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2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
Date Published: 5/08/08
Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe gets a new top-line model. This sporty car comes as a 2-door hatchback coupe in GS, SE, and GT trims. Also offered is the convertible Spyder in GS and GT trims, and these models have a power top with heated glass rear window. GS and SE have a 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. GTs have a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 263 hp in coupes, 260 in convertibles. New for '08 is the SE V6 that has the GT's engine and a few added features. 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. The new-for-2008 SE V6 has an antiskid system that's not offered on other Eclipses. Other available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front side airbags. Curtain side airbags are standard on coupes. The SE V6 has standard leather upholstery and a sunroof, features that are optional on other coupes.
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-cylinder 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 and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
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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2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat room |
| Rear entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Manual-transmission GS models have adequate pep for most needs, but demand fairly frequent shifting to coax real life from the 4-cylinder. With automatic transmission, 4-cylinder models are acceptable around town, but lack highway passing punch. A test hatchback did 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. The torquey V6 shines in highway passing and helps GTs to robust acceleration. A test GT hatchback automatic did 6.5 sec 0-60. Convertibles are slightly slower due to some 200-lb additional weight.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Manual-transmission GS models have adequate pep for most needs, but demand fairly frequent shifting to coax real life from the 4-cylinder. With automatic transmission, 4-cylinder models are acceptable around town, but lack highway passing punch. A test hatchback did 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. The torquey V6 shines in highway passing and helps GTs to robust acceleration. A test GT hatchback automatic did 6.5 sec 0-60. Convertibles are slightly slower due to some 200-lb additional weight.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission GS hatchback averaged 19.6 mpg. Test manual GT coupe averaged 17.2 mpg. Our 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 gas for the 4-cylinder, premium for the V6.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission GS hatchback averaged 19.6 mpg. Test manual GT coupe averaged 17.2 mpg. Our 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 gas for the 4-cylinder, premium for the V6.
Ride Quality
Firm, with noticeable impact harshness over sharp bumps, especially with the 18-inch tires. Convertible GTs are slightly more compliant than the coupe. Some convertible body quiver is noticeable over larger bumps. All models exhibit abrupt, choppy vertical motions on all but smooth pavement.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.1 |
Firm, with noticeable impact harshness over sharp bumps, especially with the 18-inch tires. Convertible GTs are slightly more compliant than the coupe. Some convertible body quiver is noticeable over larger bumps. All models exhibit abrupt, choppy vertical motions on all but smooth pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not quite as sporty as its looks imply, but any Eclipse corners with ample grip and minimal body lean. Convertibles are impressively solid, suffering no noticeable handling penalty. Lighter GS and SE models feel a bit better balanced than GTs, and the available 18-inch tires furnish the most grip. GTs do suffer torque steer in brisk acceleration, though convertibles slightly less so. A surprisingly large turning circle is a real hassle in tight spots. Good stopping control and brake pedal feel.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Not quite as sporty as its looks imply, but any Eclipse corners with ample grip and minimal body lean. Convertibles are impressively solid, suffering no noticeable handling penalty. Lighter GS and SE models feel a bit better balanced than GTs, and the available 18-inch tires furnish the most grip. GTs do suffer torque steer in brisk acceleration, though convertibles slightly less so. A surprisingly large turning circle is a real hassle in tight spots. Good stopping control and brake pedal feel.
Quietness
Both styles suffer marked coarse-surface tire drone, though it is more noticeable in the convertible. Wing windows help prevent excess wind buffeting of front-seat occupants in the convertible. The 4-cylinder engine is raucous at high rpm, but quiet enough in highway cruising. Same goes for the GT's V6, but it sounds nicer.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.2 |
Both styles suffer marked coarse-surface tire drone, though it is more noticeable in the convertible. Wing windows help prevent excess wind buffeting of front-seat occupants in the convertible. The 4-cylinder engine is raucous at high rpm, but quiet enough in highway cruising. Same goes for the GT's V6, but it sounds nicer.
Controls
Switchgear is logically placed, though a couple of controls might be a bit of a stretch for some drivers. The audio-system display is atop the dashboard, far removed from the actual controls. The convertible top drops/raises in 19 sec via one-button control.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Switchgear is logically placed, though a couple of controls might be a bit of a stretch for some drivers. The audio-system display is atop the dashboard, far removed from the actual controls. The convertible top drops/raises in 19 sec via one-button control.
Details
Cabin has some padded panels, but suffers from too many hard, plastic surfaces. Some testers noted minor squeaks in our extended-use-test GT coupe.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Cabin has some padded panels, but suffers from too many hard, plastic surfaces. Some testers noted minor squeaks in our extended-use-test GT coupe.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good adult legroom, but headroom in coupes can be a problem for anyone over six-feet tall. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, so some shorter testers find the pedals a long reach. Nicely bolstered seats are comfortable and provide good support in fast turns. Low-slung styling and long doors make entry/exit a bit difficult. Visibility aft and over the shoulder in coupes is seriously compromised by thick roof pillars and rake of the rear glass. Rear visibility is even worse in convertibles with top up.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Good adult legroom, but headroom in coupes can be a problem for anyone over six-feet tall. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, so some shorter testers find the pedals a long reach. Nicely bolstered seats are comfortable and provide good support in fast turns. Low-slung styling and long doors make entry/exit a bit difficult. Visibility aft and over the shoulder in coupes is seriously compromised by thick roof pillars and rake of the rear glass. Rear visibility is even worse in convertibles with top up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The usual sporty-coupe token gesture: cramped, hard to access, and thus best left to toddlers or small cargo. Shoulder space is further compromised in convertibles.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1.4 |
The usual sporty-coupe token gesture: cramped, hard to access, and thus best left to toddlers or small cargo. Shoulder space is further compromised in convertibles.
Cargo Room
Hatchbacks have a fairly shallow cargo bay with modest floor area and irregular shape. The bulky available subwoofer eats up space. Convertibles have a small trunk, tight opening, and, like hatchback, high liftover. In both, cabin small-item storage is subpar.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2.9 |
Hatchbacks have a fairly shallow cargo bay with modest floor area and irregular shape. The bulky available subwoofer eats up space. Convertibles have a small trunk, tight opening, and, like hatchback, high liftover. In both, cabin small-item storage is subpar.
Value within Class
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 a convertible model hold some appeal for buyers who favor youthful appearance over balanced performance.
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
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 a convertible model hold some appeal for buyers who favor youthful appearance over balanced performance.
Total Score
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
| 50 | 45 | 51 | 46 | 53.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/25/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GS 2-door coupe, manual | $19,999 | $18,912 | $625 |
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| GS 2-door coupe, automatic | $20,999 | $19,858 | $625 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $25,699 | $24,324 | $625 |
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| GS Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $26,699 | $25,270 | $625 |
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| SE 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, manual | $23,799 | $22,506 | $625 |
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| SE 4-cylinder 2-door coupe, automatic | $24,799 | $23,451 | $625 |
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| SE V6 2-door coupe, manual | $28,599 | $27,045 | $625 |
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| SE V6 2-door coupe, automatic | $29,599 | $27,991 | $625 |
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| GT 2-door coupe, manual | $23,499 | $22,222 | $625 |
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| GT 2-door coupe, automatic | $24,499 | $23,168 | $625 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, manual | $28,599 | $27,069 | $625 |
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| GT Spyder 2-door convertible, automatic | $29,599 | $28,015 | $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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Eclipse | $1500 cash back or 0%-2.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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| Eclipse Spyder | $1500 cash back or 3.9%-5.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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 (coupe), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release (convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, 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, split folding rear seat (coupe), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player (coupe), Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (convertible), tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (coupe), 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 4-cylinder 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.
SE V6 adds SE 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, heated power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
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
Heated power mirrors, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Fog lights.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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GS/GT coupe
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$1,850
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$1,624
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Power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass (GS), outside-temperature indicator (GS). Requires Accessory Pkg.
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Leather Pkg.
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GS convertible
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$980
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$861
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors.
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Premium Sport Pkg.
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GT convertible
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$2,000
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$1,758
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, 6-way power driver seat, automatic climate control, aluminum pedals, wind deflector, alloy fuel filler, unique alloy wheels. Requires Accessory Pkg.
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Aero Kit
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GS, GT
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$1,820
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$1,290
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Body cladding.
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Accessory Pkg.
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GS/GT coupe
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$270
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$232
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convertible
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$179
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$154
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Cargo mat and net (coupe), unique floormats, alloy fuel-filler door, wheel locks. Requires Sun and Sound Pkg., Leather Pkg. or Premium Sport Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Rubber floormats
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GS, GT, SE 4-cylinder, SE V6
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$55
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$42
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Fog lights
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GS coupe, SE 4-cylinder
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$200
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$132
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Wind deflector
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convertible
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$450
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$275
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Special paint
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GS, GT, SE 4-cylinder, SE V6
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$130
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$114
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door coupe | 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 |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/28 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 16/26 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/26 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 17/26 |
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 coupe | 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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