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2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
Also in the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
A convertible joins the hatchback coupe version of this front-drive sporty car. The current Eclipse made its debut as a 2000 model last summer and the convertible, called a Spyder, bowed this spring as an '01. All are built in Illinois using the platform and powertrains of Mitsubishi's Galant compact sedans; they also share some mechanical features with the Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring coupes.
Eclipse coupes come in RS, GS, and GT form, Sypders in GS and GT trim. GTs have a V6 engine, other models a 4-cylinder. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional. On GTs, the automatic has a separate gate for manual shifting. Spyders have a standard power soft top, like the previous-generation Eclipse convertible, but the rear window is glass instead of plastic.
Linewide standards include alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD stereo, power windows and door locks, and engine immobilizer. RS models have 15-inch wheels and tires, GS models 16s, GTs 17s, plus rear disc brakes instead of drums. Front side airbags are available only for GTs in a Premium Package option that also includes antilock brakes and, on automatic transmission versions, traction control. ABS is standard on GT Spyders. Leather upholstery is available for GTs and the GS Spyder.
Eclipse coupes come in RS, GS, and GT form, Sypders in GS and GT trim. GTs have a V6 engine, other models a 4-cylinder. Manual transmission is standard, automatic is optional. On GTs, the automatic has a separate gate for manual shifting. Spyders have a standard power soft top, like the previous-generation Eclipse convertible, but the rear window is glass instead of plastic.
Linewide standards include alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD stereo, power windows and door locks, and engine immobilizer. RS models have 15-inch wheels and tires, GS models 16s, GTs 17s, plus rear disc brakes instead of drums. Front side airbags are available only for GTs in a Premium Package option that also includes antilock brakes and, on automatic transmission versions, traction control. ABS is standard on GT Spyders. Leather upholstery is available for GTs and the GS Spyder.
Competition
The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
News
These Mitsubishis should run pretty much as is for the next few years, now that a new Spyder has arrived to complete the redesign begun with coupe models for 2000. Those coupes are selling well, by the way, posting a healthy 47-percent year-to-year increase for the first four months of this year.
Eclipse gets its next redesign as a 2005 model. It will still be related to the Galant, but will shift to the new sedan platform that enters production for the '04 model year. This same foundation will also serve a new U.S.-built Montero Sport SUV. All three are being developed as part of Mitsubishi's new Project America, an effort focused on creating vehicles more closely aligned with the tastes and needs of U.S. consumers.
Eclipse gets its next redesign as a 2005 model. It will still be related to the Galant, but will shift to the new sedan platform that enters production for the '04 model year. This same foundation will also serve a new U.S.-built Montero Sport SUV. All three are being developed as part of Mitsubishi's new Project America, an effort focused on creating vehicles more closely aligned with the tastes and needs of U.S. consumers.
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat room |
| Instruments/controls | Rear visibility |
| Front-seat comfort | Rear-seat entry/exit |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cylinder Eclipses are lively with manual transmission, sleepy with automatic. V6 is energetic with either. Test automatic GT does 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec. Though they weight a bit more, Spyders perform much like equivalent coupes.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Four-cylinder Eclipses are lively with manual transmission, sleepy with automatic. V6 is energetic with either. Test automatic GT does 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec. Though they weight a bit more, Spyders perform much like equivalent coupes.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use test automatic GT coupe averaged 20.73 mpg over 9848 miles. Test automatic GT convertible averaged 21.8. The V6 requires premium fuel.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Extended-use test automatic GT coupe averaged 20.73 mpg over 9848 miles. Test automatic GT convertible averaged 21.8. The V6 requires premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Some wheel patter on rough roads, but Eclipse feels relatively refined for a sports coupe, with a pliant, comfortable ride.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Some wheel patter on rough roads, but Eclipse feels relatively refined for a sports coupe, with a pliant, comfortable ride.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Spyders show good structural stiffness that helps both ride comfort and dynamic ability.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Spyders show good structural stiffness that helps both ride comfort and dynamic ability.
Quietness
The V6 is hardly quieter than the 4-cyl. Noticeable tire noise on most surfaces, but wind rush minimal.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
The V6 is hardly quieter than the 4-cyl. Noticeable tire noise on most surfaces, but wind rush minimal.
Controls
Mostly clear and handy, although some controls have insufficient daytime illumination.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Mostly clear and handy, although some controls have insufficient daytime illumination.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Cabin is snug, but it has comfortable seats and feels more spacious than previous Eclipses.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Cabin is snug, but it has comfortable seats and feels more spacious than previous Eclipses.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Yoda-sized. Limbo-dancer entry/exit.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.3 |
Yoda-sized. Limbo-dancer entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Generous in coupes with the rear seat folded, limited in Spyders (though not by the folded top). Load lips are lofty in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is rather heavy.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2.8 |
Generous in coupes with the rear seat folded, limited in Spyders (though not by the folded top). Load lips are lofty in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is rather heavy.
Value within Class
A relatively conservative nature serves the latest Eclipse well, broadening its market while keeping enthusiasts drivers entertained. Spyders have little direct competition in their price league. Coupe or convertible, a GT would be our pick, but you won't feel penalized in one of the less expensive 4-cylinder models.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
A relatively conservative nature serves the latest Eclipse well, broadening its market while keeping enthusiasts drivers entertained. Spyders have little direct competition in their price league. Coupe or convertible, a GT would be our pick, but you won't feel penalized in one of the less expensive 4-cylinder models.
Total Score
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Sypder, auto. | Class Average |
| 42 | 45 | 44 | 39 | 41.8 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 33 | |
| Average Score | 41 | |
| High Score | 54 |
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/20/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2000 RS 2-door hatchback, 5-speed | $17,697 | $16,193 | $495 |
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| 2000 RS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $18,497 | $16,295 | $495 |
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| 2000 GS 2-door hatchback, 5-speed | $19,047 | $17,428 | $495 |
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| 2000 GS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $20,047 | $18,343 | $495 |
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| 2001 GS Spyder 2-door convertible, 5-speed | $23,347 | $21,357 | $495 |
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| 2001 GS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $24,347 | $22,267 | $495 |
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| 2000 GT 2-door hatchback, 5-speed | $20,287 | $18,563 | $495 |
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| 2000 GT 2-door hatchback, automatic | $21,287 | $19,478 | $495 |
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| 2001 GT Spyder 2-door convertible, 5-speed | $25,237 | $23,088 | $495 |
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| 2001 GT Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $26,237 | $23,998 | $495 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
RS
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, interior air filter, cloth upholstery, front bucket seat w/driver height adjustment, front storage console, cupholders, folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, dual outside mirrors, 195/65HR15 tires, alloy wheels.
GS adds to RS:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, Infinity AM/FM/cassette/CD player (convertible), remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, power sunroof (hatchback), split folding rear seat, front lumbar adjustments.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler (convertible), fog lights, 205/55HR16 tires.
GT adds to GS:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes, antilock brakes (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: sunroof, fog lights.
Sport suspension, 215/50VR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Sport and Sound Pkg.
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GS hatchback
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$700
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$609
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/Infinity sound system, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, rear spoiler.
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Premium Pkg.
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GT hatchback 5-speed
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$2,920
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$2,523
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GT hatchback automatic
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$3,210
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$2,773
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GT convertible 5-speed
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$2,370
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$2,057
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GT convertible automatic
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$2,650
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$2,308
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Antilock brakes (hatchback), traction control (automatic), leather upholstery, front side-airbags, power driver seat, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/Infinity sound system (hatchback), 4-disc CD changer, rear wiper/washer, rear spoiler (hatchback), theft-deterrent system w/alarm, unique alloy wheels.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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GT hatchback
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$1,670
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$1,436
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/Infinity sound system, power sunroof, rear spoiler, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Leather front bucket seats
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GS convertible
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$600
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$525
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2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door hatchback | Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.8 | 100.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.4 | 175.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | 68.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | 52.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2822 | 3042 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.9 | 7.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.9 | 34.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.0 | 29.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /143 | 3.0 /181 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 154 @ 5500 | 205 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 163 @ 4500 | 205 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 23/31 | 20/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/28 | 20/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door hatchback | Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
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