1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX 2.0L DOHC turbo from North America

Summary:

This car makes driving fun again

Faults:

Since I purchased the car I've had to replace the clutch. This is an expensive fix no matter which way you go. If you go with an OEM clutch installed by the dealer, plan on spending $900. For that much, I purchased a heavy-duty after market clutch.

There is a front ball joint recall that was performed at 36000 miles. Coincidentally the steering has become noisy. There is a slight groan when steering at low speeds.

The interior panels creak and rattle. They don't go away. Get used to it.

The radio has never gotten good reception, even though it has a diversity antenna system. I have also replaced both the door and rear speakers.

I do worry about the onset of crank walk.

General Comments:

This is a fun car to drive. Boost kicks in at 3000 RPM and goes until the fuel cut out at 7500 RPM. If you can get a car with a turbo, I highly recommend it. I'm addicted to boost now!

All-wheel drive is the only way to go. I've never lost control, even in the rain. It does take a little getting used to until you learn how the car tends to always try to straighten itself out.

This car has potential.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2001

5th Sep 2001, 20:50

Hell yes. Someone who appreciates this beautiful work of engineering! People who appreciate these cars aren't going to care about panels squeaking and such... besides, even if an intake and box are your only mods, it's noisy enough to drown out most other noises... if not, just get a good stereo. IMO the stock Infinity system is crap (OK I'm soured by the CD player fouling and me not being able to fix it).

I love the styling, inside and out, and the 4G63 engine kicks ass. So easy to mod, and like you said, AWD is the way to go.

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1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0 liter from North America

Summary:

This is a high performance car with a lot of potential

Faults:

My reverse light switch gave out at about 64,000 miles.

My power steering belt broke requiring a new belt and upper pulley system.

Thermostat quit working around the same time that the reverse light switch stopped.

Finally my rear defroster stopped working.

General Comments:

This car is pretty quick to be a non-turbo Eclipse, with very few modifications.

The inside of the car is very comfortable and there is very little outside noise. All gauges are in easy reach and easy to read.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2001

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

Fun car, but if you're looking for some cheap thrills, buy a Mustang!

Faults:

My alternator broke at 35,000.

Turbo shakes belts loose.

Oil leaks everywhere!!

Brakes rotors needed to be cut several times.

The car has minor rattles from the rear window and hatch.

General Comments:

This car ran a sad 15.6 quarter mile time at the track.

You really have to know when to dump the clutch without spinning, and without bogging.

Handles turns like a dream.

Third can easily be missed if you're really slamming gears... watch out!

This car should only be a 2 seater, it would take a midget to ride comfortably in the back seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th July, 2001

5th Sep 2001, 20:42

15.6 is all driver ability, sorry to say. They ran 15.2 stock as tested by several automotive publications.

Back seats are relatively useless, but then again, that's probably not a main reason you bought the car.

Shifter improves with $30 worth of washers from Dave Symborski. Still not the best shifter, but much better than the terrible 1G tranny.

You think it's hard to launch an FWD Eclipse in the quarter? Try an AWD with a few modest upgrades :). Seriously though, my '97 GSX is to about 245 HP and it takes practice to get it good, but I've run 13.77 @ 97 mph, and that is something you CANNOT do in a Mustang. It really is funny watching them run 14.1 @ 100+ mph and me beating them with a lower trap speed. Not that I always beat Mustangs. Anyways, my point is, you could easily run low 14's with very little monetary investment.

As a side note, notice the lifter ticking? My lifters are currently soaking in some carb cleaner in hopes of eliminating that annoying problem, which seems to affect all years of turbo Eclipses.

24th Mar 2004, 08:49

I agree with the first comment that was posted, considering that the Eclipse is only a 4 cylinder, the mustangs can easily be embarrassed. But that's just my opinion.

20th Jun 2007, 18:00

THIS IS THE WORST CAR I've EVER OWNED. I bought this car used in 2002 and finally just paid the loan off last week and it is 2007. I have only driven this car one year all together outta all the years I've paid for it. the first day the tire snapped off. the second month the engine went and I had it rebuilt. the tranny has gone twice. and the clutch just went before I stuck it in the yard and got another car. the sunroof died. the turbo had to be replaced. the only thing I will say good about this car is it looks nice. this is a nightmare care. Don't GET ONE.

22nd Jun 2007, 03:20

I Have a 97 gst. that my wife got about 3years ago. and it's the best car I have ever had... and the fact it smoked my 04 rx8 and my 5.0 mustang gt...