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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Eclipse had it, and then somewhere along the way, it lost it. The Eclipse was the darling of the enthusiast press when it debuted in 1990, with sporty good looks and world-class handling. The aftermarket community warmed to the second-generation car in 1995, and Mitsubishi found itself racking up impressive street cred and sales in quick order.
And then...and then the Eclipse went all poseur on us. The third-generation car's "geo-mechanical" design and larger body hid the soul of a grand tourer rather than a raw-edged racer. A new group of fans jumped on board, but even going Hollywood with starring roles in "2 Fast, 2 Furious" and other films didn't seem likely to bring the fire back. Talking Eclipses with enthusiasts is not unlike having a young Elvis/old Elvis debate--right down to the weight issue.
All-new in 2005, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is doing what most celebrities never manage to; it's reinventing itself to appeal to both sides of its dichotomous fan base. The Eclipse's new face has strong hints of the popular second-generation car, but power is still provided by a V6 engine that's got accelerative power as well as long freeway legs. The only thing it's lacking is the light, tossable feel that endeared the Eclipse to car nuts in the first place. Maybe that's a bad thing, and maybe it isn't.
One thing that's definitely not bad is the Eclipse's face. The styling is amazing, offering show-car looks at real-world prices. The Eclipse's new body is wide and low, with graceful curves that were taken relatively unmolested from Mitsubishi's dream cars. The C-pillar is dramatically sloped, the backlight almost horizontal. The details in the clear headlights, taillights and character lines are wonderful--get up close and check out the "monocle" design of the headlamp's lens. The design combines the looks of the second-gen Eclipse with those of a concept car. Large 17" or 18" wheels enhance the look.
The interior is equally attractive, with exotic-car looks. The seating is comfortably slouched, and the dash and seats feature bright, color-matched trim panels. The instruments are grouped tightly ahead of the driver in a pod, the center console high so the shifter falls easily to hand. The new Eclipse resurrects the "cockpit" feel of past Eclipses. Unlike the average exotic sports car, however, the Eclipse has a back seat. Is there really room for four? Only if two of them are short. This is intended to be a grand tourer for two, and it's equipped for that mission with available seat heaters, six-disc MP3-capable sound system and even a specially-designed subwoofer. It's not equipped for long trips; the luggage area is decidedly compact, and we found the hatchback to be a bit user-unfriendly. At night, the dash is lit up in Mitsubishi's trademark ice-blue.
The Eclipse is a decent performer. Unfortunately, that's all it is. The 3.8 V6 in the range-topping Eclipse GT isn't the fire-breathing turbocharged powerplant that made the Eclipse a street-race legend. It offers 263 horsepower, electronic throttle control and Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing for a nice broad torque curve. The V6's torque gives it a clear advantage over comparable four-cylinder sports cars, especially at lower revs. In spite of the big horsepower numbers, there's not all that much urge. Even with the GT's standard six-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse is best suited to moseying along in sixth gear on the freeway. Unlike the Acura RSX and other more high-strung performance coupes, this is more of a grand tourer, relaxed enough for long-distance cruising. Lesser Eclipses are equipped with a 162-horsepower 2.4 liter four-cylinder featuring variable valve timing and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
When it comes to handling, the Eclipse's 3400-pound heft works against it. The bulk helps to solidify the freeway ride, but at the expense of nimbleness. It's a sports car by design, but it's too heavy for autocross. Gas-charged MacPherson struts are used up front, and a low-profile multi-link setup at the rear. The handling is good, but somewhat coarse compared to slicker offerings from Nissan and Acura. The Eclipse feels oversized in the twisties, and not particularly light on its feet. Average drivers won't care; enthusiasts will be disappointed that the Eclipse doesn't quite back up its seriously sporty looks on the track. It's a good performer, just not an exceptional one.
As in a growing number of cars, anti-lock brakes and side airbags are standard equipment in the Eclipse. If you're getting the impression that the Eclipse is a bit high on amenities to be a stripped-down racer, then you've come to the right conclusion.
While it's not the hottest back-road stormer, we'd certainly take the Eclipse over an RSX or Hyundai Tiburon if we wanted a sporty road-tripper. The new car's combination of more aggressive looks and long-wheelbase freeway comfort make for an impressive way to arrive at your vacation destination. Eclipse GT pricing starts at $23,699. Our tester featured the Premium package, which added leather seats, 18" wheels, the Rockford-Fosgate sound system and other amenities for a total sticker of $27,964.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT.
Length: 179.7 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Height: 53.5 in.
Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Curb weight: 3472 lb.
Cargo space: 15.7 cu.ft.
Base price: $23,699
Price as tested: $27.964
Engine: 3.8 liter 24-valve SOHC V6
Drivetrain: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 263 @ 5750
Torque: 260 @ 4500
Fuel capacity: 17.7 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/27
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