1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Spyder 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Fun car to drive

Faults:

The brackets from the top bent and the top's stitching are coming off.

The clutch went out at 45,000 miles.

General Comments:

It's a great car for the money. I is fast and can take a corner beautifully.

The car should have been sold as a 2 seater since you cannot fit a human in the back seat.

It is still a great looking car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th June, 2004

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Most trouble free car I've ever owned

Faults:

Power steering pump was making a bit of a whining noise, I had it replaced under warranty at 7,000 miles (no cost to me) and the new one did the same thing so I figure it is just something they do.

The driver side seat started wearing badly and actually tore.

Other than that I had not a single problem with my Eclipse and sold it only because I was in desperate need of funds.

General Comments:

One bad point, don't expect to get book value out of this car when you sell it. I was in a hurry to sell, but even after posting it in a local free publication for 3 weeks I was only able to get a little over half what book retail was.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2004

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2.0 420A non- turbo

Summary:

A budget sleeper

Faults:

Clutch went out at 55,000 miles.

Seats are not wearing good.

Rear inside hatch trim rattles bad.

Windows leak when washing.

Doors rattle.

General Comments:

This car is truly worth the time and money that I have spent on it. No matter what I throw at it, it takes it.

The 420A engine is a much better platform to modify than a gs-t. The engine is very stout and can handle moderate boost without building the bottom end.

With the right parts this car is V8 killer and total street sleeper.

With all my modifications the car has never left me on the side of the road.

The seats are a little hard to get in and out of, but that might be because the car in lower than stock.

It will seat two good, but the back seats are very cramped and a nightmare to sit in.

For a small car you can get a lot inside of it, especially when the back seat is folded down.

Dollar for dollar this car is worth every penny. And with a small investment it will get you looks. Just be ready cause you will get challenged at the stop light more times than not.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2003

20th Apr 2005, 11:01

How can you say the the 420A is a better platform! The 4g63 is a bulletproof engine and is a much better choice for modifications. I owned a 420A and yes it is pretty stout for a n/a, but definitely not a better choice for a racer. I mean it's a Chrylser engine. It's a neon with an eclipse shell. There a lot of things you can add to a 420A, but the 4G63 is way faster out of the box. Not to mention the reliability of domestic engines. You probably can't find anyone with a 420A that has not had a problem by 100k. The 4G63 is the real eclipse. If it doesn't say GS-T or GSX its not an eclipse.

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2.4

Summary:

Looks good for the price

Faults:

Alternator began to overcharge at 60k which caused the battery to boil.

Roof leaks.

Rotor wear quickly.

Paint cracking easily.

General Comments:

Head turner.

Decent pep for the dollar.

Highly modifiable.

The car has been a labor of love since I got it. It leaks a bit much in the top since I've gotten it but I recently purchased a can of Raggtopp Vinyl protectant which has slowed the leaks down. I need to give it a few more applications for maximum effectiveness and then I may go the Scotch Guard route and see what kind of results I get. Everyone loves the car except for my wife, who likes the car but doesn't like the space since we are planning on having a couple of kids soon. I've gotten comments from young and old people saying they think it's a cute car and would love to have a ride. I wish I'd gotten a turbo and a manual but I got such a great deal on it at the time I couldn't pass it up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th September, 2003