Long list
Both the four-cylinder base model (GS) and six-cylinder high-end model (GT-P) offer a comprehensive list of standard features. Music lovers will especially appreciate the 650-watt Rockford premium audio system with nine speakers, including a subwoofer.
This unit breathes fire, as anyone would expect, but the subwoofer that peaks out from between the rear seats won't appeal to all -- not only for its gadgety look, but also because it significantly reduces passenger room (or should I say, cargo room).
Too fast, too powerful
The Mitsubishi Eclipse, Coupe or Spyder, comes with a choice of two powertrains. The four-cylinder base model is normally potent enough despite the vehicle's fairly heavy weight.
Our tester, meanwhile, benefited from Mitsubishi's 263-hp MIVEC V6 and six-speed automatic transmission to send power to the front wheels. Here's my advice: forget about this combo.
While the autobox delivers the goods with a certain ease, it proves to be not quite responsive enough to throttle inputs. Admittedly, though, the biggest problem comes from the V6; I found it too powerful and too heavy for this machine. The result is felt as soon as you accelerate. Violent torque steer is transmitted through the steering wheel, forcing the driver to take extreme precautions to keep a straight line.
The same holds true in tight cornering, but this time, the engine's massive weight is at fault. The nose-heavy Eclipse suffers from significant understeer, meaning the driver has to release the throttle so as to avoid getting tossed out of the road.
Fortunately, the suspension is firm and well balanced, delivering a good mix of ride and handling and helping drivers maintain a steady path. Please note, however, that such road manners might also be the result of increased body stiffness due to the absence of a fixed hard top.
A coupe for two
No one can deny that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has the looks. But it's also very powerful and relatively fun to drive. Of course, the interior is a bit noisy, even by convertible standards, and the engine is sometimes hard to handle. Still, for a romantic getaway under the starlit sky, this car will be glad to serve you.
Enticing looks
Powerful brakes
Expensive GT-P model
Questionable handling (with V6 engine)
Trivial rear passenger room
Fit and finish is deficient at times
Both the four-cylinder base model (GS) and six-cylinder high-end model (GT-P) offer a comprehensive list of standard features. Music lovers will especially appreciate the 650-watt Rockford premium audio system with nine speakers, including a subwoofer.
 |
| The subwoofer further reduces rear passenger comfort. |
This unit breathes fire, as anyone would expect, but the subwoofer that peaks out from between the rear seats won't appeal to all -- not only for its gadgety look, but also because it significantly reduces passenger room (or should I say, cargo room).
Too fast, too powerful
The Mitsubishi Eclipse, Coupe or Spyder, comes with a choice of two powertrains. The four-cylinder base model is normally potent enough despite the vehicle's fairly heavy weight.
Our tester, meanwhile, benefited from Mitsubishi's 263-hp MIVEC V6 and six-speed automatic transmission to send power to the front wheels. Here's my advice: forget about this combo.
While the autobox delivers the goods with a certain ease, it proves to be not quite responsive enough to throttle inputs. Admittedly, though, the biggest problem comes from the V6; I found it too powerful and too heavy for this machine. The result is felt as soon as you accelerate. Violent torque steer is transmitted through the steering wheel, forcing the driver to take extreme precautions to keep a straight line.
The same holds true in tight cornering, but this time, the engine's massive weight is at fault. The nose-heavy Eclipse suffers from significant understeer, meaning the driver has to release the throttle so as to avoid getting tossed out of the road.
Fortunately, the suspension is firm and well balanced, delivering a good mix of ride and handling and helping drivers maintain a steady path. Please note, however, that such road manners might also be the result of increased body stiffness due to the absence of a fixed hard top.
A coupe for two
No one can deny that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has the looks. But it's also very powerful and relatively fun to drive. Of course, the interior is a bit noisy, even by convertible standards, and the engine is sometimes hard to handle. Still, for a romantic getaway under the starlit sky, this car will be glad to serve you.
 |
Enticing looks
Powerful brakes
 |
Expensive GT-P model
Questionable handling (with V6 engine)
 |
Trivial rear passenger room
Fit and finish is deficient at times
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