2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse - Review

The Basics:

Though the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the sharpest reflexes or handling, it offers an appealing mix of style, and with the V-6 engine, excellent power, and straight-line performance.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe returns for the 2008 model year with base GS and V-6 GT versions, and a new SE version. The GS continues to be powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 162 horsepower while the sporty GT packs a 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6. The SE gets either engine. The four-cylinder cars offer a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the V-6 coupes come with a choice of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.

There’s also the convertible 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, available in similar GS and GT versions. Fuel economy ranges from 20/28 mpg with the four-cylinder coupe to 16/25 mpg with the V-6, automatic-equipped Spyder.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse range has some strong points in its favor. The big V-6 is a grunty, torquey powerplant and Mitsubishi’s manual transmission shifts cleanly. The four-cylinders will play hard to keep up, though, since the Eclipse is a big, heavy two-door. And that’s also what keeps it from greatness, dynamically--since it’s based on the Galant sedan, the front-drive Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn’t have the lightest, most entertaining steering or braking. The ride quality is good, however.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse’s styling is a busy mix of straight lines and morphed, melted curves. It’s less distinctive than, say, the Ford Mustang, and not as pretty as the well-balanced Honda Accord Coupe. Inside, the plain-faced dash is made with good-quality materials and it’s fitted together well. The front seats are supportive; the rear seats are uncomfortable for adults.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse hasn’t been crash-tested by the government, but it does offer standard anti-lock disc brakes, as well as side impact and side-curtain airbags (except on the Spyder). Stability control is an option on some models.

A premium 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system (with a huge eight-inch rear subwoofer) is standard on the convertible Spyder. Sirius satellite radio is an option this year on all Eclipses; heated leather seats and side-view windows and automatic climate control also are available.