1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS review from North America
"A Fast Car You Can Find Cheap"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The trim piece along the driver and passenger's window has dried out and cracked. It looks awful. Every eclipse I have seen has the same problem.
Turbo began burning a lot of oil at 75,000 miles. The reason is probably because I never let the turbo cool down before I shut off the engine. I replaced it with an aftermarket turbo which was cheaper than getting a new stock one and now it runs like a dream.
The brackets holding the muffler and the heat shield on are starting to rust.
The air conditioner needs recharging often. I don't use it. That's what windows are for.
Transmission grinds when it's cold out. (It gets cold in northern Indiana)
The car is low to the ground so you have to be careful going up curbs.
The hydraulic lifts that raise the back hatch don't last long. They have been replaced multiple times. I got aftermarket lifters and they haven't gone out yet.
The clips that hold the interior body panels on break the first time you take them off, it is impossible to find replacements in that color.
The speedometer should go higher because stock you can top it out (145mph).
Taking the cargo cover in and out scratches the plastic around the cargo cover bracket.
The engine compartment is cramped so to get to anything is a hassle. You have to take apart half the car just to get to the air cleaner.
General comments?
This car is more than 15 years old and has held up remarkably well.
It has been driven hard and has had very few mechanical problems.
It is a small car, but I am 6'5" and I fit in it fine.
This car can hold its own against more expensive cars as long as you keep the revs high.
With aftermarket wheels it gets some looks.
Great stock stereo system, stock speakers lasted 13 years. It has two tweeters in the dash, Two 6 inch speakers in the door, and two more 6 inches next to the back seat.
Great looking interior, does not look cheap even though it's all plastic. The seats are comfortable and the fabric holds up well and does not look bad.
On my insurance it is considered a 4 cylinder not a sports car so my insurance is cheaper.
Recommended reviews
  | A reliable, compact, somewhat sporty mode of transportation |
| Great little car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 16th May, 2005 |