2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is 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 2003
A new higher-performance Mitsubishi Eclipse joins the lineup for 2003. Dubbed the GTS, its 3.0-liter V6 has 10 more horses than the same engine found under the hood of the GT, and a number of luxury features justify its standing as the top Eclipse. A new front fascia along with revised front and rear light clusters round out the changes.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Underrated Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I've had my Eclipse GTS Automatic for a little over 4 years and it has been a very nice car. Bought used, still under factory bumper-to-bumper warranty, I've driven it hard (currently at 67000 miles) and have had very little issues with it. The only problems with the car have been some electrical issues: The factory 6-CD player completely stopped working, refusing to play and making a horrible crunching sound constantly. Mitsubishi wanted $450 to fix it, so I just replaced it with an aftermarket setup. The switch for the passenger side window only rolls the window up, not down, so the passenger has to roll down their own window. Sunroof switch is touchy. And yes, the plastic scratches easy.
Favorite Features
Decently fast performance, it's cheaper (used) than a WRX, RSX-S, SRT-4 of the same vintage. The closest competitors by price/performance are the Celica GT-S, Tiburon, Civic Si. I'm too tall to fit in the tiny Celica, and the Tiburon and Civic Si are just too slow. Comfortable, fun, and great value.
Suggested Improvements
Driving with a lead foot and the 4spd auto, I get ~20 mpg. Not a good "tuner" car, if you care about that kind of thing (heavy+FWD). If you need a daily driver that's also a lot of fun, excellent choice. Some people won't like the low seating position, or turning radius, blind spots. Who cares? B+ Car.
My fun car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I loved my car. IT has been excellent but one thing I don't like is the whole dash cracked on it other than that I would not give nothing for my car ever. I like my eclipse so much I kept it and bought myself another one, a 2007. I hope that I will enjoy it as much as my 2003 I still have.
Favorite Features
Everything but the dash.
Suggested Improvements
The manufacturer needs to improve the dash material so it don't crack in prolonged sun light.
Fun Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My Eclipse GS has 105,000 miles (got it with 35,000). It has been pretty reliable, besides doing some maintenance which isn't cheap. Other than that, it is an extremely fun car to drive. Moon roof open, windows down, it makes you feel good. Acceleration sounds awesome, even on the highway. When you sit in the driver's seat, you know you're in a sports car. It's OK in New England winter, but AWESOME in the summer!
Favorite Features
Body style, moon roof, engine sound, auto/manual transmission, steering wheel, spoiler.
Suggested Improvements
Reduce road noise, definitely make the doors lighter, add a timing chain instead of belt.
Reliable but not as fast as it looks
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Just recently bought my 03 gs eclipse, it's a 4 cylinder so less power, better gas mileage. I thought with slight mods it would be a lot faster than what it is. Hasn't stalled or broken down on me once, and it is still fun to drive, and just by painting the rims and spoiler you WILL be completely satisfied with the look. I give it 80% outta a hundred.
Favorite Features
Sounds aggressive, looks fantastic. Interior is simple and does have potential for speed.
Suggested Improvements
bigger backseat
Tremendous buy - and would buy again!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased the GT new in 2003, and had to get the 5-speed manual transmission. Even though it's a V-6, my 5-year average MPG is 27.5! Having lived in Erie, PA and Cleveland, the heavy build and FWD helps get through snow. This car is not only a great looking car, but wonderful to drive - particularly through the hills of Eastern Ohio and Western PA. If it wasn't for kids on the way, I'd keep this great auto or upgrade to a newer model. I HIGHLY recommend anyone considering a nice sporty car to get an Eclipse for the fun and value.
Favorite Features
Great body style, tremendous handling, fuel economy, horsepower.
Suggested Improvements
None
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