2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Specs, Price, Review & Road Test

It's been a long time coming: Mitsubishi has teased us, here in the States, for more than a decade with its Lancer Evolution series, the street-bound rally-homologation specials capable of embarrassing big-blocks in a big way. Just barely out of its 1000-mile break-in period, we put our Blue By You (no joke) Evo to that test. In a heat match, we spanked an '03 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra coupe. Not bad for a turbo four-banger with a base price of $28,978 and one option: the large carbon-fiber deck spoiler ($480). In rally tradition, we passed on the moonroof--why add weight? Who said you can't have Porsche-level fun in a near-$30K car? Art Director Larry Crane notes, "The Evo feels more like a hand-finished race car than a hotted-up econo-sedan. I love the 'technical' character of this car." We're addicted to the turbo's strong "whoosh" under acceleration and the four-pot front/two-piston rear Brembo brakes that feel like they'll pull up the tarmac when used aggressively. All we need now is an intercom so the front passenger can bark directions to the driver while we're assaulting local canyons WRC-style.