2004 Mitsubishi Ralliart Wagon
Good points: Engine, handling, warranty, utility
Needs Improvement: Pricing, acceleration, gas mileage, gauges
If Mitsubishi is going to make a dent in the market it better make products alluring to the younger generation. To this end the Ralliart Lancer wagon makes it appearance. Unfortunately, they also applied a MSRP of over $18,000 US to this compact wagon placing it in direct competition with some of the most sought after youth oriented vehicles in the marketplace namely the Toyota Matrix, Mazda 3, and even the Subaru Impreza wagon.
So what would attract a buyer to the unique looking Ralliart wagon? An excellent warranty, a roomy cargo hold, and a distinct look that never failed to attract young potential buyers. In addition there is a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 162 hp and a fairly sporty handling package in this front wheel drive offering.
Mom's view: On any compact car safety equipment is an important concern, but more importantly to me are the government crash test scores. In the case of the Lancer, it has antilock brakes, the usual airbag features, and high safety ratings indicating an above average car in terms of protection in case of accidents.
Driving the Ralliart was easy due to the responsive transmission and engine combination, superior visibility, and fairly excellent seats that made long trips enjoyable. This is certainly not a rally car like it potent brother, the Evolution, but the sport-tuned Ralliart does have good reflexes considering this is a wagon.
There were some disappointments with this Mitsubishi, The gauges are poorly lighted and have too small of a font to be easily read at night. In addition, the doors don't make a reassuring sound when shut. Finally, when driving over large bumps, the Ralliart's chassis flexed more than I would have liked. It is certainly not as awe inspiring as the Evo and does not have that car's superior headlights either.
Overall, this is a car wagon appeal is in its utility, performance, and warranty. It is fun to drive, with a responsive nature and is quite striking in its appearance.
Dad's view: Easy to load, faster than you would think, and average fuel economy all combine to make the Ralliart wagon an interesting vehicle. The unfortunate part is the pricing of this Mitsubishi which places it directly in combination with its bigger brother, the Galant, which has the same power and does everything nearly as well except handle and have the superior carrying capacity of the wagon. And, if you need space, Mitsubishi's SUV, the Outlander also costs nearly the same, and has more space, but is not nearly as handy to drive in traffic.