2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Road Test
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2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse ▼
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- MSRP: $18,399 -$30,199
- Invoice: $17,379 -$28,525
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Our road test for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse help you decide if a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Eclipse's relatively large, torquey engines are a boon for 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. Spyders weigh a bit more but are almost as quick. Have not yet tested a GTS.
FUEL ECONOMY
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Good, but nothing special. Extended-use 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 | 3.6 |
More pliant and comfortable than most rivals. Still, rough roads can induce wheel patter in any models, and Spyders show some body shake, though they're acceptably rigid.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
Alert, responsive, with little cornering lean and grippy front-drive predictability. Steering feel more family sedan indifferent than sports-car precise though, and a large turning circle impedes low-speed maneuverability. Braking uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not just GTS versions.
QUIETNESS
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.1 |
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
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Mostly clear, handy, but clock and audio readouts in 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 | 4.9 |
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 | 1.2 |
Rear seat a token gesture best left to kids. As in most sporty 2 drs, entry/exit requires break-dance moves.
CARGO ROOM
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2.8 |
Generous in coupes with rear seat folded, limited in Spyders. Lofty liftover either way, and coupe's hatch lid is heavy.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
The available V6 and a relatively pliant suspension may help Eclipse feel more mature than the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica, but those newer designs are better built, more fun to drive, and retain far greater resale value.
Total Score
| RS, man. | GT, man. | GT, auto. | GT Spyder, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 46 | 43 | 37 | 47.6 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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