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2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Date Published: 2/20/08

2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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Price Range:
$3,700 - 15,000

Class:
Sporty/performance Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Expert Rating 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
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
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.
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.
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