2006-2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Full Review

Acceleration varies by transmission and engine. A manual-transmission GS coupe demonstrates adequate pep for most needs, but demands fairly frequent shifting. That same car with automatic is acceptable around town, but lacks highway-passing punch. A test GS coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Mitsubishi's GT coupe is strong from a stop and has ample passing power. A test GT with automatic reached 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Convertibles are slightly slower, due to some 200 pounds of extra weight. Fuel economy is about on par for the class. A test automatic-transmission GS averaged 19.6 mpg, versus 17.2 for a manual-shift GT. An extended-use manual-shift GT hatchback also averaged 19.2 mpg, while a stick-shift convertible managed 20.9 mpg. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel for GS four-cylinders, but premium for the GT's V6. Expect a firm ride, with noticeable impact harshness over sharp bumps--especially with the GT's optional 18-inch tires. Still, Eclipse can be agreeably supple for a sporty coupe. All models are subject to a little freeway hop and exhibit abrupt, choppy vertical motions on all but smooth pavement. A GT convertible is slightly more compliant than an equivalent coupe, but some soft-top body quiver occurs over larger bumps. Not quite as sporty as it looks, the Eclipse corners with ample grip and minimal body lean. Oddly, the GT differs little from GS models, even with optional 18-inch tires. Still, the lighter GS models feel a bit better balanced, though the GT's available 18-inch tires provide greater grip. No Eclipse quite matches the nimble feel of an Acura RSX, but they top the Scion tC for overall agility. Unfortunately, their large turning circle is a real hassle in tight spots. Convertibles are impressively solid, and suffer no noticeable handling penalty. GT coupes suffer from moderate torque steer--an unwanted pulling to the side in brisk acceleration--though convertibles fare a little better. Strong stopping power is accompanied by good brake-pedal feel. All models suffer fairly marked coarse-surface tire drone--most noticeable in convertibles. Audible wind noise appears in gusty weather. Wing windows help prevent excess wind buffeting of front-seat occupants in convertibles. The GS's four-cylinder engine is raucous at high rpm, but quiet enough in highway cruising. The same goes for the GT's V6, but it sounds more pleasant. An extended-use GT coupe suffered some minor squeaks. Switchgear is logically placed, though a few controls might be a bit of a stretch for some drivers. Gauges are within easy view. Positioned atop the dashboard, the audio-system display is far removed from the actual controls. The convertible's top drops and raises in 19 seconds, via single-button control. Cabins contain some padded panels, but too many hard plastic surfaces. Front seats promise good adult leg room and decent head room, though clearance can be a problem for occupants taller than six-foot or so. Nicely bolstered seats feel long-haul comfortable and provide support in quick turns. But they're low to the floor, which conspires with low-slung styling and long doors to hamper entry/exit. Styling also blocks driver vision astern and over-the-shoulder, due to the coupe's thick roof pillars and sharply-angled back window. Rear seating is the usual sporty-coupe token gesture: cramped, hard to access, and therefore best left to toddlers or small parcels. Shoulder room is further compromised in convertibles, as is rearward visibility with the top up. Hatchbacks have a high liftover to a fairly shallow cargo bay, with modest floor area and irregular shape. The bulky available subwoofer eats up space. Convertibles have a small trunk and tight opening, as well as high liftover. Small-item storage within the cabin is subpar in both body styles.

Value for the Money
Cramped, noisy and difficult to see out of, Eclipses sacrifice a lot for the sake of style. No version possesses the handling poise of competitors that benefit from lighter weight and either rear- or all-wheel drive. Still, their sporty character and powerful available V6, as well as the new convertible, can appeal to buyers who value youthful appearance over balanced performance. Despite Mitsubishi's tarnished brand image, resale value of some Eclipse versions is fairly strong, so secondhand bargains may not be so easy to find.