The base engine revs smoothly and quickly without excess noise, but it's no powerhouse. Therefore, acceleration with the automatic transmission is marginal for freeway on-ramps and in passing sprints. Progress is livelier with the slick-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox. Turbos are decidedly faster. Unfortunately, Eclipse still suffers from some "turbo lag." All Eclipse models offer nimble handling, good grip, and quick, accurate steering. On the downside, the ride turns choppy on freeways and rough roads, especially on turbocharged models. You also must endure plenty of road noise. All-wheel-drive models are capable of exhibiting race carlike moves, of the sort matched only by big-buck coupes. Front occupants have adequate head room but may still feel crowded. The tiny back seat is strictly for preteens. The dashboard is well laid out, except for a center-mounted stereo unit that's too low. Cargo space is adequate, but with a tall liftover for loading and unloading. Spyder convertibles look sharp, and deliver fun-in-the-sun driving at a comparatively reasonable price. Unfortunately, several convertibles we've driven have suffered from serious shakiness, even when rolling down smooth roads.

Value for the Money
Though still one of the best sports coupes, the competition caught up with Eclipse during its second generation. Other than the all-wheel-drive model, this version of the Eclipse offers nothing you can't get for less money somewhere else.