2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Road Test Ratings

Although too heavy to be a serious performer, the Eclipse Spyder is more entertaining to look and drive than most four-place convertibles in its price range. It tiny backseat is a deal breaker for families, though.

Acceleration is barely adequate with the base four-cylinder engine, while the V6 provides brisk response but causes torque steer. Understeer is prevalent though the turns, but Eclipse Spyder handles as well as any pudgy, front-drive convertible could ever be expected to -- it's more sporting than Toyota's Solara or Pontiac's G6.

The ride is very comfortable and wind gusts are well-controlled with the top down. The front seats are quite supportive, but the bolt-upright rear seats are basically unusable -- which defeats the point of buying a larger, four-seat convertible instead of a Miata.

The Spyder offers large, well-organized controls. A power-operated soft top is standard, and it's easy to use, although it does include a pair of manual latches. The trunk is Miata-size whether the top's up or down.

The current Eclipse design cues translate well to a top-down body style. Inside, the cockpit is attractive and ergonomically sound, but low-grade plastics cheapen it. Build quality is tight.