2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

The Illinois-made Mitsubishi Eclipse has been the top-selling sports coupe with an import nameplate during the past decade and mainly has appealed to younger buyers. So it's no surprise that the 2003 version has bolder styling and new high-performance GTS coupe and convertible models. The early 2003 Eclipse has revised front and rear styling and an upgraded interior that conveys a sportier feeling. A new halogen headlight arrangement is fitted to a redesigned urethane front fascia with a redone grille air inlet. The molded front bumper now includes cavities for the integrated fog light arrangement for the higher-line GT and and top-line GTS models. Wheels are a big deal with sporty cars.

The GT and GTS thus roll on new 17-inch, five-finned spoke wheels, while the mid-range GS gets new, stylish 16-inch aluminum wheels. The entry RS model has new aluminum five-spoke 15-inch wheels. There also are optional new steering wheel audio system controls for the GS and GT. They're standard on GTS. The Eclipse became more of a cruiser than a sports car with the introduction of the revamped 2000 model, which was more refined and comfortable than the earlier, wilder Eclipse, which even could be had in turbocharged form with all-wheel drive. The steering of my test GTS coupe was quick, although a bit light. All Eclipses have a large turning circle that can be a pain in tight spots. Handling is trustworthy but not really in the sports-car class.

However, average drivers should be able to push this car fairly hard and not get into trouble. The brake pedal was soft, but had a nice linear feel. Stopping distances were short. The GT and GTS have an all-disc brake setup, while the RS and GS have rear drum brakes that are less effective during hard use, but fine for routine daily driving. However, only the GTS is offered with anti-lock brakes, which come with front side air bags.

The Eclipse has a fairly long 100.8-inch wheelbase, so the ride is generally good even with the stiffer sport suspension of the GT and GTS models. Turbo engines and all-wheel-drive are long gone, but the Eclipse still is offered in a variety of hardtop and convertible models in various price ranges--a marketing practice that has given it a large pool of potential buyers.

All 2003 models are equipped with either a slick five-speed manual gearbox or responsive four-speed automatic transmission, which has a manual shift gate on higher-line Eclipses. Order the GTS with the automatic and you get a standard traction control system at no extra cost. The RS hardtop with a five-speed manual transmission is the lowest priced model at $18,137, while the fully equipped automatic-transmission version of the GTS convertible at $29,547. The lowest-priced convertible is $23,817. Even the entry RS model is pretty well equipped, with such things as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD and power windows and locks. The GTS is loaded with equipment, including leather upholstery. The RS and GS models have a decent 2.4-liter, 147-horsepower engine, which is larger than engines in most rivals.

It has a lot of torque for its size, but works best with the manual gearbox. The GT adds a 200-horsepower V-6 for much stronger performance, while the GTS gets a new 210-horsepower version of that 3-liter V-6. The GT convertible is given that higher-horsepower V-6 because it's heavier than the Eclipse coupe. The extra power comes from such things as a higher compression ratio and a variable induction system that gives the V-6 crisper throttle response. Fuel economy ranges from 21 in the city to 31 mpg on highways with the four-cylinder engine and from 20 to 28 with the smooth V-6, which loafs at 2,600 rpm at 65 mph. The Eclipse is roomy up front, but the rear seat is best left to children or pets.

The cargo area is fairly large, and rear seatbacks can be easily flipped forward to increase cargo space. The coupe has more cargo room than the convertible, but has a big, heavy hatch lid. There are fairly big, comfortable bucket seats. However, they're low and entry and exit thus call for agility. Doors also are rather long, which can make it awkward to get in and out in tight spots.

Visibility is marginal to the rear in both coupe and convertible models and thick front windshield pillars partially block visibility during some maneuvers. The fairly large controls are nicely located, although steering wheel audio controls should be more clearly marked. The main gauges are easier to read, but clock and audio readouts in the central dashtop pod can be almost impossible to see during the day. In all, the latest Eclipse isn't as much fun as more aggressive rivals such as the Acura RSX or Toyota Celica. But it has a lot going for it and is very easy to live with.

2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

Prices
$18,137-$29,547
Likes
Sleeker. New high-performance GTS model. Nice handling. Good ride. Comfortable.
Dislikes
No anti-lock brakes except for GTS. Long doors. Tight rear seat. Hard-to-see dashtop pod readouts.