* Click HERE to see a video on the Mitsubishi Eclipse *
The Lifesaver
Without diving back into whom and what Mitsubishi is, I have to point out that the nineties were very good for the image of the company. Allow me to be more specific; if you follow any type of rally racing or are a tuner car enthusiast, you would have noticed that Mitsubishi earned many Manufacturers titles and won many championships in the WRC. Likewise, the Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser and Mitsubishi Eclipse (champions of badge engineering) have held many top spots in Import drag racing and shows.
These three clones made their first appearances in 1990. Back then, these cars where powered by an assortment of 4-cylinders including a very potent and powerful turbocharged 2.0L that developed between 195 and 210 horsepower. They were available either as a FWD or better, an AWD vehicle. 1998 was the last year that the Eagle Talon, arguably the most interesting of the three, was produced. The Eclipse underwent a complete overhaul for 2000 and in doing so, lost most of its appeal as a real sport coupe. For 2006, Mitsubishi re-kindled the fire that used to flow in the Eclipse's veins with bold new styling and new engine choices.
A base Mitsubishi GS retails for $25,498. Pricing reaches up to $38,398 for a GT V6 with the automatic transmission with options. We tested both an automatic GS ($29,698) and a 6-speed GT ($37,198).
Styling
Where the 2000-2005 Eclipse was once a faceless soulless reject from the 90's Pontiac school of design, the all-new for 2006 version is a traffic-stopping, double-take attention getter. Whether it be in base trim (in traffic on Crescent street, I was asked if a picture could be taken of the car) or better, in GT form (twice accosted for questions and pictures), the Mitsubishi coupe is creating much interest. The shape could be described as a stretched Audi TT with tightly tucked fenders both front and back. The Eclipse is actually quite a large 2-door. It is based on a modified Galant platform therefore it only makes sense that the car seems so big. Mitsubishi did a good camouflage job by pushing the wheels to the far corners for shorter overhangs.
Although the front seats are supportive and typically comfortable, I had a very difficult time finding a restful driving position. Regardless of the adjustments, no amount of manipulation could get me close enough to the pedals and far enough from the steering wheel. The interior materials are well selected, however I could not understand why our Sunset coloured example had Terra Cotta leather front seats and trim accents while the rear 50/50 bench remained clad in black leather. Visibility suffers in every r
ear-ward direction. The large seatbacks and small quarter windows combine to make lane changes a chore. The Eclipse is realistically only a 2+2. The rear seat is cramped, not very comfortable not to mention that there is no leg or headroom. Trunk space is also on the limited side even though the tailgate creates a huge opening.
The cabin is well assembled and the dashboard is a specific testament to Mitsubishi's effort to create something different that stands out. Controls are simply laid out and once the "behind-the-steering-wheel" audio commands are mastered, the knobs on the radio will seldomly be used. Both tested cars were equipped with the optional 650-watt 9 speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. The look and resonance of the system are tuner-crowd oriented with great big base coming from the 10" trunk-mounted subwoofer.
The Lifesaver
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These three clones made their first appearances in 1990. Back then, these cars where powered by an assortment of 4-cylinders including a very potent and powerful turbocharged 2.0L that developed between 195 and 210 horsepower. They were available either as a FWD or better, an AWD vehicle. 1998 was the last year that the Eagle Talon, arguably the most interesting of the three, was produced. The Eclipse underwent a complete overhaul for 2000 and in doing so, lost most of its appeal as a real sport coupe. For 2006, Mitsubishi re-kindled the fire that used to flow in the Eclipse's veins with bold new styling and new engine choices.
A base Mitsubishi GS retails for $25,498. Pricing reaches up to $38,398 for a GT V6 with the automatic transmission with options. We tested both an automatic GS ($29,698) and a 6-speed GT ($37,198).
Styling
Where the 2000-2005 Eclipse was once a faceless soulless reject from the 90's Pontiac school of design, the all-new for 2006 version is a traffic-stopping, double-take attention getter. Whether it be in base trim (in traffic on Crescent street, I was asked if a picture could be taken of the car) or better, in GT form (twice accosted for questions and pictures), the Mitsubishi coupe is creating much interest. The shape could be described as a stretched Audi TT with tightly tucked fenders both front and back. The Eclipse is actually quite a large 2-door. It is based on a modified Galant platform therefore it only makes sense that the car seems so big. Mitsubishi did a good camouflage job by pushing the wheels to the far corners for shorter overhangs.
Although the front seats are supportive and typically comfortable, I had a very difficult time finding a restful driving position. Regardless of the adjustments, no amount of manipulation could get me close enough to the pedals and far enough from the steering wheel. The interior materials are well selected, however I could not understand why our Sunset coloured example had Terra Cotta leather front seats and trim accents while the rear 50/50 bench remained clad in black leather. Visibility suffers in every r
ear-ward direction. The large seatbacks and small quarter windows combine to make lane changes a chore. The Eclipse is realistically only a 2+2. The rear seat is cramped, not very comfortable not to mention that there is no leg or headroom. Trunk space is also on the limited side even though the tailgate creates a huge opening. The cabin is well assembled and the dashboard is a specific testament to Mitsubishi's effort to create something different that stands out. Controls are simply laid out and once the "behind-the-steering-wheel" audio commands are mastered, the knobs on the radio will seldomly be used. Both tested cars were equipped with the optional 650-watt 9 speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. The look and resonance of the system are tuner-crowd oriented with great big base coming from the 10" trunk-mounted subwoofer.