Major Options:  Premium Paint charge, GT Premium Sport Package

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  18.79 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Our fully-equipped GT test car listed for around $27,000. At that, it may be the poorest value of any car on the road. Noisy, plagued with torque steer, uncertain of itself on rippled pavement, devoid of any real utility, and so poorly constructed and immaturely styled that it made me feel cheap. If this car has a redeeming feature, I'd like someone to point it out to me.

John Biel Even with extra-cost paint, a big-ticket premium-equipment package, and delivery, the MSRP on the Eclipse GT in this test came to a few hundred dollars under $28K. That buys a racier rocket than its predecessor. Unfortunately, it cost this driver $2.99-nine a gallon to fill it up with the required premium fuel in the midst of market prices tickling $70 a barrel for oil. The well-heeled Porsche crowd may be able to dig deeper for a longer period of time while gas prices are high, but is the budget-conscious GT buyer who shops the Eclipse willing to do the same? If gas remains dear for too long, buyers may find they have plenty Eclipse GTs from which to choose.

Major Options:  GT Premium Sport Package (leather seating surface, 18" alloy wheels, power sunroof, 650w Rockford Fosgate 9 speakers, 10" subwoofer, AM/FM/6-disc in-dash changer, digital signal processing, steering wheel audio controls, auto air conditioning, auto dimming rear view mirror, power driver seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats, heated side view mirrors), Accessory Package (alloy fuel door, wheel locks, cargo net, cargo floor mat, sport floor mats)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  19.68 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Cramped coupes are the corsettes of today's auto scene: discomfort for the sake of style. Our 6-speed Eclipse GT is executed well enough, I suppose, although it doesn't really deliver the eager agility its looks and layout promise. But nothing about it overcomes the compromises inherent in its basic concept. Like that curious Victorian undergarment, it's an anachronism.

Ed Piotrowski The V6 loves to rev, and the manual trans is a delight. But the poor rear visibility, subpar audio system and copious road noise are unbecoming of a car that's supposed to fetch nearly $28,000. A quart of oil also had to be added to the crankcase, which is something to keep an eye on as the miles add up. As equipped, this car is too pricey to go against the likes of Cobalt SS, too unrefined to compete with Scion tC and not sporty enough to challenge 350Z. A much stronger case for this car can be made if ordered with no options. That brings the MSRP down to about $24,300 including destination fee, and dealers should be discounting further still.

Jamie Putnam I spent enough time with this car to realize I would never buy it. Engine and tire noise are intrusive and rear visibility makes changing lanes and backing up dangerous. On the upside, it handles fairly well and the interior is OK. I expected this car to be a little quicker and wound up disappointed.

Kirk Bell The Eclipse isn't as fun as I'd hoped. Yes, the V6 is powerful, and especially delightful at highway speeds, but I just don't buy this car as a true sports car. Though it doesn't play in the same price range, the Eclipse can be compared to the Nissan 350Z. They both share a platform with a sedan. Even though I like the Galant platform, it just doesn't cut it as a sports car. Mitsubishi should have taken a cue from Nissan and designed the sports car first, then do the sedan. That way, the sedan benefits from the sports car's rigidity, instead of compromising sportiness for classic sedan traits. Plus, the Z is simply better because it's rear-wheel drive. The Eclipse has front-drive and all the torque steer and handling compromises that come with it. Had Mitsubishi gone with all-wheel drive and a turbo-four, torque steer wouldn't have been a problem and tuner guys would have eaten it up. Mitsu has that formula in a sedan. Why not a hatch?

Mark Bilek I can't understand why our staff is so down on Eclipse. In GT trim it is FAST, handles well, and has good room for two large adults. Sure there are a lot of coupe compromises, but a coupe buyer expects those. Perhaps two biggest problems facing Eclipse are the high price and shaky dealership body.

Tom Appel What is this car? It doesn't play with the Solara or Accord coupe, because the rear seat is too small. It's too wide and hefty to play with the Scion tC or Acura RSX. Still, Eclipse is a potent commuter with a sporty, enjoyable nature. What Eclipse isn't any more is Fast or Furious.