Mitsubishi Eclipse reviews

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Walkaround

It's not just the Eclipse's powertrain punch that appeals to closet Grand Prix hopefuls. There's also styling to consider. Its stance is so aggressive, its lines so sleek, its visage so predatory, that the Eclipse looks like it's going a hundred miles an hour when it's sitting in the driveway. The rear spoiler, which comes on the turbocharged models, may be overstated for some, but appeals to the younger performance set.

Assembled in a Mitsubishi plant between Bloomington and Normal, Ill., the Eclipse comes in four trim levels: RS, GS, GS-T and GSX. The RS and GX come equipped with a 16-valve, 2-liter dohc engine that produces a highly competent 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The GS-T and GSX are powered by a turbocharged and intercooled version of the same engine that puts out 210 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque at just 3,000 rpm.

If you choose the 4-speed automatic transmission, the turbocharged engine delivers slightly less horsepower--205--but produces more torque--220 lb.-ft. All models are front-wheel drive except the GSX, which comes with all-wheel drive.

Also available is the Spyder, a slick convertible that comes with either the normally aspirated or turbocharged engine. The Eclipse Spyder starts at $21,875.

The Eclipse's excellent handling and well-damped ride are the result of a sophisticated four-wheel independent multi-link suspension with coil springs front and rear. The multi-link design keeps the tires perpendicular to the road, whether cornering, braking, accelerating or traveling over rough pavement, so the tires maintain firm, consistent grip. Front and rear anti-roll bars reduce body lean in corners for sharp handling. Like the GSX, our GS-T came with specially calibrated gas-charged shock absorbers.

The current Eclipse design was introduced for the 1995 model year, but received numerous updates in 1997. A few changes were made for the '98 model as well. They include:

On the RS, an AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers is now standard equipment and a CD player has been added as an option. New chrome-plated 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the GS-T. And the GSX's generous list of standard equipment now includes a power glass sunroof, leather front seating surfaces, power driver's seat and a security system with remote entry and panic-alarm feature.

We tested the $22,380 GS-T, which came standard with dual front airbags, side impact door beams, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, air conditioning, Infinity audio system with cassette, CD player, eight speakers and amplifier, cruise control, power door locks, windows and antenna, power six-way driver's seat, 50/50 split-fold rear seat, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, rear spoiler and side air dam, rear wiper/washer/defroster, tinted glass, fog lamps, and halogen headlamps.

Our GS-T tester was equipped with the following options: Anti-lock brakes ($716), floor mats ($51), keyless security and alarm system ($334), leather front seats ($457) and power sunroof ($716). All told, those items boosted the total price to $24,669.