2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse help you decide if a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is right for you.

2002 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

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 in 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. Test automatic GT coupe took 8.6 sec. Spyders weigh a bit more than coupes but are about as quick.

Fuel Economy

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 averaged 20.6, manual GS coupe 23.3. V6 requires premium fuel.

Ride Quality

RS, man.	GT, man.	GT, auto.	GT Spyder, auto.	Class Average
4	3	3	3	3.5

More pliant and comfortable 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

RS, man.	GT, man.	GT, auto.	GT Spyder, auto.	Class Average
6	8	8	7	7.4

Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Large turning circle impedes maneuverability, though. Braking uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not just GTs.

Quietness

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. GT exhaust note artificial and tiresome. Tire noise intrudes on coarse surfaces, but wind rush is minimal.

Controls

RS, man.	GT, man.	GT, auto.	GT Spyder, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.5

Mostly clear and handy, but clock and audio readouts in the central dashtop pod can be tough to see in daytime. Ditto air conditioning and recirculation indicator lights. Budget-grade plastic dominates cabin.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

RS, man.	GT, man.	GT, auto.	GT Spyder, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.5

Low-slung and cozy but not cramped. Huggy seats are 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)

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. As in most sporty 2-drs, entry/exit requires modern-dance moves.

Cargo Room

RS, man.	GT, man.	GT, auto.	GT Spyder, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	1	2.9

Generous in coupes with the rear seat folded, limited in Spyders. Lofty liftover in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is heavy.

Value within Class

RS, man.	GT, man.	GT, auto.	GT Spyder, auto.	Class Average
4	5	4	4	5.2

V6 and relatively pliant suspension give Eclipse a more-conservative feel than Acura RSX and Toyota Celica, but both those rivals are newer, better-built, and more fun to drive.

Total Score