2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Charles R
May 21, 2015
Started as an A to B car with high millage, finished as lapping project (Racing) This car really is well balanced and handle like a snail.
Great visibility, well equiped, great braking, good look, lot of possibilities for parts, fairly cheap repair cost.
The alternator is a bit small for the full equiped version when you add a good sound system.
Good in snow for a FWD sedanMay 21, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 23, 2012
This 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. Oct 23, 2012
by Dominic R
Sep 16, 2012
this is my first car to own. i have the 4 speed automatic. i really wish it had one more gear and an overdrive. i think the gas mileage would be way better! over all it is pretty good. decent off the line, but it really hits the power band at about 2800 rpm. the handling is way better than my moms highlander or my brothers malibu.
i find the noise level could be brought down some, but it may be something that i did to it when i installed my amp(had to take plastic over driver side wheel off.) the cargo space was quite good i thought until i put my sub back in. the stock stereo is fine, but i wanted more power.
the availability of aftermarket parts is also good. there are a lot of small mod things like cold air intakes available.
i really have liked my car and someday might turn it in to a racer style!Sep 16, 2012
User rating:
by Charles R
May 21, 2015
Started as an A to B car with high millage, finished as lapping project (Racing) This car really is well balanced and handle like a snail.
Great visibility, well equiped, great braking, good look, lot of possibilities for parts, fairly cheap repair cost.
The alternator is a bit small for the full equiped version when you add a good sound system.
Good in snow for a FWD sedanMay 21, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 23, 2012
This 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. Oct 23, 2012
by Dominic R
Sep 16, 2012
this is my first car to own. i have the 4 speed automatic. i really wish it had one more gear and an overdrive. i think the gas mileage would be way better! over all it is pretty good. decent off the line, but it really hits the power band at about 2800 rpm. the handling is way better than my moms highlander or my brothers malibu.
i find the noise level could be brought down some, but it may be something that i did to it when i installed my amp(had to take plastic over driver side wheel off.) the cargo space was quite good i thought until i put my sub back in. the stock stereo is fine, but i wanted more power.
the availability of aftermarket parts is also good. there are a lot of small mod things like cold air intakes available.
i really have liked my car and someday might turn it in to a racer style!Sep 16, 2012
by matt g
Sep 10, 2012
its decent car for newer drivers. not the fastest but it its not slow either. this car takes off pretty quick! although at around 120 kmh it has a very hard time speeding up. brakes and corners very well considering its not all wheel drive. overall its a pretty average carSep 10, 2012
by Anonymous
May 16, 2011
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, 2011
by Frantz M
Feb 22, 2011
Performace - its got headers,cams,cold air intake,much more
Build Quality- is outstanding everything holds good
Appearance- its yellow with black grafts.. inside is yellow and black
Cost of Ownership- it gets about 20 mpg
Fun Factor- it can take the turn fast and hang to the roads with no problem Feb 22, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 17, 2010
I 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!
Feb 17, 2010
by Manny L
Dec 30, 2009
pretty good car all dsm baby pretty good acceleration but need exterior detailing gas mileage is horrible considering that its a 4 cylinder but road handling and of course its gotta be a 5 speed new suspension and aftermarket air intakeDec 30, 2009
by Andre B
Nov 11, 2009
Overall 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.
Nov 11, 2009
by Ajay C
Nov 10, 2009
the ride is good and the looks are awesome but sips up too
much gas...acceleration could be better but the handling is
superb. cost of ownership is bit high....but a fun drive.take it
any where and u wont be embaraced.Nov 10, 2009
by Nikki D
Oct 19, 2009
1800cc and its economical as ever. 5spd Manual - none of this automatic or tiptronic stuff for me! Vehicle has not lost its value in the time I have owned it, and would recommend it to others also. Bring on a the turbo versionOct 19, 2009
by Dylan S
Sep 15, 2009
Car is a gray 03 Lancer. The 4g94 isn't that great but it gets me from A to B, with good gas mileage.
Bone stock aside from:
Drop in short ram intake
Axel back exhaust
Tint
Rims w low pros
Car is alright to drive, we will see how it handles in the snow.Sep 15, 2009
by Daniel R
Aug 17, 2009
Great starter car. Interior kind of cheap. but fit together well. Not much power. best bang for buck power increase would be turbo. handling is decent. not an evo so cant expect evo performance. Gas mileage is decent unless you put a turbo on it lol.Aug 17, 2009
by Ashley D
Jul 18, 2009
performance: awesome acceleration for a 4 cylinder, awesome brakes, handles great.
awesome build.
Apperance: dark greyish/blue exterior, navy/grey interior.
its an awesome car it will b really nice when i fix it up, rims, body kit, exhaust lots of bad ass stuff.Jul 18, 2009
by Zach N
May 28, 2009
Overall 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, 2009
by Kazi A
Feb 22, 2009
I 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.Feb 22, 2009
by Ashley C
Feb 05, 2009
Great 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....
Feb 05, 2009
by Matthew T
Nov 25, 2008
This is a great first car, as it is reliable and rather quick. It handles really well, but it does not have abs. It has never needed any major repairs, just normal wear and tear. The Lancer looks good, especially with some visual mods. Another plus is that it gets really good gas mileage. Overall....A blast if you don't want to outrun your friends.Nov 25, 2008
by Christopher K
Aug 15, 2008
Performance - 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? Aug 15, 2008
by Karen W
Jul 11, 2008
A very good quality car - lots of pep, excellent handling, good on gas. Black rally interior. Lots of fun to drive.
It is now 4 years old and I still haven't needed any major repairs. Standard transmission makes for a very fun drive.Jul 11, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 04, 2008
the heat and ac system has a air diverter that stuck and no longer works properly we twisted off the knob that operates it I had to disconnect the heater hoses to get cool air in summerJul 04, 2008
by Jim M
Apr 01, 2008
The car gets great gas mileage and there are plenty of aftermarket providers for the lancer. This was the best looking lancer that wasn't an evo IMO.Apr 01, 2008
by Ameen A
Mar 18, 2008
awsome handling, awsum pickup. low maintainence.
of course the evo is better. bt this is pretty good for your money. this is a car thats meant to be modified and raced.Mar 18, 2008
by Kevin M
Feb 24, 2008
good 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 turnsFeb 24, 2008
by Patrick G
Jan 17, 2008
I got this car for 10 month and I change it for the Ralliart version and got at the same time the new 10 years waranty.
This car run very wery I got no problem at all with this Lancer ES.Jan 17, 2008
by Cezary M
Jan 12, 2008
An overall great car. Drives me to work and wins me rallies. What else do you want?Jan 12, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 04, 2008
I love the Lancer... not so much the newer ones but the 2002 - 2003. I owned a yellow 2002 and it was great. It was my first car. Now i own a 2003 white lancer oz. It is the most perfect car. It has power when you want it but not to much power. It is a pretty smooth ride. The interior is kinda dull but still looks good! The prices are still a little high but they are great cars. My 2003 has never broke on me... just keep it serviced and everything stays good. My 2002 lancer had its thermometer go out but thats it!Jan 04, 2008
by Ryan H
Dec 04, 2007
Engine not powerful enough for my taste. Good economy car though.Dec 04, 2007
What users have asked
my lancer doesn't start it
PLEASE I NEED HELP!!! MY LANCER DOESN'T STARTER WE CHECKED THE STARTER THE BATTERY IS NEW BECAUSE I THOUGHT WAS THAT BUT NOTHING SOME ONE KNOWS ABOUT THIS KIND OF CARS MAYBE ANY SENSOR? I CHANGE THE PART WERE THE BELT GOES AND SINCE THAT START PROBLEMS.IT HAD ALREADY PROBLEM WITH THE A.C .DIDN'T WORK SOME TIMES AND WE CHECK THE ALTERNATOR AND IS FINE .PLEASE HELPPPP,HOW I KNOW IF MY CAR IS TRIM "ES" OR "E-Z RALLY?
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Help getting a lancer tranny back in
So my nephew is replacing the clutch in his 03 lancer. Got the tranny out and the clutch replaced but nobody was smart enough to pay attention to how it came out. I'm completely transmission stupid when it comes to front wheel drive rice burners. Any links or videos would be helpful. 2003 lancer oz rally. Thanks guys
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2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES Key Fob Programming
I bought a pair of key fobs for my 03 Lancer ES. I'm following the instructions required to program them to the car but it doesn't seem to work. At the point where it tells you to press hazard button 6 times and the car will lock and unlock, my car doesn't do it. https://www.programyourremote.com/classified/2003-mitsubishi-lancer- keyless-entry-remote-fob-smart-key-programming-instructions-listing- 5852.aspx
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2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,562 to $16,592Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent