Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test
Date Published: 7/31/08
Our road test for the 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse help you decide if a 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is right for you.
2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Road noise
Handling/roadholding Rear-seat room
Rear entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
4 6 5 5 6.3

Large, torquey engines for class; a boon for stop/go driving. Takeoffs sleepy with 4-cyl/automatic, 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. No opportunity yet to test a GTS.
Fuel Economy

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
6 6 5 5 5.8

Good, but nothing special. Extended-use automatic GT coupe averaged 20.7 mpg over 9848-mi. test. Automatic GT Spyder averaged 20.6 in our tests; a manual GS coupe returned 23.3. V6 engines require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
4 3 3 3 4

More pliant and comfortable than most rivals. Still, rough roads can induce irksome wheel patter in any model. Spyders show some body shake, though they're acceptably rigid.
Steering/Handling/Braking

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
7 8 8 7 8.1

Alert, responsive, with little cornering lean and grippy front-drive predictability. But steering feel more family sedan than sports car, and large turning circle impedes close-quarters maneuvers. Braking uniformly good, but ABS should be available on all models, not just GTS versions.
Quietness

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
3 3 3 2 3.2

Prominent full-throttle engine noise. V6 hardly quieter than 4-cyl, with tiresome exhaust note. Tire thrum intrudes on coarse surfaces, but wind rush minimal.
Controls

GS, 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 indicator lights on climate-control panel. Budget-grade plastic dominates cabin.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
4 4 4 4 5.1

Low-slung and cozy, but not cramped. Seats comfortable. Visibility difficult aft--especially top-up in Spyders with their tiny back windows. Standard tilt steering wheel may not go high enough for some taller drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
1 1 1 1 1.4

Rear seat a token gesture best left to kids. As in most small sporty 2-drs, entry/exit requires break-dance moves.
Cargo Room

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
5 5 5 1 3.2

Generous in coupes with rear seat folded, limited in Spyders. Lofty liftover either way, and coupe's hatch lid is heavy.
Value within Class

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
4 5 4 4 6.7

An available V6 and a relatively pliant suspension help Eclipse feel a bit more mature than the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica, but those rivals are better built, more fun to drive, and hold their value far better.
Total Score

GS, man. GT, man. GT, auto. GT Spyder, auto. Class Average
43 46 43 37 49.9
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
37
Average Score
49
High Score
58
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car


    Sell Your Car
Powered by: