I just drove home in a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder. Like the coupe it offers a torquey engine and willing six-speed transmission. Unlike the coupe there's enough flex in the body to dampen my enthusiasm for flinging it around corners (the coupe handles surprisingly well). But the real problem with this car is cost...
As outfitted our test car "eclipses" $30,000. For that kind of money I can get a V8 Mustang ragtop, and I'm within $2,000 of a 350 Z drop-top. It's not that either of those cars has stunning interior materials or a super-refined drivetrain, but they both have better interiors in terms of material and build quality, and they will both dust the Eclipse in terms of driving dynamics and overall fun. For instance, it hasn't rained in L.A. for over 12 hours, but it was still cold so I kept the top up. Unfortunately, whenever I accelerated hard a substantial stream of water came out from around the top of the driver's window and dumped on my left sleeve. The first time it was annoying. The third time it was infuriating -- and my left sleeve was soaked! Again, it was not raining out -- and hadn't been for over 12 hours! I'm not sure how/why this car was storing water above the driver's window, but I haven't experienced such elemental intrusion since riding around in my brother's 1966 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible. And I think that car had less chassis flex over bumps. In spite of these problems I could recommend this vehicle...for $24,000. At $30K there are too many other players that offer superior performance and value.
By carlisimo
on March 29, 2006
08:57 PM
So the non-GT might be a good buy for someone who isn't terribly interested in the act of driving?
By tryan
on March 30, 2006
03:52 AM
The Eclipse has lost it's way.
Actually, when the redesigned MY 2000 Eclipse debuted, that sentiment was first established, this model just continues it. The Eclipse has gone from a light, tight, AWD, turbocharged compact to a bloated FWD only GT with a big V6.
As Karl so aptly pointed out, it's now playing in a league where lots of heavy hitters roam. I don't know if I agree with the Mustang and 350Z having better material quality than the Eclipse (especially the Z car), but the point is both of those vehicles offer more performance, better dynamics and ultimately carry more heritage behind their nameplates to justify the price.
Of course, we have not taken into account the (unfortunately) inevitable incentives that will occur, which would put the Eclipse at a more agreeable price point.
By editor_karl
on March 30, 2006
11:05 AM
The interior quality is close between the Eclipse, Mustang and 350Z (none of them are great). What pushed me over the edge -- literally -- was the edge of the steering wheel horn button. If I grab the lower part of the steering wheel spokes, right where they connect to the steering wheel rim, my fingers inevitably rub against this horn, and the sharp edge could be described as anywhere from uncomfortable to painful as it slices against my finger. Regardless, it has an exceedingly cheap feel, and it's right on a major touchpoint. Nothing in the Mustang or Z feels as eggregious to me.
By ateixeira
on March 31, 2006
11:17 AM
It seems this one is more about style than substance. Although the curb weight suggests otherwise. :-)
By trackwrex
on April 3, 2006
10:09 AM
You know Karl, I still remember the press release on this car... "The attainable exotic", is what Mitsubishi dared to describe it as... Okay, attainable, somewhat... Exotic, by NO MEANS! I mean, who were they kidding... They need to just build the RalliArt Eclipse and get it over with. LOL...