Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
18 -24 City / 26 -31 HWY
Horsepower
120 -271
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Michael A
Lancer Evolution is an awesome car to own and drive!
It's a lancer Evolution 8. Performance is outstanding. Recaro seats are very comfortable for me. Never had any major problems that aren't related to normal wear on a vehicle. I've had to replace the clutch, ball joints, wheel bearings, CV boots, and a few sensors. But all normal things on a 15 year old car with almost 200,000 miles on it. I love my car and will keep it and drive it till one of dies.
accountCircle Betty N
The fact it is good on gas.
I love my vehicle. She's my baby. It gets me from place to place. It is a great little car. Great on gas.
accountCircle Roy G
Very dependable transportation and good gas mileage
Bought my 2003 mitsubishi lancer in 2014 with 117,000 miles on it for 2400. It now has over 160000 miles and has not had any issues. I'm hoping it makes it to 200,000 miles
accountCircle romi D
The most important thing others should know about
Sentences. What do you like and what I like about my vehicle is
accountCircle Craig W
My lancer was given to us with the hubcaps zip tied to the wheels.
I love my lancer. It's not as stylish as some other cars but it is incredibly reliable. Also since it's an older model. It's extremely cheap at local dealers. Unfortunately since it is an older model the radio Bluetooth function is outdated, and the ac is eh at best, and when it's hot outside it is like a sauna inside of the car, but in terms of functionality. I couldn't have asked for a better car.
accountCircle Mikhail G
It is low gas consumption car and reliable vehicle.
I own this vehicle fifteen years. It never had major break down.It only required oil change and regular maintenance based on miles driven.
accountCircle Alejandra D
Nice clean and durable no major issues.
No major problems with normal maintenance as required. Such as oil filter changes and tires other than that has good qualities.
accountCircle Sigmund T
It will not give you a lot of trouble. Maintenance is not costly at all.
It is great on gas. It is fast enough for me. It is easy repair.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Taryn C
Hate my car but it runs so it's okay
Constantly needs repairs check engine light is on currently as we speak it doesn't run very well but we're making it manage it does have near 200k mileage though and is old
accountCircle Mark R
A car for clowns because of the size and colour.
This car was given to me by my father so it was not the color I like. Its too small and too fast. It gets me and my family from a to z. The car is great on gas as well. And by it being a older model the radio is outdated. And it is a loud car as well.
accountCircle Brandy R
Lancer 2003 love or hate it.
The car is not a bad car I got mine used and there are problems with the front end. I keep going through tiers iv had it worked on more then once. That is why I give my car only a 2. If I would have got it with no problems then I think I would love it.
accountCircle Bobbie Jo K
Maybe old but it works well.
I like the build and how my car handles. I love that it is a smooth ride and the speed up slow down and start is great... What I hate is the fact the AC does not work and the seatbelt gets stuck..
accountCircle Ozy
03 OZ Rally MT
Bought for $600 few months ago with a bad transmission bearing. Had the Trans rebuilt, new clutch, flywheel, up and downstream o2sensors, radiator, full tune up with motor and cooling system flushes, sparkplugs, coil wires, 2" exhaust with two brand new cats...bought the car with 187,000 miles... With the bad bearing in the tranny, note worthy it still drove...7/21/19 car has 212,000 miles on it
accountCircle Sadie K
What I love the most about my car is the gas mileage and speed.
My car is very dependable that is one of the reasons why I love Mitsubishi. My little car has all the room that I need. It gets me from point A to B. I have had some problems with my car but with it being 2003 it was expected and they weren't a major problem. I had them fixed easily and it was easy to find the parts to fix the car.
accountCircle Zachery G
The car is great for a single person to get around and start a career in. No bells and whistles, but a nice ride from A to B
The vehicle is fine, but it's a very slow car. I enjoy driving in a sporty style but this car is pretty bare bones. As for a fuel efficient sedan, it is very nice. I would recommend it over a lot of other cars.
accountCircle Laurie T
Lancers are not the best car for winter driving.
The Mitsubishi lancer is a nice reliable car, however there are a few things that are flawed. The heater and air conditioner do not perform at top quality. The windshield defrosters take forever to work and do not blow anywhere near where the windshield wipers sit to help keep them Ice/snow free in the winter. The parts to repair when needed are outrageously pricey.

Mitsubishi Lancer Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
ES
120 HP 28-28 MPG 5 Seats
car
LS
120 HP 28-28 MPG 5 Seats
car
OZ-Rally
120 HP 28-28 MPG 5 Seats
car
Evolution
271 HP 22-22 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Owner Reviews

4.13
45 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 47%
4 stars 31%
3 stars 16%
2 stars 2%
1 star 4%
accountCircle Kristina C on June 4, 2021
Beautiful old car. Very safe and comfortable.
I live my car. It is very safe, because I have been driving for years without accident. Is very comfortable. I love beautiful silver color of my car. There nothing special about this car because is relatively old. , but I like it and a I have a lot of memories driving.
accountCircle Mikhail G on February 10, 2021
It is low gas consumption car and reliable vehicle.
I own this vehicle fifteen years. It never had major break down.It only required oil change and regular maintenance based on miles driven.

Ranks #12 Small Cars by Owners

The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has an average owner rating of 4.13 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 21 other Small Cars.

1
car
4.5
2
car
4.35
12
car
4.13

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has a combined MPG of 35 which ranks it #8 of 21 other Small Cars.

1
car
48 MPG
2
car
43 MPG
8
Tie
car
31 MPG

Related Articles for 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

From the Vehicle History blog

car
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ-Rally: Not Base, Not an Evo

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer coolant capacity?

Answer: The coolant capacity of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer varies between model styles. The 1600 models has a capacity of 6 liters, the 1800 and 2000 models can hold 7 liters. The diesel-powered vehicles have the...

What's the 2003 mitsubishi lancer es oil type?

Answer: The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES came equipped with a 2.0 L 4Cylinder engine under the hood. There was no other motor available for this model. This engine will need to run on 10W-30 synthetic blend motor oil. The...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety