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2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Review:
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4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Diamante Full Review
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2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Review
Mitsubishi's slow-selling flagship sedan marks 2003 with cosmetic changes to its sportiest model. Diamante returns in base ES, luxury-oriented LS, and sporty VR-X trim. All come with a V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Side airbags are unavailable. ES and LS have 205 hp. The VR-X has 210 hp, plus a sport-tuned suspension, white-face gauges and, for 2003, cloth upholstery and sport bucket seats with larger side bolsters. Leather is now optional for VR-X, but still standard for LS. The VR-X also gets a special black-mesh grille, aero-look lower body styling, and wheel-opening flares. Traction control remains standard on VR-X and available for LS in an All Weather Package that also includes heated front seats and mirrors.
Competition
This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.
We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
News
Diamante sales keep going up and down for no reason we can discern. They were down again in 2002, this time by 16.7 percent. Though that's calculated on 2001's surprising 86.8-percent surge, the latest total was unimpressive at under 14,500 units.
Even so, Mitsubishi has splurged for more cosmetic changes to keep Diamante going until its scheduled 2006 redesign. The latest styling tweaks, previewed at the recent New York Auto Show, constitute Diamante's main news for 2004, and mostly involve smoothed-out body lines and revised cabin trim. Additionally, the midline LS gets the same manually shiftable "Sportronic" transmission as the top-line VR-X, and both models adopt a bigger-boom 270-watt standard audio system with steering controls.
The clean-sheet '06 Diamante is said to be a stretch of the redesigned '04 Galant, and thus another "Project America" model built on Mitsubishi's new "flexible" midsize platform. Diamante will have its own styling, of course, and probably an uprated version of the '04 Galant's 3.8-liter V6. Mitsubishi is controlled by DaimlerChrysler, and Diamante's redo is in line with DC's aim of cutting costs through increased underskin sharing across its corporate lineup. Because Project America was conceived solely for U.S.-built Mitsubishi models, Diamante production should shift from Australia to the Illinois plant that builds Galants, though we can't confirm that right now.
Even so, Mitsubishi has splurged for more cosmetic changes to keep Diamante going until its scheduled 2006 redesign. The latest styling tweaks, previewed at the recent New York Auto Show, constitute Diamante's main news for 2004, and mostly involve smoothed-out body lines and revised cabin trim. Additionally, the midline LS gets the same manually shiftable "Sportronic" transmission as the top-line VR-X, and both models adopt a bigger-boom 270-watt standard audio system with steering controls.
The clean-sheet '06 Diamante is said to be a stretch of the redesigned '04 Galant, and thus another "Project America" model built on Mitsubishi's new "flexible" midsize platform. Diamante will have its own styling, of course, and probably an uprated version of the '04 Galant's 3.8-liter V6. Mitsubishi is controlled by DaimlerChrysler, and Diamante's redo is in line with DC's aim of cutting costs through increased underskin sharing across its corporate lineup. Because Project America was conceived solely for U.S.-built Mitsubishi models, Diamante production should shift from Australia to the Illinois plant that builds Galants, though we can't confirm that right now.
2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Rear-seat room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test LS logged 19.7 mpg with lots of highway driving. Expect closer to 17 as an overall average. Mitsubishi recommends premium fuel.
| 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
ES and LS absorb most bumps easily, but soft damping allows mild float over fast humpbacks.
| 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
ES and LS show more cornering lean than desirable, but are competent, safe, predictable, though less nimble than rivals like Acura TL.
| 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
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.
| 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
Conventional if busy design and layout. Stereo buttons are too small.
| LS | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.6 |
Conventional if busy design and layout. Stereo buttons are too small.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| 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)
Too narrow for three adults to be comfortable, and leg room can be tight with the front seats pushed very far back.
| 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
Trunk is roomy and easy to load, but not among the largest in this class, and the lid hinges cut into available space.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/11/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| ES 4-door sedan | $25,977 | $24,098 | $585 |
|
|
|||
| LS 4-door sedan | $28,447 | $26,377 | $585 |
|
|
|||
| VR-X 4-door sedan | $27,097 | $25,138 | $585 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ES
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 205-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, power antenna, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, map lights, remote fuel-door and decklid release, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, full-size spare tire, 215/60VR16 tires, alloy wheels.
LS adds to ES:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 10-way power driver seat w/memory and lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sunroof, Infinity sound system, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
VR-X adds to ES:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 210-horsepower engine, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power driver seat w/memory and lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Leather Pkg.
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||
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VR-X
|
$840
|
$730
|
|
Leather upholstery.
|
||
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Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
VR-X
|
$1,590
|
$1,331
|
|
Leather upholstery, Infinity sound system, rear spoiler.
|
||
|
All Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
LS
|
$720
|
$584
|
|
Traction control, heated front seats and mirrors.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
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ES, LS, VR-X
|
$490
|
$
|
|
|
||
2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mitsubishi Diamante 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3439 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /213 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 205 @ 5000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 231 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 18/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mitsubishi Diamante 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | 7/70,000 for Montero Sports & Galants sold from December 18, 2002 through March 31, 2003. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Australia
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Diamante Full Review
7.
8.
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