1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0 turbo

Summary:

A Fast Car You Can Find Cheap

Faults:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2005

1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 2.0 turbo gas

Summary:

Just Too Much Fun!

Faults:

Keep in mind I owned this car for 170,000 miles!

Replaced the radiator.

Replaced the alternator twice.

Replaced the rear calipers (emergency brake parts rust tight in salty winters in Massachusetts).

Normal brake issues and rattling heat shields (corrosion at the connection points) but I wedged fiber glass at those location rather than replacing the shields.

Exhaust was stainless and remained perfect.

General Comments:

If the engine and turbo are operating properly this is a fast and fun car!

A bit small inside, but I liked it that way (like the cockpit of a plane).

Cute small back seats (consider it a 2+2, not a 4 seater).

The all wheel drive was remarkable in dry weather and awesome in the rain and snow (with different tires).

This car is the most fun you can legally have on the highway!

The all wheel drive had no problems at all, but the turbo and heat shields require extra care and maintenance.

The car should come with a built in turbo timer (for turbo cooling when turning the engine off) but it doesn't. Put one on if you have a great running engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2004

1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX turbo 4wd

Summary:

Don't be suckered unless you are a sucker!

Faults:

Engine blew 3 times before reaching 11,000 miles. Extremely unreliable.

Transmission broke down once at 5000miles.

Clutch replaced due to explosion.

Body mouldings coming apart.

All dealer warranty service taken care of with a lot of hassling.

General Comments:

Extremely unreliable. Mitsubishi may make a good television or kamikaze war plane engine or truck, but has no clue when it comes to reliability performance cars like Toyota, Nissan, or Mazda. Mitsubishi is basically owned by Chrysler Dodge. Research really hard. Don't buy any of these cars because you want to be different or just because you're a cheap person. If you want a cheap performer buy a Mazda at least if you cannot afford Nissan or Toyota. Think about your safety first!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2004