2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Review





+97
Used Lancer for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy cabin, relaxed and quiet at freeway speeds, smooth ride.
Cons
- Underpowered engine, ABS and side airbags only available on LS version.
What’s new
Midway through the year, Mitsubishi will unleash its Lancer Evolution, a rally racing-inspired road burner that sends 271 horsepower through all four of its 17-inch wheels.
Edmunds says
The Lancer is a solid vehicle, but aside from its roomy cabin and comfortable ride, there's little reason to recommend it over other more entertaining rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$149/mo for Lancer ES
Lancer ES
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer.
5 star(66%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
120 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
200,000 miles and still rolling smooth
imanilove, 07/14/2012
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I'm a second owner, I had this car for over 6 years now. This car has been through the ringer and has been dogged out. Like most cars some issues have arisen such as the tie rods, and timing belt which I think is quite normal for a car with 200,000 miles. Other than that I just kept up on regular with oil changes and it's still riding strong. I would recommend a lancer to anyone looking … for a long lasting car. It's certainly not a luxury car but it's a damn good car.
4.63 out of 5 stars
GREAT CAR!
ashleemays, 09/11/2014
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I've had my Lancer for over a year and so far I've loved it, it has only broke down on me one time the camshaft sensor went out than my battery went out but other than that it's been a great car. I did notice that people have been saying that they had problems with the temperature knob I have too ever since I bought the car!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Watch for the heater/air switch
jen, 08/28/2010
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I seen a review above me about the heater knob not turning to air conditioning. So I decided to chime in. I had the same issue and so did all 3 of my friends who own the same year lancer. Never on recall and they refused to fix it. 3k was the estimate. I traded it in this year got 2,200 trade because of the knob. It also had issues with the timing belt I had to replace it 2x's under … 100k. Transmission started slipping at 90k. Lighted mirror cover broke off. Don't let me deter you. Im sure some of that wear and tear was my fault. Light bulbs burned out quite often watch for water under hood. Drives beautifully in snow. Drove through snow storm, 1 ft deep snow and icy wipers and all.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
ryans93, 02/20/2012
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z Rally 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
We have owned the Lancer since it was new and it has been a fantastic car. It still looks great, gets good gas mileage, is fun to drive, and little has gone wrong with it. The build quality is excellent and the interior has held up extremely well with almost no rattles and still tight after 9 years and 150k. Other than regular maintenance, few problems have arisen on the car, and it's … been very reliable.
2003 Lancer Highlights
ES
Base MSRP | $14,017 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $149/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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