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2003 Mitsubishi Outlander consumer reviews

$18,087–$19,387 MSRP range
side view of 2003 Outlander Mitsubishi
(25 reviews)
92% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 3.9
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.6
Explore the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

Good car for gas and extreme weather!!!

The AWD is great! I would definitely recommend this car for anyone who want AWD/4WD. The Engine from this year, 2003, has not enough HP (next year Mitsubishi added 20 hp to engine's performance) but adequate for a regular city and occasional highway drive. The problem start when you go to the mountains, too slow, that was probably the reason to mitsubishi improve the car with more 20 HP. I bought this car new, was some expensive for small SUV $23,000. I replace timing belt and water bump at 70,000 miles ($700),brakes, regular oil maintenance and filters, mi car has now 90,000 miles and continue running great. The other defect has this car in many years model is HVAC control switch, broke easy and is very hard to switch from heat to AC, I am surprised why mitsubishi didn't make any recall, because is a very comun this problem in all Outlander similar to this model, fix this problem cost around $400. I continue with mi Outlander and for the blizzards was amazing, for be honest I can't beleive this SUV was going to do great in this extreme weather condition. I can recomend buy this car used for save money, is a amazing saving gas car, perfect for the city and extreme weather conditions.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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dependable!!!

I got my 2003 Outlander brand new in 2003 and in 2012 I am ready for a bigger car now that I have 2 growing boys. I have only done basic maintenence, tires, brakes, oil and other fluids. Never an issue with reliability and I commute and now have over 162,000 miles! Absolutely a great car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best mini SUV ever!!!! Will buy again

Had a 2003 pre-owned for almost 5 years with 109,000 miles which was totaled in a recent accident no air bags deployed and both of my girls in the rear seat (4 years old and my newborn). This car handle the snowy roads, rainy days like a piece of cake. With the accident claim upgrade to a 2005 Endeavor another great vehicle. Go Mitsubishi Go.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Pretty good!

I bought this car in November 2011 with 113,000 miles on it for $6800 including tax and title. It has been really good in the snow; the AWD is great! I would definitely recommend this car for anyone who has a legnthy commute, and wants AWD/4WD. I am quite happy with the gas mileage, it's about 23 highway, although it seems like more to me. I fill up about every 7 or 8 days, $40 per tank. There are some quirks to the car. It's kind of suprisingly loud, which is weird since it's on the smaller side. And the heating dial was pinched so I have the mechanic turn the dial to hot in the winter, and cold in the summer. I could fix it for $270, but I'd rather just have him turn it biyearly. It doesn't hurt the car any. Also, my drivers-side windsheild wiper got stuck underneath the other one, so I just had them retime it which cost me $60. Other than those minor quirks, it's a great small/mid sized SUV, it gets up my really steep driveway like a pro! The interior is super classy, and I love the candy apple red exterior :)

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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The best SUV for almost ten years

Everyone copied this SUV and for good reason, this is the most reliable, handsome, economical car I've ever owned and I've owned over twenty in the last 40 years!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Mitsubishi Outlander 2003

That was an opening year for this model. Mitsubishi built Outlander trying to mimic Honda CRV and Toyota RAV 4. Being a company with limited financial resources, they put significant effort in Outlander development. Though it was not able to beat frontrunners, as a used car it is quite a value. I purchased mine in 2010 with 70000 miles on odometer. Vehicle was not taken care well of, but after replacing tires and servicing it I found that 8000 US dollars I paid for it is very low price for all the comfort and quality I received for it. Ride is quiet for a 4 cylinder engine, stereo is very good for a segment, and I dedicated 40 years of my life to music listening :o) Ride is steady. Engine if slightly underpowered (next year Mitsubishi added 20hp to engine's performance) but adequate for a regular city and occasional highway drive. Quality of materials is excellent for the class. Great visibility and hight posture help to navigate. Roof rack is well thought of and strong. Transmission works well (AT), though there is a bit of vibration at stop. Gas mileage in town is 20-21 mpg. I like this vehicle and feel it is a great value for the money when buy it used.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Underpowered but safe, reliable, great mpg.

Pros: highest possible safety ratings; very reliable engine; excellent gas mileage; looks awesome. Cons: interior has very little storage space; interior isn't the most durable around; engine is only 140hp which is about as low powered as you'll find. Google for detailed reviews: every last one of them will rave about the driving experience around town and on winding roads, but also every last one of them will gripe about the underpowered engine. For me, I'm a putz of a country road driver anyway, so I knew the car would be a good fit. I have not been disappointed in this regard. I'm mildly disappointed by the tiny center console with very minimal storage. I guess I'll have to carry fewer odds and ends with me in my vehicle now.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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the best car ever

I totally love this suv. 4 cyl. that has plenty of pep but easy on gas. Lots of room and feels safe and secure and handles almost as good as my sports car. I feel I has combined all my needs into one car, sporty, great gas mileage, plenty of cargo space. Would definetly buy another one as a first choice and would drive the distance to get it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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excellent car, drive it to believe it !!

amazing car, great comfort, great space, smooth handling i love my car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Car Ever Owned!

This car is even better than the 2008 models. Handles well, love the sportronic feature with the ability to switch from automatic to 4 speed with the touch of the shifter, nice roomy seating, love the back space room. Back seats fold down for more cargo space. Would definitely buy again!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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