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2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
A convertible body style joins the hatchback coupe in the 2007 Eclipse lineup. Mitsubishi calls the convertible the Spyder. It has a fabric power top with heated glass rear window. Both body styles seat four and are available as GS and GT models. A midlevel SE comes only as a coupe. GS and SE have a 162-hp 4-cyl engine. GTs have a V6 rated at 263 hp in coupes, 260 in convertibles. Manual transmission is standard: a 5-speed for GS and SE, a 6-speed for GT. Automatic transmission is optional: a 4-speed for GS and SE, a 5-speed for GT. GTs have traction control. No antiskid system is offered, but ABS is standard. Also standard are front side airbags. Coupes add curtain side airbags that cover the front seats only. They also have split folding rear seatbacks and are available with a sunroof.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
News
Eclipse shouldn't change much through decade's end. At that point, sources say, Mitsubishi will decide whether to continue its sporty car and, if so, where to build it and on what platform. Eclipse is now built at the Illinois plant that also turns out Galant sedans and Endeavor SUVs. All have been tough sells lately, not least because of damaging publicity about Mitsubishi's financial woes. That means the plant operates well below capacity, which makes it uneconomical to keep open, hence decision time on all three U.S.-built models come 2010.
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2007 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 hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
5 4 7 7 6.4

Manual-transmission GS models have adequate pep for most needs, but demand fairly frequent shifting to coax real life from the 4-cyl. With automatic transmission, 4-cyl acceptable around town, but lacks highway passing punch: Test hatchback did 9.2 sec 0-60. Torquey V6 shines in highway passing and helps GTs to robust acceleration: Test GT hatchback automatic did 6.5 sec 0-60. Convertibles slightly slower due to some 200-lb additional weight.
Fuel Economy

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
6 6 5 4 5.5

Test automatic-transmission GS hatchback averaged 19.6 mpg; test manual GT coupe averaged 17.2 mpg. Extended-use manual GT hatchback averaged 19.6 mpg over 9363 miles. Test manual-transmission GT convertible averaged 20.9 mpg. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel for GS and SE, premium for GT.
Ride Quality

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
4 4 3 4 4

Firm, with noticeable impact harshness over sharp bumps, especially with SE and GT optional 18-inch tires. Convertible GT slightly more compliant than coupe. Some convertible body quiver over larger bumps. All models exhibit abrupt, choppy vertical motions on all but smooth pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 8

Not quite as sporty as looks imply, but corners with ample grip, minimal body lean. Convertibles impressively solid, suffer no noticeable handling penalty. Lighter GS and SE models feel a bit better balanced than GTs, though SE and GT optional 18-inch tires offer more grip. GTs do suffer torque steer in brisk acceleration, though convertibles slightly less so. Large turning circle a real hassle in tight spots. Good stopping power, brake pedal feel.
Quietness

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
4 3 4 3 3

Both styles suffer marked coarse-surface tire drone, though it is more noticeable in convertible. Wing windows help prevent excess wind buffeting of front-seat occupants in convertible. 4-cyl engine raucous at high rpm, but quiet enough in highway cruising. Same goes for GT's V6, but it sounds nicer. Some testers noted minor squeaks in extended-use-test GT coupe.
Controls

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
5 5 5 5 5.5

Switchgear logically placed, though a couple of controls might be a bit of stretch for some drivers. Audio-system display is atop dashboard, far removed from actual controls. Convertible top drops, raises in 19 sec via one-button control. Cabin has some padded panels, but suffers from too many hard plastic surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
5 5 5 5 5.1

Good adult leg room, but head room in coupes can be a problem for anyone over 6-feet tall. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, so some shorter testers find pedals a long reach. Nicely bolstered seats are comfortable and provide support in fast turns. Low-slung styling and long doors make entry/exit a bit difficult. Visibility aft and over the shoulder in coupes seriously compromised by thick roof pillars, rake of rear glass. Rear visibility even worse in convertibles with top up.
Room/Comfort (rear)

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
2 1 2 1 1.1

The usual sporty-coupe token gesture: cramped, hard to access, and thus best left to toddlers or small cargo. Shoulder room further compromised in convertibles.
Cargo Room

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
5 2 5 2 2.5

Hatchback has fairly shallow cargo bay with modest floor area and irregular shape. Bulky available subwoofer eats up space. Convertible has small trunk, tight opening, and, like hatchback, high liftover. In both, cabin small-item storage subpar.
Value within Class

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
4 4 5 4 6.2

Cramped, noisy, and difficult to see out of, Eclipse sacrifices much for the sake of style. No version possesses the handling poise of rivals that benefit from lighter weight and/or rear- or all-wheel drive. Still, Eclipse's sporty character, powerful available V6, and new convertible model hold some appeal for buyers who favor youthful appearance over balanced performance.
Total Score

GS hatch, man. GS conv, auto. GT hatch w/18-in. whls., man. GT conv w/18-in. whls., auto. Class Average
47 41 48 42 47.3
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
41
Average Score
47
High Score
57
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2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
GS 2-door hatchback, manual $19,999 $18,912 $625
GS 2-door hatchback, automatic $20,899 $19,763 $625
GS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual $25,389 $24,030 $625
GS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic $26,289 $24,882 $625
SE 2-door hatchback, manual $22,399 $21,181 $625
SE 2-door hatchback, automatic $23,299 $22,032 $625
GT 2-door hatchback, manual $23,399 $22,128 $625
GT 2-door hatchback, automatic $24,299 $22,980 $625
GT Spyder 2-door convertible, manual $28,269 $26,756 $625
GT Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic $29,169 $27,608 $625
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
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front curtain side airbags (hatchback), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release (convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel radio controls (convertible), cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (hatchback), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player (hatchback), Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (convertible), digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (hatchback), power convertible top (convertible), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights (convertible), rear spoiler, 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
SE adds to GS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, outside-temperature indicator, compass, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45R18 tires.
GT adds to GS:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Fog lights.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sun and Sound Pkg.
GS/GT hatchback
$1,600
$1,405
Power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, unique upholstery, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass (GS), outside-temperature indicator (GS). Requires Accessory Pkg.
Leather Pkg.
GS convertible
$980
$861
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors.
Premium Sport Pkg.
GT convertible
$1,980
$1,740
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, aluminum pedals, wind deflector, 235/45R18 tires. Requires Accessory Pkg.
Aero Kit
GS, GT
$1,820
$1,290
Body cladding.
Appearance Pkg.
GS/GT convertible
$1,999
$1,444
GS/GT hatchback
$2,090
$1,522
Body cladding, alloy fuel door, cargo net (hatchback), unique floormats, wheel locks.
Accessory Pkg.
hatchback
$270
$232
convertible
$179
$154
Cargo mat and net (hatchback), unique floormats, alloy fuel-filler door, wheel locks. Requires Sun and Sound Pkg., Leather Pkg. or Premium Sport Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
GS, GT, SE
$130
$114
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2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door hatchback Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 101.4 101.4
Overall Length, in. 179.7 179.7
Overall Width, in. 72.2 72.2
Overall Height, in. 53.5 54.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 3274 3472
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.7 5.2
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.7 17.7
Seating Capacity 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.5 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.8 42.8
Rear Head Room, in. 34.6 35.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 29.2 27.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc I4 sohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /145 3.8 /234
Horsepower @ rpm. 162 @ 6000 263 @ 5750
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 162 @ 4000 260 @ 4500
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 23/30 --/--
6-speed manual --/-- 18/27
4-speed automatic 23/29 --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 19/28
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
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
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