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2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
Also in the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
Eclipses come as hatchback coupes and Spyder convertibles. GT models of both have a V6 engine, RS and GS models get a 4 cyl. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic is optional and includes a manual shift gate on GS and GT models. Spyders have a power soft top with heated glass window. Alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD stereo, and power windows/locks are standard on all models. Front side-airbags are optional for GTs in a Premium Package that also includes ABS and, with automatic transmission, traction control. GS and GT models have a standard rear spoiler.
Competition
The current Honda Prelude has been around for a few years but it has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy. If Prelude is a little too expensive, take a look at our other Best Buy the Volkswagen New Beetle. It offers interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
If raw performance is what you are after we Recommend the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Pontiac Firebird. Not as pleasant to live with on a daily basis, these cars offer a lot of bang for your buck. New last year, the fun-to-drive Toyota Celica also earns the Recommended nod with its reputation for reliability.
If raw performance is what you are after we Recommend the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Pontiac Firebird. Not as pleasant to live with on a daily basis, these cars offer a lot of bang for your buck. New last year, the fun-to-drive Toyota Celica also earns the Recommended nod with its reputation for reliability.
News
Total Eclipse calendar-year sales jumped 15.2 percent in 2000. Coupes were up a modest 8 percent, but Spyder convertibles soared 60 percent on the strength of their early 2001-model redesign, though that wasn't available the full 12 months.
Save interim changes, Eclipse will stay as is through the early part of 2005. A fully redesigned replacement then takes over on a new platform that's set to appear first under a new-generation 2003 Galant sedan, which will reportedly bow next spring. This same foundation will serve a new U.S.-built 2003 Montero Sport SUV, now set to arrive about a year after the redesigned Galant. It's also being mooted for the next-generation Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus coupes and sedans, currently slated as '05 models. Why so much consolidation? DaimlerChrysler now owns a controlling stake in Mitsubishi and is busily trying to trim costs by greater sharing among appropriate products at Mitsubishi and Chrysler Group, both of which are struggling to get back in the black.
Save interim changes, Eclipse will stay as is through the early part of 2005. A fully redesigned replacement then takes over on a new platform that's set to appear first under a new-generation 2003 Galant sedan, which will reportedly bow next spring. This same foundation will serve a new U.S.-built 2003 Montero Sport SUV, now set to arrive about a year after the redesigned Galant. It's also being mooted for the next-generation Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus coupes and sedans, currently slated as '05 models. Why so much consolidation? DaimlerChrysler now owns a controlling stake in Mitsubishi and is busily trying to trim costs by greater sharing among appropriate products at Mitsubishi and Chrysler Group, both of which are struggling to get back in the black.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat room |
| Rear visibility | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Eclipses have larger, torquier engines than any rival, a boon for stop-and-go driving. Takeoffs are sleepy in 4-cyl automatic models, but test GS coupe with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in decent 9.2 sec. Automatic GT coupe took 8.6 sec. Spyders weigh a bit more than coupes but are about as quick.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Eclipses have larger, torquier engines than any rival, a boon for stop-and-go driving. Takeoffs are sleepy in 4-cyl automatic models, but test GS coupe with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in decent 9.2 sec. Automatic GT coupe took 8.6 sec. Spyders weigh a bit more than coupes but are about as quick.
Fuel Economy
Good, but nothing special. Extended-use test automatic GT coupe averaged 20.7 mpg over 9848 mi. Automatic GT Spyder returned 20.6, manual GS coupe 23.3. V6s require premium fuel.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Good, but nothing special. Extended-use test automatic GT coupe averaged 20.7 mpg over 9848 mi. Automatic GT Spyder returned 20.6, manual GS coupe 23.3. V6s require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Pliant and comfortable for sporty compacts, and better than most rivals. Still, rough roads can induce wheel patter in any Eclipse, and Spyders show some body shaking, though they're acceptably rigid.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Pliant and comfortable for sporty compacts, and better than most rivals. Still, rough roads can induce wheel patter in any Eclipse, and Spyders show some body shaking, though they're acceptably rigid.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Large turning circle impedes maneuverability, though. Braking is uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not just GTs.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Large turning circle impedes maneuverability, though. Braking is uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not just GTs.
Quietness
Full-throttle engine noise prominent, and V6 is hardly quieter than the 4 cyl. Plus, GT exhaust note artificial and tiresome. Tire noise intrudes on coarse surfaces, but wind rush is minimal.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.2 |
Full-throttle engine noise prominent, and V6 is hardly quieter than the 4 cyl. Plus, GT exhaust note artificial and tiresome. Tire noise intrudes on coarse surfaces, but wind rush is minimal.
Controls
Mostly clear and handy, but the clock and audio readouts in the central dashtop pod can be tough to see in daytime. Ditto the air conditioning and recirculation indicator lights. Budget-grade plastic dominates cabin.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Mostly clear and handy, but the clock and audio readouts in the central dashtop pod can be tough to see in daytime. Ditto the air conditioning and recirculation indicator lights. Budget-grade plastic dominates cabin.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Low-slung and cozy but not cramped. Huggy seats are long-haul comfortable. Visibility difficult aft--especially top-up in Spyders with their teensy back windows. Standard tilt steering wheel doesn't go high enough for tall drivers.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Low-slung and cozy but not cramped. Huggy seats are long-haul comfortable. Visibility difficult aft--especially top-up in Spyders with their teensy back windows. Standard tilt steering wheel doesn't go high enough for tall drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Rear seat is a token gesture best left to children. Entry/exit requires limbo-dancer moves, as do most Eclipse rivals.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
Rear seat is a token gesture best left to children. Entry/exit requires limbo-dancer moves, as do most Eclipse rivals.
Cargo Room
Generous in coupes with the rear seat folded, limited in Spyders (though not by the folded top). Liftover is lofty in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is rather heavy.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
Generous in coupes with the rear seat folded, limited in Spyders (though not by the folded top). Liftover is lofty in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is rather heavy.
Value within Class
Relaxed V6 makes Eclipse the baby boomer's sport coupe, but time is passing by cars of this ilk. Faced with a decision, we'd opt for the GT, though we wouldn't feel penalized in a 4-cyl model.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Relaxed V6 makes Eclipse the baby boomer's sport coupe, but time is passing by cars of this ilk. Faced with a decision, we'd opt for the GT, though we wouldn't feel penalized in a 4-cyl model.
Total Score
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 43 | 47 | 45 | 40 | 44.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 60 |
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/20/2001
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| RS 2-door hatchback, manual | $17,987 | $16,775 | $535 |
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| RS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $18,787 | $17,552 | $535 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, manual | $18,797 | $17,525 | $535 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $19,797 | $18,458 | $535 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $23,407 | $21,820 | $535 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $24,407 | $22,747 | $535 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, manual | $20,947 | $19,535 | $535 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, automatic | $21,947 | $20,467 | $535 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $25,407 | $23,690 | $535 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $26,407 | $24,618 | $535 |
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, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, remote hatch release, visor mirrors, rear defogger, cargo cover, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, dual outside mirrors, 195/65HR15 tires, alloy wheels.
GS hatchback adds to RS:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, split folding rear seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 205/55HR16 tires.
GS convertible adds to GS hatchback:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Infinity sound system, remote keyless entry, nonfolding rear seat, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
GT adds to GS hatchback or convertible:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power antenna (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, fog lights, 215/50VR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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P3/P4 Premium Pkg.
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GT hatchback manual
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$2,760
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$2,402
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GT hatchback automatic
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$3,050
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$2,652
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Antilock brakes, traction control (automatic), front side airbags, Infinity AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer, leather front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, compass, outside temperature indicator, rear wiper/washer, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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P5/P6 Premium Pkg.
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GT convertible manual
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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, traction control (automatic), front side airbags, leather front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, Infinity AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer.
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P1/P2 Sun and Sound Pkg.
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GS/GT hatchback
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$1,080
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$936
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Infinity sound system, power sunroof.
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P5 Sun, Sound and Leather Pkg.
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GT hatchback
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$1,690
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$1,458
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Sun and Sound Pkg. plus leather front bucket seats.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Leather front bucket seats
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GS convertible, GT
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$600
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$525
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2001 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. | 147 @ 5500 | 200 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 158 @ 4000 | 205 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/30 | 20/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/27 | 20/28 |
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 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
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