2003 Mitsubishi Lancer: Road Test
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2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
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- MSRP: $14,017 -$28,987
- Invoice: $13,148 -$26,891
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Our road test for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer help you decide if a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 |
Regular Lancers are adequate performers with manual transmission. The automatic makes fairly prompt downshifts, but dulls acceleration at any speed. Evolutions suffer low-speed turbo lag, then suddenly rocket forward as turbo starts boosting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.5 |
Test O-Z with manual transmission averaged 26.4 mpg on recommended regular fuel. Test Evolution averaged 22.8 in mostly highway driving on required premium.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 4.4 |
Quite comfortable for a subcompact. Stable and composed, though dips at highway speeds can cause minor bounce. Though extremely firm, Evolutions ride without harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 5.3 |
Mainstream models generally competent. Body lean noticeable, but not excessive; grip fairly good. Steering effort natural, though test O-Z had a nervous, unsettled feel at highway speeds. Stopping power adequate, but ABS should be offered on all models. Evolutions are race cars for the road, providing AWD grip and laser-sharp handling. Evos' brakes are reassuringly powerful and provide impressively short stops.
QUIETNESS
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 3.7 |
Wind noise and tire whine evident at highway speeds but not overwhelming. Engine smooth and fairly refined under acceleration. Evolution's engine and road noise are constant reminders of its racing intentions; even mild acceleration is accompanied by a roar.
CONTROLS
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Slightly undersized audio buttons. Simple layout otherwise clear and handy. Evolution's gauges have black background, O-Z's have white background, other models' have gray background. Evo and O-Z interior trimmed for sportier look. Plastics not that classy regardless of model, but cabin materials otherwise durable, inoffensive. Doors, trunklid close with metallic resonance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.8 |
Good tall-adult room. Comfortable, supportive seats. Driver gets standard tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable seat (except Evolution), good outward visibility. Evolution's firm, supportive sport seats offer excellent comfort for longer drives. Evo also has a rear-window wiper.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Average for class. Head and knee clearance snug for tall riders. Seat too firm and flat for best support, but not uncomfortable.
CARGO ROOM
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Fairly large trunk, but lid narrows at bottom and hinges intrude into cargo area. LS and O-Z have 70/30 split folding seatback, but pass-through to trunk is very small.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 5.4 |
Tepid acceleration is their only major fault, but mainstream Lancers offer little to lure buyers from such higher-profile rivals as Ford Focus and Honda Civic--except for bigger price discounts. The Evolution rivals Subaru's Impreza WRX as a performance model for the "fast and furious" crowd.
Total Score
| ES, man. | LS, auto. | O-Z, man. | Evolution | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 52 | 52 | 48 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 51
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