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2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Performance Review

May 15, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

middle-of-the-road mix of performance
Edmunds.com

This engine is supremely smooth, yet it provides a welcome mellow snarl
Road and Track

plenty of grunt from low engine speeds
Cars.com

sweetly revving V6
Jalopnik

Reviewers agree that the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse offers a throaty, sexy-sounding engine that provides the power but also say the handling isn't always up to it.

Cars.com reports that "the Eclipse is front-heavy and understeer is prevalent, even when off the throttle" while Popular Mechanics declares the 2008 Mitsubishi "to be twist-free and solid, with no excessive cowl shake."

With the Eclipse, Mitsubishi offers a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that produces 162 hp when teamed with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It also offers a 3.8-liter V-6 that produces 263 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic.

The V-6 engine, according to Motor Trend, clocks a "0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds," and Car and Driver rated the Mitsubishi Eclipse the seventh quickest car in 2007.

Jalopnik indicates that the sexy styling and throaty purr of the engine could "seduce you into serious speed." One test driver for Jalopnik "squeezed the gas [entering a curve] and nearly drove the new Mitsubishi Eclipse GT into a parked car."

Overall, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse has the looks and sounds of a fast performance vehicle, but according to Motor Trend, "as a modern sport coupe, it's not quite there yet."

Conclusion

If you are looking for a car that looks and sounds sexy and powerful, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse might be right for you; if you want true sportscar handling, you may want to check out the competition.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:middle-of-the-road mix of performanceEdmunds.comThis engine is supremely smooth, yet it provides a welcome mellow snarlRoad and Trackplenty of grunt from low engine speedsCars.comsweetly revving V6Jalopnik Reviewers agree that the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse offers a throaty, sexy-sounding engine that provides the power but also say the handling isn't always up to it. Cars.com reports that "the Eclipse is front-heavy and understeer is prevalent, even when off the throttle" while Popular Mechanics declares the 2008 Mitsubishi "to be twist-free and solid, with no excessive cowl shake." With the Eclipse, Mitsubishi offers a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that produces 162 hp when teamed with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It also offers a 3.8-liter V-6 that produces 263 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic. The V-6 engine, according to Motor Trend, clocks a "0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds," and Car and Driver rated the Mitsubishi Eclipse the seventh quickest car in 2007. Jalopnik indicates that the sexy styling and throaty purr of the engine could "seduce you into serious speed." One test driver for Jalopnik "squeezed the gas [entering a curve] and nearly drove the new Mitsubishi Eclipse GT into a parked car." Overall, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse has the looks and sounds of a fast performance vehicle, but according to Motor Trend, "as a modern sport coupe, it's not quite there yet." ConclusionIf you are looking for a car that looks and sounds sexy and powerful, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse might be right for you; if you want true sportscar handling, you may want to check out the competition. 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE STYLING | 7 out of 10 Cars.com: "curvy, haunchy design" Popular Mechanics: " sexy, sporty new coupe... sexy, sporty new convertible ." Road and Track: "its 'out-there' styling has staying power" Motor Trend: "a backside rounder than the Death Star" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Ford Mustang has a crisp, heritage-inspired design inside and out. It comes in V-6 and V-8 versions, with manual or automatic transmission choices, and also is offered as a convertible. The Hyundai Tiburon front-drive coupe gets four- or six-cylinder power and a choice of gearboxes, plus a slightly revamped face for 2008 (it’s due to be replaced in 2010 with a new rear-drive Genesis coupe). The Honda Accord Coupe is the most attractive front-drive coupe from Honda; its silky V-6 and sharp road manners are worth the premium price tag.

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See the Mitsubishi Eclipse in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By MrZ. Ne #1, Posted: 6/19/2008

    dats wats up

    I love this car so much it is so hot an i plan to have one soon same color (black) and everything

  2. By ourlastflight #2, Posted: 7/27/2008

    honda who?

    this is a sleek car..i just purchased the kalapana black 2008 v6 eclipse...and it's a freekin sweet car. It's an affordable car with plenty of power. must be driven standard :P.

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