2003 Mitsubishi Diamante: Road Test
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2003 Mitsubishi Diamante ▼
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- MSRP: $25,977 -$28,447
- Invoice: $24,098 -$26,377
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Our road test for the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante help you decide if a 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.5 |
Test LS did 0-60 mph in an acceptable 8.1 sec. Traction control checks unwanted wheel spin in hard takeoffs, but should be available on all models. We haven't yet tested a VR-X.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.5 |
Test LS logged 19.7 mpg with lots of highway driving. Expect closer to 17 as an overall average. Mitsubishi recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.1 |
ES and LS absorb most bumps easily, but soft damping allows mild float over fast humpbacks.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.7 |
ES and LS show more cornering lean than desirable, but are competent, safe, predictable, though less nimble than rivals like Acura TL.
QUIETNESS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.8 |
Though not the smoothest around, Diamante's V6 is pretty relaxed and hardly vibratory. Wind and road noise are low, but some tire thrum is audible on pebbled pavement.
CONTROLS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.6 |
Conventional if busy design and layout. Stereo buttons are too small.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.2 |
Good but not grand. A sunroof is standard on VR-X and LS, and it leaves marginal 6-footer head room. ES provides more clearance. Good basic driving stance with sufficient adjustments. Visibility marred by a mild over-the-shoulder blind spot.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
Too narrow for three adults to be comfortable, and leg room can be tight with the front seats pushed very far back.
CARGO ROOM
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.9 |
Trunk is roomy and easy to load, but not among the largest in this class, and the lid hinges cut into available space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5.7 |
Diamante is attractively priced and competent enough. But lack of expected class features such as side airbags and a 5-speed automatic transmission betrays this 8-year-old basic design. A host of rivals, especially the value-packed Acura TL, are better overall and have much stronger resale values.
Total Score
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 51 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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