2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
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Used Eclipse for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Distinctive styling, plenty of standard equipment, V6 power in GT trim.
Cons
- Doesn't provide much driving excitement, uninspired interior design, antilock brakes are available only as part of an expensive package.
What’s new
Only trivial changes are in store for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Two new exterior colors (Titanium and Flash Blue) are added, as well as a Mitsubishi triple-diamond chrome badge. GS and GT models get illuminated vanity mirrors and a glovebox lamp as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is more of a comfortable cruiser than an apex-strafing sport coupe.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded in Kansas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Kansas
$169/mo for Eclipse RS
Eclipse RS
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Last redesigned in 2000, the Mitsubishi Eclipse stakes its claim on edgy styling and quick performance at an affordable price. While Mitsubishi's sport coupe is a popular seller, 2002 brings on a host of new or revised competitors, and many of them are superior choices in our opinion.
The Eclipse is offered in three trim levels: RS, GS and GT. All three models can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, with GS and GT automatics featuring a sequential-shift Sportronic mode. The base four-cylinder engine found in the RS and GS models displaces 2.4 liters and produces 147 horsepower (140 hp with the automatic). The GT model comes equipped with a responsive 3.0-liter V6 engine making 200 horsepower.
Standard equipment on every 2002 includes power windows and door locks, an engine immobilizer and anti-theft system, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a CD player, auto-off headlights and alloy wheels. The mid-level GS gets 16-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, cruise control, remote keyless entry, lumbar support and a split-folding rear seat.
For the most toys, pick the GT. This nets the 17-inch wheels and four-wheel disc brakes, as well as opening up access to the swank option packages. The Premium package adds items like a premium audio system with an in-dash four-disc CD changer, power leather seats, a power sunroof, antilock brakes and front side airbags. Traction control is also part of this package, but only if the automatic transmission is ordered.
Mitsubishi calls the Eclipse's styling "geo-mechanical." Our editors are split on the overall look, but the coupe-like roofline, arched fenders and ribbed doors certainly give the Eclipse an edge in distinctiveness.
Less successful is the interior design of the car. Featuring a symmetrical cockpit, it is lackluster in appearance and heavy on low-grade interior materials. The Eclipse does have a unique top-mounted display for the audio system, with the idea being that this keeps the driver's eyes on the road. In our experience, we still have to look down to fiddle with the buttons on the stereo, so what's the point?
The front seats are softly padded, a nice attribute for long commutes. More aggressive drivers will be begging for additional side support, and rear passengers will want more of just about everything, including headroom, legroom and thigh support.
Eclipses are generally pleasant to drive. Power from the four-cylinder is certainly adequate, and the V6 provides ample torque throughout the rpm range. Dynamically, the car is better suited for cruising rather than hard driving. The suspension is softly tuned, and driver involvement is minimal.
While the Eclipse is a decent car, buyers looking for more excitement should check out the Acura RSX, Toyota Celica or Ford Mustang. And if you want a quality interior and a refined image, European-designed two-doors, such as the Volkswagen GTI or the upcoming Mini Cooper, are superior.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
5 star(61%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
74 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Hershers like GTs
doobesq, 06/12/2002
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
It took me about 3 months to settle on
my car, short by my standards. I've
never owned a Mitsubishi, so I was a
bit leery of trying them out. So far,
I'm very pleased. I change oil, but
thats about it. The car hums and
absolutely loves to run. It has great
mid-range power and acceptable low-end
torque thanks to the V6. This is a
great compromise between a … sports-car
and a daily driver.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Not a good car at all
appared1992, 07/08/2010
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I have had this car for over a year and I have experienced problem after problem with it. 1. The shocks went out. 2. The transmission went out. 3. The car wouldn't shift correctly. 4. The air conditioner went out. 5. The "Service Engine" light is constantly on. 6. The rim to the wheel cracked. 7. The headlights barely light up anything, even in the darkest part of the night. 8. It always … leaks when it rains. I have spent over $12,000 fixing this car, and I'm about to spend another $1,000 to fix the air conditioner. I only recommend this car for people who like to spend money on their cars.
5 out of 5 stars
My NorthStar Pony (keeping the car until I die)
topzy, 05/24/2011
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
When I was a junior in high school in 2002 I got this car to impress a girl. I guess it worked since we ended getting engaged (2 years ago we broke up though)
Anyways, this car is very reliable. Sure, after owning a car for 9 years it's bound to break down sometimes. Thankfully, my dear car has never left me stranded anywhere. What was wrong wit it? Usually after market things I had … installed (like the alarm).
She is pretty old and replacement parts have been needed. The things that hold the hatch stopped working, so I got them at a junk yard for like $5. The A/C juuuust broke down on me, lol, i used that thing all the time, even in the winter. Dash had to be replaced, thats all.
4 out of 5 stars
Great First Car
Zach, 02/16/2016
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Pretty damn good true first car. This is the first car i bought on my own. My sisters boyfriend is actually the reason i got one. He owned a 2007 Eclipse manually v6. I wanted one right away after driving his for awhile. I liked the look of the 3g Eclipse though and i bought mine before going to college with around 110k miles. Wanted to impress the girls so to say with the car. Love the … way the car looks and love that its manual. This is a great car to put aftermarket parts in and make that 4 banger run.
Pros:
Fun car to drive around in
Great handling can pull turns going 85mph with breeze
Very light car
Looks great
Fun car to put money into
Cons:
Interior is pretty cheap material
AC is shot don't work
Cruise control is shot doesn't work
Back seats uncomfortable
Overall not a bad car if you can find one with low miles as these models tend to have a lot of problems when getting up there in miles. Car will run way better if you invest money into the car and its performance.
2002 Eclipse Highlights
RS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,087 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $169/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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