2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse ▼
- Price Range: $3,100 - $12,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Acceleration (V6)
- Front-seat comfort
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Road noise
- Rear-seat room
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Mitsubishi redesigned its top-selling series for 2000, dropping turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive, but making a V6 available for the first time. The American-built front-drive hatchback sport coupe was 2 inches longer in wheelbase, 3 inches longer overall, and some 2 inches taller than its predecessor. RS and GT models used a 4-cylinder engine, while the top-line GT now had a V6. A manual transmission was standard. Automatic was optional and, on the GS and GT, included a Sportronic manual-shift mode. Front side airbags and antilock brakes were exclusive to the GT, part of a Premium Package option that also included leather upholstery. Standard features included alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD stereo, and power windows and locks. The RS had 15-inch wheels, the GS 16-inch, and the GT 17-inch tires. GT coupes added aerodynamic body trim and had rear disc brakes instead of drums.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
A Spyder convertible arrived in summer 2000, as an early 2001 model. Coupes got a few minor feature changes. Both the coupe and the Spyder came in GS and GT trim, along with a price-leader RS coupe. Spyders included a power soft top, with glass rear window. All models had an engine immobilizer. Antilock brakes were standard on the GT Spyder. Leather upholstery was available for GTs and the GS Spyder. Coupes gained rear child-seat anchors this year. GS and GT models added a standard rear spoiler. A new GS coupe Sun and Sound package included a sunroof and premium audio system. A similar Sun, Sound, and Leather package--with leather upholstery was available for the GT coupe.
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
The only changes for 2002: two new exterior colors; a new Mitsubishi logo; and for GS and GT, glovebox and vanity-mirror lighting.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
GTS became the top of the line. All Eclipses got revised front-end styling, new taillamps, restyled instruments, and new interior color combinations are appearance updates.
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
The Eclipse remains unchanged for 2004.
2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Eclipse hatchback coupes and Spyder convertibles return for 2005 in GS, GT, and GTS trim. The price-leader RS coupe is dropped.
Our road test for the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
More mature and refined than their rough-and-tumble predecessors, Eclipses deliver a pliant, comfortable, sporty-coupe ride. Handling is alert and responsive with little cornering lean and grippy front-drive predictability, though maneuvers are hampered by a large turning circle. Wheel patter still turns up on washboard surfaces, but it's not bothersome. Engines are much improved. Whereas the old 2.0-liter fours were throbby and loud, the new 2.4 liter is generally smooth and quiet. It packs respectable punch, at least with manual shift--which is a pleasure to use. The V6-powered GT doesn't rocket away like the old turbocharged models, but it's plenty quick--and naturally, suffers no irritating turbo lag. A GT with automatic reached 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and averaged 21.8 mpg. Surprisingly, the V6 is hardly quieter than the 4 cylinder. Furthermore, the body transmits noticeable tire noise except on glassy pavement. Wind rush is nicely tamed, even with the frameless door glass. Despite a more spacious cabin feel, Eclipses remain cozy 2+2 models with a teeny back seat and wiggle-in entry/exit. Front buckets hug one's torso, and should be comfortable on long rides. Driving positions are low-slung, and visibility remains difficult directly aft and over the shoulder. Taller drivers might wish the standard tilt steering wheel moved higher. Gauges and controls are clear and handy, but air-conditioner buttons are hard to see in daylight. Luggage space is generous in coupes with the back seat folded, limited in Spyders, but the load lip is lofty and the hatch lid heavy. Bulky doors may close with a tinny clang. Cowl shake occurs over bumps with a Spyder, but structural stiffness is acceptable and its soft top seals tightly.
Value for the Money
Though not quite as inspiring as a Honda Prelude, Eclipses compare well against most anything in their class. A GT might be the best choice, but few will feel penalized in one of the less-expensive 4-cylinder models. Spyders have no direct rivals in their price league.
Though not quite as inspiring as a Honda Prelude, Eclipses compare well against most anything in their class. A GT might be the best choice, but few will feel penalized in one of the less-expensive 4-cylinder models. Spyders have no direct rivals in their price league.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
A short causes popping noises from the speakers when the power seat is operated. A jumper harness with a filter has been released for installation under the seat. (1999-2001)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission may shudder, surge, or vibrate due to thermal breakdown of the original transmission fluid (SPII). The system must be flushed and refilled with revised fluid (SPIII). (1999-2001)
Hard starting:
The starter may not run due to a faulty theft-alarm relay (automatic transmission) or a faulty starter relay (manual transmission). Revised relays are available to fix the problem. (2000)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The sunroof may skip/stick during operation requiring a countermeasure drive-cable assembly. (2000-01)
Vehicle noise:
Banging, creaking, and popping noises from the front end are usually due to dry stabilizer-bar bushings. Revised bushings are available as replacements. (1999-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $585 |
| Alternator | $620 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,025 |
| Brakes | $350 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $460 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,220 |
| Exhaust System | $370 |
| Radiator | $495 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,010 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $340 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Eclipse GS coupe | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| Eclipse GT/GTS coupe | $11,000-12,200 | $9,900-11,000 | $5,900-6,600 |
| Spyder GS conv. | $11,200-12,000 | $10,100-10,800 | $6,000-6,500 |
| Spyder GT/GTS conv. | $12,700-14,000 | $11,400-12,600 | $7,400-8,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| Eclipse GT/GTS coupe | $9,300-10,500 | $8,400-9,500 | $4,800-5,500 |
| Eclipse RS, GS coupe | $7,200-8,500 | $6,400-7,600 | $3,500-4,200 |
| Spyder GS conv. | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| Spyder GT/GTS conv. | $11,000-12,200 | $9,900-11,000 | $5,900-6,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| Eclipse GT/GTS coupe | $7,800-8,900 | $7,000-8,000 | $4,000-4,500 |
| Eclipse RS, GS coupe | $5,800-7,000 | $5,000-6,100 | $2,400-2,900 |
| Spyder GT/GTS conv. | $9,300-10,300 | $8,400-9,300 | $4,800-5,400 |
| Spyder convertible | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Eclipse GT coupe | $6,800-7,600 | $6,100-6,800 | $3,200-3,600 |
| Eclipse RS, GS coupe | $5,000-6,200 | $4,300-5,300 | $2,000-2,500 |
| Spyder GT conv. | $8,200-9,000 | $7,400-8,100 | $4,200-4,600 |
| Spyder convertible | $7,000-7,800 | $6,200-6,900 | $3,300-3,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Eclipse GT coupe | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| Eclipse RS, GS coupe | $4,400-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,500-1,900 |
| Spyder GT conv. | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| Spyder convertible | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| Eclipse GT coupe | $5,300-6,000 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Eclipse RS, GS coupe | $3,800-4,600 | $3,100-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.8 | 100.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.4 | 175.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | 68.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.8 | 51.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3042 | 2822 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 7.2 | 16.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | 37.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.5 | 34.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 29.4 | 30.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 2000, RS and GS models used a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 145 horsepower with a 4-speed automatic, or 154 hp with 5-speed manual shift. The GT edition got a 3.0-liter V6, rated 200 horsepower with an automatic transmission or 205 hp with the manual gearbox. When equipped with automatic, the GT had a separate gate for manual gear changes. Subtle changes to the four-cylinder in subsequent years lowered horsepower ratings to 147 with manual, 140 with automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 200-205 | 205 | 5-speed manual: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 20/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.7 |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 149 | 142-154 | 163 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 20/28 |
5-speed manual: 23.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000 V6:
Power-steering pipe could wear through, allowing fluid leakage. Can result in a fire and continued loss of fluid will result in a loss of power assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
2000-05:
Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
2001:
Bulge in fuel tank caused by manufacturing process on small number of vehicles resulted in thinning of material, increasing risk of fuel leakage.
2001:
Harness for crankshaft position sensor could contact new protective shield, causing grounded circuit; prolonged contact could cause wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out, causing engine to die.
2001:
Some incorrect driver's seat mounting bolts were installed.
2004 Spyder:
Fuel return hose fitting on electric fuel pump may have been improperly molded, which could result in fuel leakage.
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