2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Mitsubishi Lancer is carried over for its second year of production. Midway through the year, Mitsubishi introduced a special model...
The Mitsubishi Lancer is carried over for its second year of production. Midway through the year, Mitsubishi introduced a special model called the Lancer Evolution, with 271 horsepower and 17-inch wheels.
The three Lancer styles are ES, LS and O-Z Rally. All Lancers come standard with air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, full power accessories and a CD player. The LS and O-Z include cruise control, keyless entry and alloy wheels.
The Lancer houses a 2.0 liter inline four, which supplies 120 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. The ES and O-Z models come standard with a five-speed manual, and a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The LS van only be equipped with the automatic. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 26/33 mpg with the manual and 24/30 mpg with the automatic.
The Lancer evolved from Mitsubishi's economical Mirage, now offering a more spacious cabin and a more refined ride. The Lancer accelerates fairly well when equipped with the manual transmission, while the automatic is rather unresponsive. Handling capabilities are above average for this class, and the cabin is protected from intrusive road and wind noise.
Consumers have complained that the Lancer is lacking in safety features: ABS and side airbags are only available on the mid-level LS.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer generally appreciate its fun driving experience, good handling, and fuel efficiency. Many liked the car's potential for modifications and its sporty feel. However, some drivers wished for more power and noted that the design could be improved. There were also mentions of less favorable features like the condition of the climate control and the lack of certain comforts such as cruise control."
A nice alternative to the all too common civic or corolla. I would describe the acceleration as adequate (hence 3 stars for performance). Handling has a definite sporty feel. Understeers quite predictably. Easy to drive at the limit. Smooth clutch operation, but shifter lacks the precision of a Honda’s. It shifts smoothly, but just not perfectly. Nice brake feel, easy to modulate. ABS really not necessary since the brakes have a very direct feel. So, this is a fun little car! Great mileage- 30+ on the highway. Just as with other small sedans, cost of ownership is very low. This is a practical, everyday car that has a bit of a sports car feel. If you are in the market for a civic, corolla, etc- don't forget to check out the lancer.
May 16, 2011good handling car, doesn't go fast, doesn't look very good, has good gas mileage. Can beat any car with a V8 or lower, in any race with turns
February 24, 2008Overall very good tuner car. If you want to put some money into the engine, your lancer will be quick, simple money over time is all that is needed. Off the start they are decently quick but with improvements and a bit of money spent they are amazing cars. I love mine sooooo much.
November 11, 2009What owners say
A nice alternative to the all too common civic or corolla. I would describe the acceleration as adequate (hence 3 stars for performance). Handling has a definite sporty feel. Understeers quite predictably. Easy to drive at the limit. Smooth clutch operation, but shifter lacks the precision of a Honda’s. It shifts smoothly, but just not perfectly. Nice brake feel, easy to modulate. ABS really not necessary since the brakes have a very direct feel. So, this is a fun little car! Great mileage- 30+ on the highway. Just as with other small sedans, cost of ownership is very low. This is a practical, everyday car that has a bit of a sports car feel. If you are in the market for a civic, corolla, etc- don't forget to check out the lancer.
May 16, 2011good handling car, doesn't go fast, doesn't look very good, has good gas mileage. Can beat any car with a V8 or lower, in any race with turns
February 24, 2008Overall very good tuner car. If you want to put some money into the engine, your lancer will be quick, simple money over time is all that is needed. Off the start they are decently quick but with improvements and a bit of money spent they are amazing cars. I love mine sooooo much.
November 11, 2009Engine not powerful enough for my taste. Good economy car though.
December 4, 2007I simply love this car. This car gives you really good gas mileage on the manual transmission plus with some modifications like the exhaust system increases the MPG even more. I find this car really fun to drive with incredible handling as it is lightweight with power steering. If you add little mods such as sway bars and stabilizer bars it gets even better plus with high performance tires you are good to go! Appearance in stock may not be that appealing but it is still has a nice clean look if you get yours in good condition from a trusted dealer. Last thing I have to say about this car is that it got lot of potential as there is lots of modifications out there for this baby as well as many vendors that specialize on Lancers so get one today and feel the power of an import tuner.
February 22, 2009Performance - slow at times, but sufficient for regular driving and amazing handling after suspension upgrade Build Quality - Durable and no problems yet Appearance - See for yourself :) Cost of Ownership - great gas mileage, cheap maintenance, parts readily available Fun Factor - YES! lol Definitely will consider buying another Lancer, maybe an EVO from the states?
August 15, 2008I love driving this car. It was a great choice. Just needs more hp and a little street noise. I would like to upgrade to the 17 inch Enkei brand wheels like the Evo has.. Gas mileage is great, 27 city, 33 hwy!
February 17, 2010Overall it's a decent car. It definitely looks nice, and it looks fast, and definitely performs well. Although it's the Oz-Rally edition trim, it's not the fastest car on the block. But the car does get great gas mileage, and handles really well thanks to the decent sportier tuned suspension compared to the lower trim levels.
May 28, 2009Great car, Love it! I have only owned it for a short while but its great! I can't wait to put custom parts into it. and yes my car is a manual...no other way to go then a manual. Bought my car used with 38,000 miles on it. I absolutely love speeding in this car and its easy to do so! lol Its a quick little car and will be quicker when I get done with it....
February 5, 2009This is a good small car that is very efficient on gas. The car can go easy on highways and has no problem keeping up. One downside is that it didn't come with Cruise Control which makes it tough to drive long distances. Another downside is the temperature control knob. It's very hard to turn and from what I understand it's a problem with this particular model but Mitsubishi does not have a recall on them which is surprising.
October 23, 2012Trims & specs
Base MSRP $14,562 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,592 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,292 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 120 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
