Capitalizing on the recent success of convertible sport cars, Mitsubishi released a topless version of its extremely successful pocket rocket in the spring of 1996. Unlike most convertibles, the Spyder is not merely a chopped version of the Eclipse coupe. Instead, it was designed from square one to be a convertible. This results in a drop-top that is extremely rigid with only a 50 pound weight gain over its hardtop sibling.

Available in entry level GS or performance oriented GS-T trim levels, the Eclipse Spyder is destined to impress the most demanding of taskmasters. Instead of the bellicose Chrysler-built 2.0-liter engine common to the GS coupe, the GS Spyder receives a 2.4-liter engine pulled from the Mitsubishi Galant. Horsepower figures are nearly identical for both powerplants but the Spyder's engine has the definite edge in torque; fourteen percent more available at a relatively low 3000 rpm. The real excitement, however, lies with the GS-T. Using a proven Mitsubishi 2.0-liter intercooled turbo engine producing 210 horsepower, the GS-T offers more power than convertible competitors from BMW, Saab and Toyota. Pretty impressive for a car that costs less than $26,000.

The Eclipse Spyder has very attractive look-at-me styling that we think is a good component of any convertible design. The sleek, compact body and tidy dimensions are complemented by fine interior ergonomics and an excellent driving position. GS-T models come packed with goodies that include leather seats, an in-dash CD player, cruise control, security system and air conditioning; to name a few. Unfortunately, anti-lock brakes are conspicuously absent from the GS-T's standard equipment list.

We can not point to many reasons to not by the Spyder; it has a respected bloodline, attractive looks and promising performance. However, in the $25,000 price range it places itself in direct competition with two of our perennial favorites, the Mazda Miata and the Ford Mustang GT convertible. Both offer rear-wheel drive performance that will appeal to most enthusiasts and are solid in construction and design. This is not to say that the Spyder isn't a worthy contender, just that it makes the decision difficult. Well, that's one tough decision we would love to make.

1997 Highlights

The 1997 Spyder gets revised front and rear styling. Antilock brakes are now available on the GS model. Two new exterior colors, new seat fabrics and a new interior color combination round out the changes.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.426 reviews

Write a review See all 26 reviews

5(57%)

4(31%)

3(8%)

2(4%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Convertibles issues

Rachel,01/16/2009

The convertible top on my car leaked every time we had a bad rain. It was horrible driving with the rain pouring in from all different places. My car also had an engine problem where it was burning oil and I'd have to put a quart of oil in it almost every week. And when it was raining and I drove over a lot of water in the road, it would cause the car to shake horribly and I would have

sweet ride

JayEm,06/01/2002

I bought mine from a friend who had bought it at an insurance auction. Despite a shady history I have not had a single problem with my Eclipse. It drives great, and looks even better. I'm up in Canada now, and the fact the Mitsu was never sold up here (and its starring role in Fast&theFurious didn't hurt) means I get a lot of attention with my ride. I definitely

GREAT CAR

liz,01/15/2010

I read some of the other reviews and wondered if I had the same car. Mine has never given me any major problems. I bought 4 yrs old and has been my primary car for the last 4 yrs. I did replace the top 2 yrs ago and the top brackets. Other than that, we are talking different cars as mine has been great fun and a joy to drive. I have the 5 spd manual and takes corners great, the

Fun to Drive

test@test.com,02/22/2002

The Spyder is a fabulous driving machine, it feels great on the road, moves well. Biggest problem is that the nose hangs too low and scrapes everything. After 5 years with no issues, the convertible motor died and needed to be replaced. Otherwise A+

Write a review

See all 26 reviews

Write a consumer review of your vehicle for a chance to WIN $100!

Write a review

See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.

Write a review

Features & Specs

MPG

19 city / 27 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

141 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG

21 city / 29 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

210 hp @ 6000 rpm

See all Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Overview

The Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is offered in the following submodels: Eclipse Spyder Convertible, Eclipse Spyder GS-T. Available styles include GS 2dr Convertible, and GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible.

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyders are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

Can't find a used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyders you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder for sale - 7 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $8,764.

Find a used Mitsubishi for sale - 4 great deals out of 20 listings starting at $16,600.

Find a used certified pre-owned Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder for sale - 11 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $15,365.

Find a used certified pre-owned Mitsubishi for sale - 9 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $23,387.

Compare prices on the Used Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

City
Great Deals
Cars for Sale
Starting Price

Los Angeles, CA
Great Deals93
Cars for Sale2561
Starting Price$10,718
Philadelphia, PA
Great Deals18
Cars for Sale6036
Starting Price$13,327
Austin, TX
Great Deals37
Cars for Sale3908
Starting Price$7,824
Fort Worth, TX
Great Deals34
Cars for Sale1582
Starting Price$13,425
Memphis, TN
Great Deals69
Cars for Sale1584
Starting Price$19,000
El Paso, TX
Great Deals41
Cars for Sale3371
Starting Price$7,376
Denver, CO
Great Deals31
Cars for Sale3252
Starting Price$13,000
Oklahoma City, OK
Great Deals10
Cars for Sale8132
Starting Price$15,296
Tucson, AZ
Great Deals92
Cars for Sale1017
Starting Price$8,196
Fresno, CA
Great Deals53
Cars for Sale3805
Starting Price$18,944
Sacramento, CA
Great Deals87
Cars for Sale2547
Starting Price$8,503
Long Beach, CA
Great Deals59
Cars for Sale7371
Starting Price$8,954
Virginia Beach, VA
Great Deals79
Cars for Sale1157
Starting Price$17,041
Miami, FL
Great Deals56
Cars for Sale4904
Starting Price$14,731
Oakland, CA
Great Deals96
Cars for Sale4808
Starting Price$12,921
Honolulu, HI
Great Deals45
Cars for Sale7122
Starting Price$16,694

Should I lease or buy a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Mitsubishi lease specials
Check out Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder lease specials

Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Used