Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Consumer Reviews
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Whats with all the whining?
Tbird-eclipse, 05/18/2010
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
There are a lot of whiny people on here, it's 13 years old people. This is a great car. Mine has 129,000 miles and has giving me NO ISSUES at all expect for water pump, that's it. Very fast, very sporty, incredible gas mileage for the power and lets out, and a beautiful design that still looks great compared with other ugly bubble but cars today. Glad I bought it, it turns heads everywhere I go and have had many random strangers tell me they want my car. The only other car that competes and I would buy would be a 1993-1995 Ford Thunderbird Sports Coupe but it doesn't come as a convertible so would have to convert it which I'm considering doing.
Speed
ESPVIK, 04/04/2009
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This thing rocks and always will. I have put some money into it, but it is all for speed, so many mods, not enough time. This thing is the best - by far the greatest car ever owned.
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See all 0 listingsNO more wet roofs!
oceangirl, 04/02/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Hi everyone, Wanna know how to stop the leaks? go to Walmart, in the camping section there is waterproofer, it cost 4 dollars...it has an orange top on the can...spray your car two times...no more driving in the rain.... The car rocks!
love this car
Pete and Judy, 07/30/2016
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a good friend who was the original owner. He always took the car to the dealer to get serviced. It is a red convertible with gray interior and black rag top. normally aspirated 2.5 liter and auto trans. When I first bought it , I had to do all 4 brakes completely (rotors, drums, pads, slave cylinders, master cylinder, and bleeding). They worked flawlessly after that for about 6 or 7 years, and then I just had to turn the rotors and install new pads. A couple of years ago I replaced a broken alternator belt. Then a few months ago I replaced the original water pump. And of course I did the timing belt and balance shaft belt at the same time, which were still in relatively good condition. And a new battery. And that is all the maintenance I have to do in the 9 years that I have owned it. Basically just a few normal wearing parts. Oh yeah, the original owner replaced the transmission with a brand new one a couple of years before he sold it to me. He had no other issues whatsoever. Enjoyable to drive, and something I wasn't expecting: in the summertime with top down it is a great chick magnet! That particular series of Eclipse has a much sexier look than any other series that was built before or after it. Pros: fun to drive, very reliable, and very affordable to own. Cons: the rag top was leaky and no good to drive in the rain. But I'm told that could have been avoided if the original owner had used a conditioner on it every few years, and garaged the car more often. And the front end body work is very close to the ground. You must always tap the brakes and unload the suspension before driving over any bumps or dips, and enter or exit steep driveways very slowly and at angle. If you like this style of car and can find one that has been well maintained over the past 2 decades, buy it!
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I wanted, I got, I'm selling
BGD82, 11/04/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've put about 40,000 miles since I bought my Eclipse Spyder GS-T used with 113,000 miles in 06/03. In the last year and a half, I've had to replace the passenger window track twice (it's broken again, haven't yet fixed it), had about 3 or 4 check engine light occurrences, a horrible problem with thick blue smoke from the tailpipe while idling, horribly- rattling doors, a roof that badly leaks through the back window and the A-pillars, a radio that's never worked (CD player & changer in trunk work fine), and an antenna that won't go all the way down. I shouldn't have bought a car with so many miles, but I wanted one badly at the time. Now, I'm trying to sell it.
Good car
Speede, 04/21/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fast, fun to drive, convertable for under 15k used. what more can you want.
'97 Eclipse Spyder
Deno, 05/07/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my '97 Eclipse Spyder GS-T for about two years and i have loved every minute of it. It is a fun car to drive and it is very reliable. The power is great and the handeling makes it a blast to come out of a corner. Take care of these cars and they will last you for 200,000+ miles
Convertibles issues
Rachel, 01/17/2009
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 to pull over and wait and rev the engine to dry it out. But, despite all its issues it never actually broke down on me. The engine was strong, and I will definitely purchase another Mitsubishi in the future. If I had it to do over the only thing I would change would be to get the hatchback instead. Ha.
sweet ride
JayEm, 06/01/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 recommend it to anyone looking for style at a reasonable price. The drop top is easy to operate and flawless. The only problem is under heavy rain the roof leaks (Dealer fix: $2000 US). The Eclipse is an awesome ride-the only car where the OLD model looks better and outperforms the current one!
GREAT CAR
liz, 01/15/2010
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 turning radius is tight, gas mileage around 25, radio works fine, no rattling, nothing loose or broken, dealer oil changes, rare front brake pad replacement, tranny fine. Maybe I'm in the wrong section?
Take care of your car!!
convoyman, 01/30/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been such a blast! With improved engine mods and meticulous care, this car is over 130k mi. and still running strong. I've never had any mechanical problems with the car in the year that I've owned it. Not only has it been reliable from getting from A to B, but fun getting there! The power added from a bigger turbo, intercooler, blow off valve, fuel injectors, air filter and exhaust will pin you in your seat and have everyone watching as you do it. So many mods are available, but body mods aren't needed- the car looks great as is.
Bought it new....paid off in 5 months!
superjcp, 08/05/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been the sole owner of my 1997 Mistubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T (5- manual) Convertible. (DO NOT GET THE AUTOMATIC!! Your killing the fun if you don't have the 5 speed for this rocket) The car has run beautifully for the entire time I have owned it. I am at 90600 miles currently. I have only changed the disc brake pads in the front once, changed all the belts at 84,000 miles, and had a couple of alignments. Other than that, just the standard oil change at 3000 miles. The car is quick, reliable, and well worth the money spent. I am gonna keep mine well into the 200,000 mile teritory, which I fully expect!
Good Stuff
Xauxa, 09/10/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has to be one of the most fun cars to drive.
Fun to Drive
test@test.com, 02/22/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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+
Great car
yuk, 10/07/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
a very good all around car
Adequate
Jeffenwulf, 09/14/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is is severely underpowered for a sports car. The 2.4 4G64 engine doesn't provide the performance that I would expect. I love the enclosed feel of the interior, but the materials are cheap and prone to chipping. The convertible top leaks heavily in rainstorms. I had this problem with the original top and a newly installed top. The automatic transmission is horrible. It doesn't shift crisply and solidly as desired. Already completely rebuilt at under 50,000 miles. The trunk is merely there to hold the spare tire and a gym bag.
nice ride
Yangger, 05/10/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a great vehicle, ive had no mechanical problems from the last 3 years.
OK car
gvr4me, 05/29/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car as an impluse and we regret it now. For a while it was our only car, handled good in the snow and top kept the car warm. The performance on the other hand is pretty bad. The transmission(Auto) is horriable, clunky shifts, missed shifts, downshifts at bad times with no reason. The engine is ok, not very fast but still good for a N/A car. the top is bad in the rain as others have stated, plus we found out that alot of the cars roof rails break and they did on ours also.Overall I would prob buy another one but in a 5 speed and a turbo if I could find one.
Spyder-conv
Spyder1, 10/13/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive but will not stay together. Since I brough the car the sparkpulg wires have burned through causing it to run bad. Sparkplugs foul out fast. Top leaks: Plastic glued onto the on metal piller came loose, rubber boot ripped, back window stiching came loose and as expected it to leak around windows. Other issues elastic strap on top failed and bent support bars (ripped rubber boot). This is an issue with this model and a kit ($200 a side)is available. The outside drivers door handle was broken by a five year old trying to get in. This again was a know problem for this car. Replacement part (black) runs $42 add $50 painting, & $150 labor. I Plan on selling this car!
This is a fun car!
daryl_j, 03/28/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ok. this is the first convertible i've owned so i am still wow-ed by the experience. every time the top goes down it feels like the first time! :-) very sporty looks. handles well and has very sensitive steering. the turning radius is aweful. you do pay a price for the convertible feature... this is a nice-weather car NOT a bad-weather car. although, it does do amzingly well in snow.
Fun to Look At
susan78, 03/15/2007
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is amazingly pretty and sporty, but if you need to get from point A to point B, you better try a bike instead. This car is so cheaply made it seemed sooner or later everything fell apart, including the leaky rag top. I was SO disappointed as I love the Eclipse and it had been my dream to own a Spyder. Oh well. For this car the adage that a car is hole in the pavement surrounded by metal into which one throws money could not be truer.
Great convertable compact sports car
Spazzi, 05/08/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning several Volkswagen GTI's and Honda Civic SI's, I have found that none can top the fun and excitement of driving a Turbo Eclipse Spyder. It looks great, has more than enough power, good gas mileage and a comfortable interior. It feels as much a sports car as vehicles costing $10,000 more.
Nice car!
L68250, 06/02/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is such a joy to drive!
Super Fun, Fast And Cute!
Bini, 06/30/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 Spyder used in '99, and cannot imagine getting a car I would love more if I had paid three times as much! It has served me very well and I hope to be driving it for years to come. Even though it is 6 years old now, I still get people stopping in traffic to comment on how good looking it is and asking about what kind of car it is, because the old model Spyder is also not very common (which I like). I also found it to be very practical for my commute. It and was great even in bad snowstorms (with snow tires, I use low profile tires in summer).
GST-conv./ MFG-recall
Mr K, 03/15/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All dlrs. have been notified of broken '97-'99 GST tops by Mitsu. Kit is offered ONLY to dlrs.Cost is $500,L&M, we've been back 3x's.The rear window is documented to needing repair.It doesn't stick to liner.The dealer screwed that up too.Mitsu notifies dlrs. of problem but will NOT recall anything. Carmaxx gaves us paperwork that says the GST came with anti-lock brakes,but it doesn't.They told us "oh well,tough sh--"!!
“”AFTER 22 YEARS “
Kenneth, 06/22/2019
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hello Y’all, I got this 1997 Mitsubishi eclipse 2.4 L almost 8 months ago now, Yes, it is 22 years old this year! I guess you can’t really do too much complaining about a car that’s over two decades old, the plastics in it are cracking up a lot, again 22 year old plastics!. The rear windows gliders are all shot and need replacing. All interior plastic pieces are extremely delicate and will break almost effortlessly, again after 22 years most plastics will crack and break very easily. The leather seats didn’t survive, but I guess that’s most leather seats in all cars in addition after 22 years. Today it has 176,000 miles on it, the front and rear struts will require replacing in addition. Most of the front end bushings are completely worn out. The plastic door handles even the new ones that they sell for replacements will break on you pretty quick too, specially if anything froze up overnight. Other than that it’s just minor problems you face on most cars, overall it is flashy and stylish and not bad performance still today after 22 years competing with the 2019 cars in its category.
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Best Convertible Ever
Mike, 10/10/2019
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 new after a lot of careful consideration. It's never been driven on salty roads and it rarely comes out of the garage when there is rain in the forecast. For 22 summers, I've enjoyed releasing it from it's winter cover and riding around with the breeze in my hair. I can wear a baseball cap without fear of losing it, and it's a joy to drive. At 89,000 miles, I am still on the original brakes. The only things I've had to replace are the canvas top (which deteriorates over time), a top motor (which got a little lazy with the tight new top), and a starter. I run ultra-high performance summer tires on it so I can zip through turns. I still love the roadster feel and the zip of the turbo four and with the five speed transmission, it loves to be driven. There aren't too many of this era on the road today, and I get comments all the time when I'm out. This baby is the best way to enjoy a nice summer day!
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Garbage!
tommy7811, 08/18/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car less than a year. In that time I had to replace the engine, turbo, struts, and numerous other problems. It has spent more time in the shop than on the road. The top leaks, it's noisy, and has a poor ride. This car is junk! I puchased it with 64K miles. Just traded it in for a new Accord. PLEASE AVOID IT! I have spent over six thousand on repairs for a $8500 car! JUNK JUNK JUNK! Be aware!