2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Consumer Reviews

Better than expected gas mileage

Written by: IowaWinters on 01/22/2009

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Other than maintenance items this car has been super reliable. It sits low to the ground but still got around in 7.5 inches of snow this winter. Granted I have pretty new tires on it! Stock brake rotors are crap - invest in some nice aftermarket ones. I put on drilled and slotted rotors and can stop on a dime! This summer I think I'll figure out why the A/C drips on my foot. Have heard the A/C vent tube can get clogged on these. Got 114,500 miles on it now and hope to get at least 200,000 out of it!

Favorite Features

Sporty look, excellent gas mileage (get around 33 mpg with only real mod being a K&N air filter).

Suggested Improvements

Aluminum rims get scratched and bent very easily! Insurance is a little more than expected on a 6 year old car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Hard to think of getting rid of it

Written by: very impressed on 01/03/2009

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We bought this car with 60 miles on it in 2004. It now has 206,000 on it. It is amazingly reliable. Especially considering how we have abused it. It has been rear-ended and ditched. The only thing we have done is replace the belt that needs replaced @ 70,000 miles, replaced a bearing in the clutch @ 140,000 miles and recently had to replace the battery for the first time. I really can't say enough about this car. The thought of getting something else that won't be as reliable is hard to take. If I weren't a mother of 2 I would just get another one!!! Our Infiniti G35 sedan is another story and probably adds to my anxiety about replacing it. Keep up the good work Mits.

Favorite Features

Fuel mileage, reliability

Suggested Improvements

For the class of car that it is I can't really think of anything

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Found my tuner

Written by: godfather6385 on 12/04/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The car has excellent acceleration for a 4 cylinder. The suspension is stiff but yet smooth. There is plenty of room in the trunk for many items. The back seat is a bit cramped, but there is plenty of room up front.

Favorite Features

I really enjoy the child seat anchor points. It allows me to take my nieces and nephews for a ride. The 400 watt Infinity stereo has a beautiful sound quality.

Suggested Improvements

The car needed to return the gst and gsx models. I really wish it had awd. The Infinity stereo should have come with a subwooofer.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Car Ever

Written by: SamanthaJo on 08/07/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased my Eclipse a year ago and I have loved every minute of owning it. It is a very reliable car and a lot of fun to drive. It drives and handles very well. I love the appearance, inside and out. I would not give this car up for any other car out there. The gas mileage is good for a sports car and I have had no problems with this car.

Favorite Features

sleek look, moonroof

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good, solid car & looks and drives great

Written by: TonyM on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I just got the GTS, 5-speed about 2 months ago. A little late maybe. But it's what I could afford. I think this car is very solid and runs great. As long as you keep up on your oil changes, and put premium in it like the owners manual suggests. The first thing I noticed because I immediately drove it on the highway was it takes a while to find a comfortable adjustment on your seat in conjunction with using the clutch as well as sitting for prolonged periods of times. My back hurt for about a week in beginning to drive it. It's fast though, for sure. This car packs a punch! I haven't had it long enough to really even encounter mechanical problems... *knock on wood*.

Favorite Features

Gas Mileage-I get 26/31! (no joke) And I've only had it two months. I'm sure I will get more in the future. Steering wheel controls are nice, looks, 6-CD changer, compass/outside temp, rear wiper.

Suggested Improvements

Better turning radius, clutch is weird...maybe mine just needs to be adjusted.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Mitsubishi need to fix this car

Written by: gseclipse03 on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Owned the car for almost 6 yrs, this is my send eclipse had a 94, the quality in product has gone down and if it wasn't paid off I would sell it cause with 70k miles it parts are breaking that shouldn't. I wouldn't buy another Mitsubishi

Favorite Features

Styling, great on gas

Suggested Improvements

1. Move the Cup holders 2. Make a better Dash ( mine has 6 cracks and its garaged and always has sun shield) 3. Better Paint

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Impressive, but not a fan at 1st

Written by: Fraws on 03/23/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I never cared for this body style at 1st, but since I had credit problems in the past I wasn't able to get into a newer Eclipse. I have owned this car since Feb 29th 2008 and let it be known that this car is pretty sweet. The drive is nice, power for a 4 cylinder is tight. It's no 6, but gas prices these days makes this a more a advantage. I love to mod cars and the aftermarket has plenty to go with this car. Eat your heart out boy and girls this car is for REAL.

Favorite Features

Style, after owning it its been nice to stare at. Interior looks good, as a driver the seat feels like its securing you in. small, compact, nice ride, gas tank is large

Suggested Improvements

backseat does not exist, some angles of viewing are less enjoyable at 1st, trunk storage is limited as with any compact 2-door,

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Fabulous Car, Fully Recommended

Written by: MissBunny on 02/14/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have wanted a Mitsubishi Eclipse since I was 11 years old believe it or not! When I finally bought my Eclipse GTS in I was ecstatic to find that it was everything I hoped for and then some! It has a beautiful, classy, and sporty look, it drives wonderfully on the freeway and city and it has great get-up-and-go! I mean you can really feel the power behind that pedal! It has a pretty rad stock infinity sound system with a 6 disc changer. It has a very comfortable front seat with leather power seats/windows. And the sunroof is a must have! The only thing I dont like is its turning radius is awful. All in all I love the car, it actually makes me want to drive for no reason, just to drive!

Favorite Features

Sunroof, 17" alloy wheels, Infinity 6 disc changer & sound system, leather seats (power front seat), 24 valve V6 engine (6cyl), overall look, gas mileage, engine power (it drives like a SPORTS car thats for sure), tilt steering wheel, steering wheel controls, outlet in console, and low-pro tires.

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius needs improvements, the hatchback cover is kind of 'corny' how it hangs on the clips, backseat could use a little more room (although I don't mind because I don't sit back there). The front end is a little low it curbs it when I go over a bump, but then again it looks nice being low!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Engine is a disaster, but fun to drive

Written by: D-Ro on 01/24/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car used in 2007 with about 65k. I've had to replace the timing belt (needs it every 75k). Had some issues with the CPU, idle control unit, and gasket seals. It is a blast to drive, and so much fun. I love the look, the sound system, everything. All 210 horse power under me is just incredible. With the manual transmission downshifting at 60 or even 70 mph is such a rush. The thing accelerates in 5th gear, what more could you ask for? I accelerate and I'm at 60 before I know it! New tires December 2007 in the midst of a week long snow storm, and the improvement in the snow has been amazing. I only skid in about 2-3 inches of snow- anything else is a breeze to get through

Favorite Features

Power, sound system, overall feel of the car, the look... love it all!

Suggested Improvements

Pricey repairs, driver side blind spot, turn radius is awful... have to make a Y turn instead of U turn sometimes!!

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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03 RS Eclipse still running fine

Written by: mutt on 12/20/2007

Vehicle

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

It's been a fun car with enough acceleration to drive however you want (manual transmission). With only a 4 banger, it gets almost "green car" gas mileage. A perfect blend of mpg and acceleration. When I test drove the automatic, it didn't respond how I wanted to drive. Its easy to work on, the spark plugs and oil changes are easy access. Its had 112,000 miles driven in about 5 years. No problems with regular maintrnance. Now if only my wife would learn to drive stick shift.

Favorite Features

mpg and acceleration. Hatchback and fold down seats have been more usable than originally though.

Suggested Improvements

more interior room.

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