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2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
Date Published: 2/21/08
Also in the 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
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8.
2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
Eclipse hatchback coupes and Spyder convertibles return for 2005 in GS, GT, and GTS trim. The price-leader RS coupe is dropped. GS has a 147-hp 4-cyl engine. GT coupes have a 200-hp V6. GT Spyders and both GTS models have a 210-hp V6. All offer manual transmission or an optional automatic with manual shift gate. Spyders include a power top with heated glass window. Every Eclipse comes with air conditioning, CD stereo, power windows/locks, and alloy wheels--17-inchers on GT/GTS, 16s on GS. Front side airbags and ABS are standard for GTS, unavailable otherwise. Available for GS is a Remix package with 16-inch SXC-brand alloy wheels and top-stitched charcoal leather on front seats, steering wheel, and shift knob.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.
News
Eclipse is all-new for 2006.
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
Rear seat a token gesture best left to kids. As in most small sporty 2-drs, entry/exit requires break-dance moves.
| 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
Generous in coupes with rear seat folded, limited in Spyders. Lofty liftover either way, and coupe's hatch lid is heavy.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/21/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, manual | $19,699 | $18,638 | $595 |
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| GS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $20,699 | $19,583 | $595 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $25,149 | $23,811 | $595 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $26,149 | $24,755 | $595 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, manual | $23,149 | $21,896 | $595 |
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| GT 2-door hatchback, automatic | $24,149 | $22,841 | $595 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $27,349 | $25,888 | $595 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $28,349 | $26,833 | $595 |
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| GTS 2-door hatchback, manual | $24,899 | $23,549 | $595 |
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| GTS 2-door hatchback, automatic | $26,099 | $24,683 | $595 |
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| GTS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $29,749 | $28,155 | $595 |
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| GTS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $30,949 | $29,289 | $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
GS adds to RS:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (hatchback), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, Infinity sound system (convertible), steering-wheel radio controls (convertible), digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, power convertible top (convertible), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights (convertible), rear spoiler, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT adds to GS:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 (200-horsepower hatchback, 210-horsepower convertible) engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof (hatchback), Infinity sound system, steering-wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, fog lights, 215/50VR17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
GTS adds to GT:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 210-horsepower engine, traction control (automatic).
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear wiper/washer (hatchback).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Remix Special Edition
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GS hatchback
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$1,800
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$1,566
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GS convertible
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$700
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$609
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Leather upholstery, power sunroof (hatchback), Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, unique interior trim, chrome exhaust tip, unique alloy wheels.
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2005 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 | 20/29 | 20/29 |
| 4-speed automatic | 21/28 | 20/28 | 21/28 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 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 | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| 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 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
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