2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Road Test
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse ▼
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- MSRP: $20,249 - $30,149
- Invoice: $19,149 - $28,535
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Our road test for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse help you decide if a 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
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 seconds 0-60. Convertibles are slightly slower due to some 200-lb additional weight.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission GS hatchback averaged 19.6 mpg. Test manual GT coupe averaged 17.2 mpg. A manual GT hatchback averaged 19.6 mpg. Test manual-transmission GT convertible averaged 20.9 mpg. The 4-cylinder uses regular-grade gas. Mitsubishi recommends premium for the V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.2 |
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
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.2 |
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
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.3 |
Both styles suffer marked coarse-surface tire thrum, 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
| 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
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Cabin has some padded panels, but suffers from too many hard, plastic surfaces. Several test models have been plagued by assorted interior squeaks and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Good adult legroom, but headroom in coupes can be a problem for anyone over 6-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)
| 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
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2.8 |
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
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6.3 |
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 exuberance over balanced performance.
Total Score
| GS coupe, manual | GS Spyder, automatic | GT coupe, manual | GT Spyder, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 44 | 51 | 47 | 54.3 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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