2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A fun drop top, but those seeking real performance should look elsewhere.
Pros
Distinctive styling, V6 power in GT trim, easy-to-use convertible top, minimal wind buffeting with the top down.
Cons
Uninspired interior design, intolerable rear seats, side airbags and antilock brakes are available only on GTS model.
What's New for 2004
Revised exterior paint and top colors and a seatbelt reminder are the only changes for this year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
It's alright
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
When i bought the car it had 29,000 miles on it. Right off the bat i had problems with it. The radio started going, along with the speakers. I recently took it ion to the dealership for 2 new front tires, and they said i needed four new complete brakes, the whole set. (drums, rotors, calibers and lines) and they said i will soon need a new front suspension. But this car has been treated immaculately.
Favorite Features
The sound of the car, and power from 1-2
Suggested Improvements
Wider body, better quality built
Great Daily Driver
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car to go 70 miles each way to work in Northern NJ. I wanted a convertible and I didnt need 350Z performance. I wanted good gas mileage and a car that I could put gas in, change the oil periodically and otherwise forget. I am 63 so a lot of other cars were out. This car has been a very pleasant surprise. I have had no problems with it and it has been fun to drive even in the worst traffic with the worst drivers on the planet. It has decent pickup (GTS 5 Spd) and decent handling. I bought it two years old with 20,000 miles and it came used with a better warranty than almost all US cars come with new. The Eclipse Spyder is a great car if youre looking for a fun convertible to drive that doesnt need a lot of attention.
Favorite Features
The styling, reliability, convertible Top, front seat comfort, and good value .
Suggested Improvements
Give it anti sway bars to reduce body roll and a trip computer.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Worth it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
As shocking as it may sound, I traded a 350Z for this car because I wanted a drop top again and better comfort and fuel mileage. I bought this with 4,000 miles on the odometer (in 2006)! The chrome blue on midnight is amazing, it looks awesome. This car has very comfortable front seats. I have never gotten less than 27 mpg CITY (mine is a 5-speed stick)! It handles pretty well. It rides like a Benz (trust me I know I work for them). It has decent trunk space compared to the '99 model that I had a few years back. I am having issues with a phantom front suspension noise and a "click" in my clutch pedal, but the dealership has been very helpful. I love this car. I never thought I would like a car as much as I like this one. I highly recommend it!
Favorite Features
I love the great ride quality and good fuel mileage, seat comfort, quiet ride, keyless entry range, looks, auto headlights, and standard ABS/Sidebags.
Suggested Improvements
The parking brake was better on older ones on right side of console. This one bumps my knee often. Also, it needs auto- up/down windows and an easier to install boot cover.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Doesn't handle like a sports car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
The design is very good. Convertible top operation is easy and quick. Its handling however leaves a lot to be desired. It is not very responsive especially for a sporty V6. Its ride is acceptable for a sporty car. The turning radius is terrible. Large trucks have better turning capabilities. The visibility is also very poor with the top up. Given these two factors, backing out of a parking space is always a challenge.
Favorite Features
Convertible top operation.
Suggested Improvements
The turning radius and handling need significant improvement.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Hate to see it go...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I fell in love with the Spyder back in the early part of the decade. It took me several years before I was able to realiize my dream and buy one. I have enjoyed this car so much that it made me almost sad to trade it in last week for the new 2007 Spyder, but I did. I miss the more racey style and shape of the 2004 Spyder. Yes, the new one is awesome in its own right and certainly a head turner. But I believe the previous style will be consider a classic someday. What a ride!
Favorite Features
The best feature was the looks, no doubt. I also liked the way it handles (despite reviews to the contrary). I liked the great gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
The Infinity CD Player had problems from day one - and it sounded cheap. Of course the blind spot created by the top and the foil are legendary (but pale in comparison to the blind spot in the 2007). I was discouraged to find the value of the car drop very quickly at trade-in...
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
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