1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
1997 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
Pros
- Fast, fun, topless excitement.
Cons
- Heavy torque steer, and small back seat.
What’s new
The 1997 Spyder gets revised front and rear styling. Antilock brakes are now available on the GS model. Two new exterior colors, new seat fabrics and a new interior color combination round out the changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$219/mo for Eclipse Spyder GS-T
Eclipse Spyder GS-T
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Capitalizing on the recent success of convertible sport cars, Mitsubishi released a topless version of its extremely successful pocket rocket in the spring of 1996. Unlike most convertibles, the Spyder is not merely a chopped version of the Eclipse 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 powerplants but the Spyder's engine has the definite edge in torque; fourteen percent more available at a relatively low 3000 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, anti-lock brakes are conspicuously absent from the GS-T's standard equipment list.
We can not point to many reasons to not by 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 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
5 star(57%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Whats with all the whining?
Tbird-eclipse, 05/18/2010
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
There are a lot of whiny people on here, it's 13 years old people. This is a great car. Mine has 129,000 miles and has giving me NO ISSUES at all expect for water pump, that's it. Very fast, very sporty, incredible gas mileage for the power and lets out, and a beautiful design that still looks great compared with other ugly bubble but cars today. Glad I bought it, it turns heads … everywhere I go and have had many random strangers tell me they want my car. The only other car that competes and I would buy would be a 1993-1995 Ford Thunderbird Sports Coupe but it doesn't come as a convertible so would have to convert it which I'm considering doing.
5 out of 5 stars
Speed
ESPVIK, 04/04/2009
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
This thing rocks and always will. I have put some money into it, but it is all for speed, so many mods, not enough time. This thing is the best - by far the greatest car ever owned.
4 out of 5 stars
love this car
Pete and Judy, 07/30/2016
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
I bought this car from a good friend who was the original owner. He always took the car to the dealer to get serviced. It is a red convertible with gray interior and black rag top. normally aspirated 2.5 liter and auto trans. When I first bought it , I had to do all 4 brakes completely (rotors, drums, pads, slave cylinders, master cylinder, and bleeding). They worked flawlessly after … that for about 6 or 7 years, and then I just had to turn the rotors and install new pads. A couple of years ago I replaced a broken alternator belt. Then a few months ago I replaced the original water pump. And of course I did the timing belt and balance shaft belt at the same time, which were still in relatively good condition. And a new battery. And that is all the maintenance I have to do in the 9 years that I have owned it. Basically just a few normal wearing parts. Oh yeah, the original owner replaced the transmission with a brand new one a couple of years before he sold it to me. He had no other issues whatsoever. Enjoyable to drive, and something I wasn't expecting: in the summertime with top down it is a great chick magnet! That particular series of Eclipse has a much sexier look than any other series that was built before or after it. Pros: fun to drive, very reliable, and very affordable to own. Cons: the rag top was leaky and no good to drive in the rain. But I'm told that could have been avoided if the original owner had used a conditioner on it every few years, and garaged the car more often. And the front end body work is very close to the ground. You must always tap the brakes and unload the suspension before driving over any bumps or dips, and enter or exit steep driveways very slowly and at angle. If you like this style of car and can find one that has been well maintained over the past 2 decades, buy it!
4.88 out of 5 stars
NO more wet roofs!
oceangirl, 04/02/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
Hi everyone, Wanna know how to stop the leaks? go to Walmart, in the camping section there is waterproofer, it cost 4 dollars...it has an orange top on the can...spray your car two times...no more driving in the rain.... The car rocks!
1997 Eclipse Spyder Highlights
Convertible
GS-T
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $219/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
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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