2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 from North America - Comments

Several divots in the windshield from flying gravel and rocks, though the windshields just seem to be soft on these cars for the model year.

Some squeaking of the steering column developed around 3,000 miles and then went away after 8,000 miles.

The few things that I don't like about the car:

1. no cruise control-fixed that with $300 aftermarket cruise control unit.

2. thimble like capacity gas tank -only like 14 gallons

3. gas cap- to turn it to get it to click so that the check engine light doesn't come on is a test of hand grip strength and is in itself a feat of inordinate use of muscle

4. gearing- when cruising on the highway at 74 mph, the engine it turning 3300 rpm- a wee too busy for my liking

5. huge wing on the back-can block rear vision and you can get an extra 30 miles to the tank if you take it off, but affects cornering ability at high (read track and racing) speeds.

Things that I like

-the turbo charged engine is awesome and it can outrun just about anything. highway on-ramps are fun because you just put it in fourth gear and you can go from 50 to 85 in a few seconds

-the engine is also of a storied history in the Mitsu engine line so aftermarket parts to make it faster are easy to find. It is also a traditionally reliable engine, even with the turbo

- the HID lights-they have a soft white glow and illuminate the road so much better and they don't blind the people ahead of you or the traffic coming towards you

- the high beams are awesome, you can illuminate traffic signs 3/4 mile away from yourself

-the seats are astonishingly comfortable, even on long trips, and they've got good lumbar support

-the back seat is actually useful for people that are over six foot tall

-incredibly tight steering and excellent road feel

-corners like a go cart-you can take a 90 degree corner at 45 mph and it just turns with minimal body roll and no squealing tires

-relatively problem free first 10,000 miles

-I like the stiff suspension, but it may grate a little bit on others used to softer suspensions.

You just made me go and buy this car. I love it too. Thanks man.

I'm the original poster. It has turned about 27,000 on the odometer and other than routine maintainence, it has proven to be a reliable vehicle. I've added Blizzak tires for the winter and the car can handle really well in the snow up to about 8" to 9" of snow. Anything past that seems to lift the car up and the undercarriage seems to get hung up on the snow.