. Even though ABS is not optional, the LS still has four-wheel power assisted disc brakes. For the average driver stopping distances are longer without anti-lock brakes, but the system Mitsubishi has provided is at least sufficient for dry weather conditions.

The Lancer LS, however, does come

With its above average ride and handling, the Sportback manages curves with confidence and drives smoothly. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

standard with dual front airbags, steel side-guard door beams, front and rear crumple zones and the refined impact safety evolution (RISE) chassis that, as Mitsubishi describes, "offers increased structural rigidity (to prevent twisting between front and rear axles), integrated, energy-absorbing crumple zones and steel-side impact door beams to help provide you with added peace of mind. These safety innovations help cradle you every mile you drive, as well as contribute to the dynamic handling of many Mitsubishi vehicles."

The cars ride and handling is also above average. A standard four-wheel independent suspension coupled with a set of P195/60 R15 all season tires and optional 15-inch alloy wheels (part of the preferred package), enhance the

Even with the automatic transmission, the Sportback manages a decent 0 to 60 mph time of 8.98 seconds. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

Sportback experience. Such hardware adds to the little wagons stability. It feels sturdy and drives smoothly, handling very well when executing tight turns or when driving along straight-aways.

Acceleration is decent too, at 0 to 60 mph in 8.98 seconds, with the automatic shifting through the gears with commendable precision. The Sportback is also sufficiently powered when accelerating up a hill, or passing another vehicle in a passing lane.

Other standard features the Lancer Sportback LS incorporates are halogen headlights, steering-wheel-mounted cruise control, power door locks, power windows, a tilt and height-adjustable steering column, four spoke steering wheel, air conditioning, stainless steel exhaust system and keyless entry remote. Optional features that are part of the Preferred Equipment Package include 15-inch alloy wheels, black satin finish

The wagon offers plenty of interior room and comfortable seating, but visibility out the back window can be an issue. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

roof rails, color-keyed door mirrors and a retractable cargo tonneau cover.

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