2003 Mitsubishi Diamante: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.