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2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
Also in the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
Freshened styling inside and out and a new top-line model highlight Eclipse for 2003. Both the hatchback and the Spyder convertible come in GS, GT, and new GTS versions; a base RS hatchback is also available. RS and GS have a 4-cyl engine. The others use a V6. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic is optional and includes a manual shift gate on GS, GT, and GTS Eclipses. Spyders have a power top with heated glass window. Revised front-end styling and new taillamps, restyled instruments, and new interior color combinations are appearance updates. Alloy wheels are standard; GT and GTS versions get new-look 17-inchers, GSs get restyled 16s, and the RS retains its 15s. Air conditioning, CD stereo, and power windows/locks are standard. Front side airbags and ABS are standard on the GTS and unavailable on other models; these features had been GT options. Traction control is no longer available.
Competition
Our only Best Buy in this class is the fun-to-drive Acura RSX. It offers plenty of thrills for the money with impressive acceleration and great handling.
Formerly a Best Buy, Volkswagen New Beetle still features interesting blend of styling, comfort, performance, and economy. If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend Toyota Celica. This car offers a lot of bang for your buck, but, like all sporty coupes, may not be the greatest daily driver. New to the class is the Mini Cooper, a well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Because it is new and available in limited numbers, dealers are not discounting.
Formerly a Best Buy, Volkswagen New Beetle still features interesting blend of styling, comfort, performance, and economy. If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend Toyota Celica. This car offers a lot of bang for your buck, but, like all sporty coupes, may not be the greatest daily driver. New to the class is the Mini Cooper, a well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Because it is new and available in limited numbers, dealers are not discounting.
News
A Ralliart coupe and convertible will likely join the Eclipse line for 2004. Ralliart is Mitsubishi's in-house "tuner" operation that has long devised performance upgrades for various overseas models. Mitsubishi is trying to win over more youthful buyers here, so it's also introducing Ralliart-branded parts and accessories for sale through U.S. dealers. The expected Ralliart Eclipses will probably follow the formula of the new 2004 Ralliart Lancer subcompacts, so look for more power and various "hot car" styling add-ons. We'll have more specifics soon, so keep checking back with us.
Sources expect a redesigned Eclipse for 2006, with a possible summer-'05 launch. This will be the third result of the "Project America" midsize design program that has already delivered the Endeavor SUV and redesigned 2004 Galant sedans. Its heart is a so-called "flexible" platform that will also serve the next-generation Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus sedans. DaimlerChrysler owns a controlling interest in Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, and is aiming to cut costs at both units by sharing more components through efforts like Project America. Industry gossips have little else to say now, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a new all-wheel-drive Eclipse Turbo aimed at Gen-Y hotbloods. If we're right, it would use one of two force-fed 4-cyl engines: a version of the 2.0-liter unit that powers the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution, or the Chrysler-designed 2.4 found in the PT Cruiser Turbo and Dodge Neon SRT-4.
A raft of incentives like 0-down and 0-percent have been helping to prop up Eclipse sales in a brutal market. On a year-to-year basis, deliveries edged up 2.4 percent in 2002 after a 1.3-percent slip in '01.
Sources expect a redesigned Eclipse for 2006, with a possible summer-'05 launch. This will be the third result of the "Project America" midsize design program that has already delivered the Endeavor SUV and redesigned 2004 Galant sedans. Its heart is a so-called "flexible" platform that will also serve the next-generation Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus sedans. DaimlerChrysler owns a controlling interest in Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, and is aiming to cut costs at both units by sharing more components through efforts like Project America. Industry gossips have little else to say now, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a new all-wheel-drive Eclipse Turbo aimed at Gen-Y hotbloods. If we're right, it would use one of two force-fed 4-cyl engines: a version of the 2.0-liter unit that powers the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution, or the Chrysler-designed 2.4 found in the PT Cruiser Turbo and Dodge Neon SRT-4.
A raft of incentives like 0-down and 0-percent have been helping to prop up Eclipse sales in a brutal market. On a year-to-year basis, deliveries edged up 2.4 percent in 2002 after a 1.3-percent slip in '01.
2003 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 large, torquey engines for front-drive sporty coupes, a boon in stop-and-go driving. Takeoffs are sleepy in 4-cyl/automatic models, but test GS coupe with manual transmission did a decent 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. Test automatic GT coupe took 8.6 sec. Spyders weigh a bit more but are about as quick. Have not yet tested a GTS.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Eclipses have large, torquey engines for front-drive sporty coupes, a boon in stop-and-go driving. Takeoffs are sleepy in 4-cyl/automatic models, but test GS coupe with manual transmission did a decent 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. Test automatic GT coupe took 8.6 sec. Spyders weigh a bit more but are about as quick. Have not yet tested a GTS.
Fuel Economy
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Steering feel is more family sedan indifferent than sports-car precise, though, and Eclipse's large turning circle impedes low-speed maneuverability. Braking uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not confined to the GTS.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.7 |
Alert and responsive, with little cornering lean, and grippy front-drive predictability. Steering feel is more family sedan indifferent than sports-car precise, though, and Eclipse's large turning circle impedes low-speed maneuverability. Braking uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not confined to the GTS.
Quietness
Full-throttle engine noise prominent, and V6 is hardly quieter than the 4 cyl. V6 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. V6 exhaust note artificial and tiresome. Tire noise intrudes on coarse surfaces, but wind rush is minimal.
Controls
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.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
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)
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.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
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)
Rear seat is a token gesture best left to children. As in most sporty 2-drs, entry/exit requires modern-dance moves.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.1 |
Rear seat is a token gesture best left to children. As in most sporty 2-drs, entry/exit requires modern-dance moves.
Cargo Room
Generous in coupes with the rear seat folded, limited in Spyders. Lofty liftover in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is 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. Lofty liftover in both body styles, and the coupe hatch lid is heavy.
Value within Class
The available V6 engine and a relatively pliant suspension help Eclipse feel more conservative than the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica, but both those rivals are newer designs, are better-built, and are more fun to drive.
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
The available V6 engine and a relatively pliant suspension help Eclipse feel more conservative than the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica, but both those rivals are newer designs, are better-built, and are more fun to drive.
Total Score
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
| 44 | 47 | 45 | 39 | 47.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 32 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 59 |
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/11/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| RS 2-door hatchback, manual | $18,167 | $16,940 | $595 |
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| RS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $18,967 | $17,687 | $595 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, manual | $19,077 | $17,796 | $595 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $20,077 | $18,728 | $595 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $23,917 | $22,301 | $595 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $24,917 | $23,230 | $595 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, manual | $21,277 | $19,848 | $595 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, automatic | $22,277 | $20,781 | $595 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $25,997 | $24,251 | $595 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $26,997 | $25,180 | $595 |
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| GTS 2-door hatchback, manual | $24,247 | $22,607 | $595 |
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| GTS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $25,537 | $23,806 | $595 |
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| GTS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $28,367 | $26,454 | $595 |
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| GTS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $29,647 | $27,649 | $595 |
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
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, front bucket seat w/driver-seat 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, 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, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat (hatchback), nonfolding rear seat (convertible), power mirrors, remote keyless entry, Infinity sound system (convertible), steering-wheel radio controls (convertible), illuminated visor mirrors, power convertible top (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights (convertible), rear spoiler, 205/55HR16 tires.
GT adds to GS:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 (200-horsepower hatchback, 210-horsepower convertible) engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, fog lights, 215/50VR17 tires.
GTS adds to GT:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 210-horsepower engine (hatchback).
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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P1/P2 Sun and Sound Pkg.
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GS/GT hatchback
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$1,170
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$1,010
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Infinity sound system, steering-wheel radio controls, power sunroof.
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P5 Sun, Sound and Leather Pkg.
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GT hatchback
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$1,780
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$1,532
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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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2003 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. | 176.8 | 176.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | 68.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | 52.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2910 | 3097 |
| 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. | 30.2 | 29.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | sohc V6 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /143 | 3.0 /181 | 3.0 /181 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 147 @ 5500 | 200 @ 5500 | 210 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 158 @ 4000 | 205 @ 4000 | 205 @ 3750 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 23/31 | 21/28 | 21/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 21/28 | 20/27 | 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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | NA |
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 | 7/70,000 for Montero Sports & Galants sold from December 18, 2002 through March 31, 2003. |
| 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 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
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