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To bring you both comprehensive information and an expert opinion on the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven both the coupe and Spyder versions, along with both engines. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests covering the Eclipse to bring you the most useful information on how it stacks up with other low-priced sporty rivals.
Likes:
- Sheer affordability, especially of Spyder
- Torquey, responsive V-6
- Warranty coverage
Dislikes:
- Tight interior
- Overstyled coupe
- Doesn't handle so responsively
- Poor V-6 fuel economy
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty, front-wheel-drive coupe or convertible that doesn't have a lot of frills or a very refined look and feel, yet it can be reasonably entertaining to drive—especially in the V-6 versions of the coupe or Spyder.
With styling that's a little less mature and refined than the balanced design of the Honda Accord Coupe or Nissan Altima Coupe, the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse just isn't as pretty with its mix of lines and molten-looking, curved sheetmetal. However, its aggressive, almost giddy styling might appeal to a particular type of buyer who wants attention. Last year the Eclipse got a modest restyle in the way of restyled front and rear fascias, plus an enhanced appearance and new exhaust for the GT. For 2010, the appearance of the base GS model gets dialed up with most of those changes, even in four-cylinder form.
Inside, the plain-faced dash of the 2010 Eclipse is made with good-quality materials that are fitted together well. The front seats are supportive, but the interior is intimate and many drivers might find headroom tight in the coupe; the rear seats are uncomfortable for adults.
The 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that's standard on the base Eclipse GS and GS Sport quite simply struggles to keep up, and doesn't fit the Eclipse's aggressive appearance. The 265-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 that comes in GT models brings a completely different personality, with its ample torque making the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse feel at times like a front-wheel-drive muscle car. The four-cylinder cars offer a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the V-6 coupes come with a choice of a slick-shifting six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder model ranges up to 20 mpg city, 28 highway, but the V-6 rates at just 16/25 mpg with automatic in the Spyder.
