This is a recent addition to our long-term fleet, and I spent my first quality time with the car this weekend. Just as when I drove the press vehicle several months ago, I'm very pleased with the torque from the 3.8-liter engine (of course, at 3.8-liters it's probably impossible for it not
to have a lot of torque).
The tranny works well, too, but I still pine for the days of all-wheel drive. I once owned a 1991 Stealth R/T Twin Turbo, and I loved the all-wheel drive dynamics, both for handling and acceleration purposes (no traction issues, even after I modified the engine to make over 400 horsepower). The company can obiously do all-wheel drive (Evo, anyone?), so why not put it back on their volume-selling sport coupe -- at least as an option?..
But, like the Endeavor and Lancer, this is a compelling vehicle with no outstanding flaws. If Mitsubishi can surive its current financial troubles the company is still clearly capable of producing strong product.
By jedi_trem
on November 7, 2005
02:36 PM
I think the Eclipse has excellent styling inside and out, good paint choices, but they missed on the interior upgrades when they don't do total interior treatments. It appeals to its market and really shines among its competitors right off the lot (add some tint, vinyl, and suspension drop in the front and you have one heck of a tuner style car)
They make good engines which with little effort can be tuned to some impressive numbers.
No AWD? I think Mistu is missing the ball here. Hopefully next year they will offer it as an option.
How will Mitsu fair in the long run. If they can manage there good looking vehicles and improve quality, they won't be leaving us anytime soon. Plus they make good big screen TV’s.
Also could we get your take on the new Nissan Skyline GTR?
By fastcorners
on November 8, 2005
11:43 AM
Great write up, I too would have preferred this vehicle to be an AWD, but perhaps I can get a stabilizer kit for it, but really for most road use purposes the handling on it is fine.
The styling of the interior is real nice, the exterior back is awsome, and the front is avergae. If you look at the above pciture that you have ie at 45degree angle, you can see hints of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
I think mitsubishi, finally realised that Turbo and/or superchargeser are just a tuning headache and not real reliable, if you want a pure fast racer then yes you need the turbo, but of course it wont be a reliable car as a touring car. The 2 requirements are conlficting, you either want a rcer, or a Toruing car, and you cant have both. The Eclispe is a fast Touring car.
I am still on the market for one, trying to get the best deal. Misubishi I think is offering $500 rebate to the customer and $500 to the dealer.
By editor_karl
on November 8, 2005
04:37 PM
I agree that avoiding forced induction is a good way to improve both overall drivability and instant throttle response. This car is a torque-monster! We just had it at the track today and it was lighting the tires up through most of 1st gear and into 2nd. It's definitely a fun ride! I managed to pull a 14.7 in the quarter mile. Not bad for a sport coupe that costs well under $30,000.
By ateixeira
on November 9, 2005
01:48 PM
Considering the already make the EVO as their sport compact, this car can be their GT, as mentioned above. I think it's fine for what it is, but perhaps they should market an EVO coupe (or wagon?) to please even more folks.
By jpurserjr
on November 12, 2005
11:20 AM
Hi Karl
Really enjoy the Edmunds site and your perspective on things automotive. I was just wondering if you had any comment on the Consumer Reports test of the Eclipse GS-they did not like it, basically said it was unexciting to drive. Under lows they listed:agility,ride, seat comfort, driving position,visibility,turning circle, interior space. The only highs were sporty looks and hatchback versatility. I realize this was the 4 cylinder version and not the GT with the V6. I found this review disappointing, something Mitsubishi didn't need because I know they are struggling. I love the styling of the car, any comments would be appreciated.
By editor_karl
on November 14, 2005
11:55 AM
I can see the four-cylinder model not being as exciting to drive as the six, but in terms of agility, ride, seat comfort and driving position -- well, I don't have any serious problems with any of those areas on our LT car. Visibility isn't great, but no worse than any other sport coupe (i.e. 350Z, RX-8, etc.). Same thing for interior space -- it's not great on any sport coupe.
This is a great example of CR trying to apply toaster testing systems to cars. Cars aren't appliances -- especially sport coupes! I essentially ignore CR when it comes to car reviews, and tell everyone else to do the same.
By vistav
on December 29, 2005
05:07 AM
Lease question on GS AT--Was quoted purchase price of $19,999 less 3250 discount, with a 46% residual value and a money factor at .0031. But then they wanted a lease payment of $320 plus tax! Makes no sense to me? Deal or no deal as far as you are concerned?
By editor_karl
on December 30, 2005
02:10 AM
That sounds high, but you should try running the numbers through our lease payment calculator and see what comes up. Here's the link (make sure you scroll down a bit on the page):
http://www.edmunds.com/finance/index.html?tid=edmunds.n.mainindex.secnav.4.1.*