1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
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Used Eclipse Spyder for sale
Appraise This CarMitsubishi Eclipse Spyder model years
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder types
- Convertible
- GS-T
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Sleek and eye-catching, the Spyder makes its debut this year. This convertible is based on the popular Eclipse.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$186/mo for Eclipse Spyder GS
Eclipse Spyder GS
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Capitalizing on the recent success of convertible sport cars, Mitsubishi releases a topless version of its extremely successful pocket rocket, the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Unlike most convertibles, the Spyder is not merely a chopped version of the coupe. Instead, it was designed from square one to be a convertible. This results in a drop top that is extremely rigid with only a 50-pound weight gain over its hardtop sibling.
Available in entry-level GS or performance-oriented GS-T trim levels, the Eclipse Spyder is destined to impress the most demanding of taskmasters. Instead of the bellicose Chrysler-built 2.0-liter engine common to the GS coupe, the GS Spyder receives a 2.4-liter engine pulled from the Mitsubishi Galant. Horsepower figures are nearly identical for both power plants but the Spyder's engine has the definite edge in torque; 14 percent more available at a relatively low 3,000 rpm. The real excitement, however, lies with the GS-T. Using a proven Mitsubishi 2.0-liter intercooled turbo engine producing 210 horsepower, the GS-T offers more power than convertible competitors from BMW, Saab and Toyota. Pretty impressive for a car that costs less than $26,000.
The Eclipse Spyder has very attractive look-at-me styling that we think is a good component of any convertible design. The sleek, compact body and tidy dimensions are complemented by fine interior ergonomics and an excellent driving position. GS-T models come packed with goodies that include leather seats, an in-dash CD player, cruise control, security system and air conditioning; to name a few. Unfortunately, antilock brakes are conspicuously absent from the GS-T's standard equipment list and are unavailable on the GS model.
We cannot point to many reasons to not buy the Spyder; it has a respected bloodline, attractive looks and promising performance. However, in the $25,000 price range it places itself in direct competition with two of our perennial favorites, the Mazda Miata and the Ford Mustang GT convertible. Both offer rear-wheel-drive performance that will appeal to most enthusiasts and are solid in construction and design. This is not to say that the Spyder isn't a worthy contender, just that it makes the decision difficult. Well, that's one tough decision we would love to make.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
5 star(72%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(14%)
7 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love my Spyder
Tim D'Angelo, 05/25/2003
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
I love my spyder. It is probably one
of the most underrated cars. The
engine is screaming to be upgraded and
when you do hang on to your hat. I've
left many 50k performance cars
wondering what just beat them. Get
one, learn about it and then mod it...
4.63 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive, great to drop the top
greaserz, 01/22/2003
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
Fun little car. Bought a 5-speed blue
Spyder. Handles great at all speeds,
nice ride, peppy engine. Good gas
mileage. I owned a BMW 325iC
convertible before this, and this car
is quieter than my BMW convertible was.
Decent seats, and overall interior is
pretty good.
4.13 out of 5 stars
better than i thought
jcbh, 08/22/2002
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
the turbo whine is enough of a jolt to
the system to almost make me forget the
car's an automatic. 82k miles and its
still pulling strong
5 out of 5 stars
greeat car
freedom rings, 03/02/2002
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
great car.........
1996 Eclipse Spyder Highlights
Convertible
GS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $186/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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