2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Review
Price Estimate: $2,881 - $4,505





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Tons of power, tight handling, excellent feedback during spirited driving.
Cons
- Inexperienced drivers can get into trouble quickly, unforgiving highway ride.
What’s new
The Lancer Evolution is not necessarily a new car; it's been around in Japan and Europe since 1989. However, this year marks the first time Mitsubishi is offering the Evo to American customers.
Edmunds says
A fully equipped racecar for under $30,000. If driving means more to you than anything else in the world, you'd be crazy not to consider the Evo.
For sale near Amarillo, TX
3 listings
- New ListingPhotos not available
- 171,348 miles
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Corwin Toyota of Bellevue (520 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Electronic Folding M...
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Located in Bellevue, NE
Recent Arrival! Black Corwin Toyota of Bellevue is pleased to offer this 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. AWD 4D Sedan Evolution 18/26 City/Highway MPGwww.c...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AH86F73U123569
Stock: 3123569
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-15-2025 - Photos not available
- 76,510 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Luxury Motors (923 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Electronic Folding M...
Close
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JA3AH86F63U110263
Stock: 0263
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-30-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$236/mo for Lancer Evolution Base
Lancer Evolution Base
vs
$145/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 16V458000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SR-16-003
- Manufactured from:
- 2006-09-08 to 2013-03-11
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 174382
- Defect Description:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Mitsubishi issued an interim notification to owners on August 19, 2016. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
- Recall Number:
- 04V138000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7278
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO, THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) AND GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) AS STATED ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
- Defect Consequence:
- OVERLOADING CAN DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE, ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING HANDLING AND BRAKING, CAUSE TIRE FAILURE, AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Modern Muscle!
4.5 out of 5 starsBigTim, 05/27/2006
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4dr Sport Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I have owned NUMEROUS cars, a'96 BMW M3, a '94 Mazda RX7, a Mini Cooper S, a Volvo 850R, an Audi S4, all of which were extensively modified... This car is by far the most honed instrument that I have ever owned. The only car which was even close to as fun was the Mini. This car is a beast in every way, I am Currently running over 400 hp, have had numerous encounters with the drag strip, … and 35,000 miles on the still strong stock clutch. I have had some auto-X and the brakes are still strong and have lots of life left. I ask a lot from my cars and this has been one of the best, most reliable, and wicked cars I have ever owned. It is not for every one, just a select few who put driving above all else.
Twenty years and 203,000 miles later
5 out of 5 starsJay, 03/24/2019
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4dr Sport Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I am the original owner of a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. I have taken the car countless times to the drag strip, track day events, and numerous automotive events and it has never failed. It currently has over 400hp at the crank with the original engine, transmission, transfer case, differentials and original turbo. Change engine and drivetrain oil, timing belt and water pump … at factory intervals and the Evo will be fine. I check spark plugs frequently for ware however changes should be made between 3000-7000 miles. Interior has held up exceptionally well. I hear reviews of those disappointed with interior materials, however, in the long run the materials have stood the test of time. Recaro front seats are a great balance between track and street. I am 5'7" and my back is supported and I have no aches after long drives. Rear seats are good. There is ample leg room and comfort is good. The only components I have needed to replace are as follows: alternator (at 155,000 miles) compressor fan (broken fan blade from ice at 190,000 miles) starter motor (at 194,000 miles,) and two front axels (at 200,000 miles.) Check the driver side floor fuse box for signs of corrosion or water. There is a rubber plug on the firewall which can come loose allowing water on the fuse box. This is an easy fix. Simply glue the plug shut. This occurred to me 12 years ago and we sealed the pug at the dealer... problem solved. Many Evos unfortunately have been abused and this is where you will hear reliability issues. If you are on the market take care in finding a well maintained model. Best gas mileage I received on the highway was 27mpg on a trip from Atlanta to Philadelphia. The 4G63 engine has a long history stretching back to the Group B Rally Car the Mitsubishi Starion and it's nice to know the engine has constantly been refined over the years. I have driven BMW M3s, Corvettes, 911 Turbos and 911 GT3s, and the Evo is a great value for performance and long term reliability. And after seventeen years and 200,000 miles I will probably hang on to the Evo for an indefinite amount of time.
Don't BUY!! Get the STi
1.5 out of 5 starsCheated!, 06/01/2003
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4dr Sport Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
When I purchased my EVO it was a great
day! But soon problems followed. I
have had it in the shop 6 times and i
know of other who have. I got the
opportunity to drive the STi.. Much
faster, better handling with its
adjustable Differentials, BETTER
QUALITY! If you don't like replacing
head gaskets don't buy EVO!
Awesome
5 out of 5 starsMartinGUSNSEAL, 07/27/2003
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4dr Sport Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
This car is Fast!.. I love it.
2003 Lancer Evolution Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,987 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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