EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
More of a comfortable cruiser than a high-winding, apex-strafing sport coupe.
Pros
Distinctive styling, plenty of standard equipment, V6 power in GT and GTS trim.
Cons
Doesn''t provide as much driving excitement as other sport coupes, uninspired interior design, side airbags and antilock brakes are available only on the GTS model.
What''s New for 2004
The base RS now has power mirrors, and the audio system has been upgraded to a six-speaker setup. All Eclipse models get a seatbelt reminder light on the instrument panel.
Overview
Introduction:
When it debuted back in 1990, the Mitsubishi Eclipse was a feisty little sport coupe with a nimble chassis that could be had with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. The second generation, introduced in 1995, brought a bulbous body but kept the scrappy character. Last redesigned in 2000, the Eclipse has grown up into a more refined, though softer, sportster that stakes its claim on edgy styling and respectable performance at an affordable price. While the Eclipse is a comfortable and fairly swift (with V6 power) coupe, the enjoyment quotient isn''t as high as in the previous versions. True driving enthusiasts may be disappointed in the car''s isolated and floaty feel when it''s pushed, preferring more feedback from the steering and less body roll from the suspension. But evidently, the middle-of-the-road Eclipse is fine for most folks, judging by its impressive sales numbers. But there are a number of worthy competitors that offer more sporting character for the same or less money, such as the Acura RSX, Toyota Celica, Volkswagen GTI and Mini Cooper.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Eclipse is offered in four trim levels: RS, GS, GT and GTS. Standard equipment on every model includes power windows, mirrors and door locks; an anti-theft system; air conditioning; a height-adjustable driver seat; a CD player; auto-off headlights; and alloy wheels. The GS gets 16-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, cruise control, remote keyless entry, lumbar support and a split-folding rear seat. Next up is the GT, which adds 17-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, ground effects, a chrome exhaust tip and foglights. In addition to the infusion of more power, the top dog GTS also packs a sunroof, leather seating, a power driver seat, rear window wiper and washer and a 210-watt, seven-speaker audio system.
Powertrains and Performance:
The four-cylinder engine found in the RS and GS models displaces 2.4 liters and produces 147 horsepower (142 hp with the automatic). The GT model comes equipped with a responsive 3.0-liter V6 engine making 200 horsepower. The GTS is slightly more muscular than the GT, as it sports 210 horses. All models can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, with GS, GT and GTS automatics featuring a sequential-shift Sportronic mode.
Safety:
Three major safety features -- antilock brakes, side airbags and traction control -- are only available on the top trim level, the GTS. In the government crash tests, the Eclipse scored four (out of five) stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts and five stars for side-impact protection.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Featuring a symmetrical cockpit, the Eclipse''s interior is lackluster in appearance and heavy on low-grade interior materials. There is, however, a unique top-mounted display for the audio system, but you still have to look down to fiddle with the buttons on the stereo, so it doesn''t help much. The front seats are softly padded, which is a nice feature for long commutes, but more aggressive drivers will be begging for additional side support. Rear passengers will want more of just about everything, including headroom, legroom and thigh support.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Eclipses, particularly with the V6 engine, are pleasant to drive, thanks to a smooth power delivery and a compliant suspension. Power from the four-cylinder is certainly adequate, and the V6''s torque curve makes it an easy car to drive around town and on the highway. In terms of handling, the car is better suited for cruising rather than hard driving. The suspension is softly tuned, and driver involvement is minimal.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ MITSUBISHI Information Index ] [ COUPE/HATCHBACK Information Index ]
|
