Used 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
One powerfull Spyder
This is my first Mitsubishi - a 2001 eclipse spyder convertible and I couldn't ask for a nicer ride, with lots of power. I have done a few upgrades and wow!, this v6 kicks but, but you gotta do a couple of things to wake the motor up. My ride has about 300 foot pounds of torque. This car is like a dream to drive anywhere. With a sound system upgrade how could you not look an think wow a performance sounding, stereo pounding, sleek styling car.
I love my little car
I bought this car because I wanted something that wasn't falling apart - I had driven beaters my entire life and I just wanted something nice. Bonus for the convertible top! And it's got a pretty comfortable back seat - hard to find that in a convertible. I have only had to make minor repairs in the 5 years I've had it. It's just a wonderful car, so much fun to drive, and I get a lot of compliments. I would recommend it to anyone.
- GT ConvertibleMSRP: $3,4002,204 mi away
- GS ConvertibleMSRP: N/A443 mi away
Fun Ride
I have had this car for almost a year now and have had no problems whatsoever. It is very fun in the summer, but able to keep warm in the winter as well. Leather seats a must with the convertible. I drive back and forth from home to school, a 200 mile drive, every weekend and it handles great on the interstates.
01Spyder
My only complaints are, the center counsole doesn't lock, so you can't keep anything vauleable in it if you park it with the top down, and with the top up it creates really bad blind spots.
My Dream Car...
I first drove this car while on vacation in Florida with my girlfriend. 1 week and 1000 miles later, I knew I had to have one. Two weeks ago my car got totalled and I was able to find a low milage Spyder GT for a great price. Cant tell you how much I love this car. I had two Mustang GT's and a Camaro. The Spyder may not have the tire peeling power of the others, but it looks better and is more fun to drive in bad weather. Get what makes you happy...you only live once.
Watch Your Transmission
I bought my car a little over a year ago with only 38,000 miles on it. Since then, I have had to do regular wear and tear maintenance like replacing the starter, brakes, and so forth. The only major thing is my transmission suddenly went out on me without warning. And also, my top was replaced and now leaks all into the backseat of the car. Other than that huge problem, I love riding around with the top down. The sound is awesome and I just hope I don't have any major issues with it for awhile.
Great car for the money!
I bought the car with 43,000 miles on it. The only problems I had were with the AC not cooling (it needed servicing - $600 for "the works") and a bad battery (I bought top of the line at Sears for $120). The engine light was on due to a bad PCV solenoid and now it is good to go. Otherwise the car is fun to drive and looks cool. I don't know why Mitsubishi changed the model to the ugly looking new one. The new one looks like a souped up Avalon.
Love it
I have absolutely loved driving this car. I always receive compliments on how sharp this car looks. The only negative is when I have the top up it creates a blind spot.
2003 Spyder GTS
Yep, I just purchased a 2003 Spyder GTS on March 22, 2002. This had been on the lot for only 5 days. The styling is beautiful and turns heads wherever I go. The 6-disc, 210 watt in-dash CD has a great sound. The car came with virtually every option and priced out in excess of $30,000. The 17" wheels give it a great look. The top moves up and down very nicely. The boot is a bit cheap, but looks better than having nothing. Performance is adequate and steering response is very good. I find the drivers seat very comfortable with good headroom.
Eclipse Spyder GT
Great car at a great price. Unsure when I bought whether or not it was the right car for me but it has eliminated all doubts. I'm from Wisconsin and it handles superbly in the snow.
CUTE CAR, BAD TIRE RIMS
I love this car but... I have one MAJOR complaint.the rims on this car are very susceptible to even the slightest potholes. i have had this car for less than a DAY, and already need to replace a dented/cracked rim from a minor pothole i hit. NHTSA has had a number of complaints about these rims. Mitsubishi is not willing to recall these rims, stating it isn't a problem, but the interesting thing is, why did they change the suspension and rims for the 2003 model if the 2002 was fine? so my advice, is get the 2003 if you have a choice and save yourself from needing to buy $350 rims the first time you hit a pothole, railroad tracks etc.
Still going strong
I bought my 2001 GT convertible used and put 104,000 miles on it. Only repairs have been brakes twice, a new timing belt and water pump (scheduled maintenance), and a starter relay ($6). It is still running strong. These cars do not have a good resale value but I cannot see why. I have had two of them and they are solid little cars.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Love my Spyder-6cyl, auto trans
Bought this car two years ago with only 18,000 actual miles on it. I love it!!! Even with driving about 100 mi/wk, it has been totally reliable (no repairs). I live in the country on a gravel road, but am able to maneuver around pot holes that form with ease, it is easily parked in tight spaces, and delightful to drive as the weather allows. For a 2001, it still looks almost new. I "need" a fwd, but I LOVE this car! It moves! Will I trade it? Maybe in 30-40,000 more miles! That should be in about 7 years.
Excellent Car
I have no had problem with this car. Just the usual oil changes and maintenance. Everthing works excellently. It is worth the money that I spent on it. It is the best sporty car I have driven.
fun and stylish
At least to my eyes, the eclipse spider is one of the best looking cars on the road. The powerful engine, tight transmission, and well-tuned suspension also make it amazingly fun to drive. But this car really comes into its own when you hit the button to automatically retract the top- one test drive with the top down and I was sold. This convertible top is very well designed and allows far more headroom in the rear than does the hardtop eclipse (although legroom in the back is still non-existent unless you push the front seats ALL the way forward). If pure performance was the only goal, I would have gone with the Suburu WRX. But it wasn't and I didn't.
Straight forward convertible
It’s a very cool looking car but it is very limited in modern technology, even for a 2001. It doesn’t have tire pressure sensors, mpg sensor, doesn’t make noise if your not wearing a seatbelt. You’re gonna want to upgrade the sound system because it is very “2001” with a cd/cassette player am/fm radio. I’m 6’2 and out of all the coupes I have driven before this one is probably the most comfortable. With that being said you’d be lucky to fit one person in the back seat comfortably. It’s a sports car so it has the power you need but if you’re looking for a lot of it there isn’t a lot here. It does handle well but unless you upgrade everything like tires and coil overs and what not don’t go out and hit turns going 50 mph these cars are old enough to vote and something will break or worse. When you’re buying them you should be able to find one with 60,000 miles on it or more anything lower than that be sure to do a background check on the car. I found one with with 25,000 miles and it was rolled back a few times according to car facts. I had to change the roof on the car there was a really bad leak whenever it rained. Overall I am very happy with the car I was even happier when I got a sound system with Apple car play and I plan on keeping the car until it doesn’t wanna go anymore.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car, love it
I've had my eclipse for about a year and a half and have put more than 12000 miles on it since getting it. The car has been fantastic, it's a blast to drive, comfortable enough for long road trips (wouldn't suggest going cross country, but for 3-4 hours it isn't too bad). I've had the clutch master cylinder go out on me, but it wasn't a big deal to replace. Overall, I have to say this car has treated me well, parts aren't hard to find and are relatively cheap, when you actually need them anyway. It's a great, fairly cheap option as a sports car, not quite as fast as other cars, but other features more than make up for it, and it will out-handle more than its fair share. Enjoy it as I have.
A great car, for a great price.
Performance: Now the 3g Eclipse may not be a top notch performer, but it is pretty good. Especially since it actually has torque compared to some other imports. Compared to the old Eclipses though, with AWD and a turbo, the new Eclipse lacks. There is some aftermarket for the new eclipse coming out though. Comfort: VERY comfortable! Fun to drive: Yeah it is fun to drive, but feels a bit like a sedan. Interior Design: A bit boring, but it beats the Mustang at least. Exterior Design: You either hate it or like it. The pictures of it don't give it much justice, up close the car looks ten times better in my opinion.
Needs an Interior Redesign
This is a fun car to drive and it still turns heads (occasionally) even in jaded S. California. However in the three years I have owned the car I have never been able to adjust the seat to a comfortable position. An adjustable steering wheel would also help. As someone else said, the armrests don't seem to be in the right place either. Dashboard controls seem poorly designed. It is very difficult to change radio stations or CDs while driving. And why is the hazard light button at the top center of the dash??
Good Car
Bought the car new, now has over 150,000 miles on it. Replaced the O2 sensor at about 120,000 so it would pass inspection but everything else is original (except belts and hoses replaced during service). Still uses no oil and runs great. Beginning to see some threads in the top beginning to break, but it still is water tight. I would have to say we got our money's worth out of this car if it quits tomorrow.
Like It as Much as the First Day I Bought It
My Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has been a fun car. It is a good combination of power and pleasure. It keeps up with the other cars in it's class speed-wise and it just looks cool. People still watch these cars go buy with envy. It has blind spots, but no worse than the other convertibles that I looked at, the Honda S2000 is just as bad. Besides this is only a problem in parking lots, not everyday driving. I love the "manual" automatic transmission. I've had no mechanical problems, fortunately.
Fun Car
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a fun car to drive, but no one ever likes to ride in it. Tall people beware - it is very uncomfortable. It has good pick up when you need it. However it is very costly to repair or maintain. I seem to need new tires all the time because of the low air pressure and the tires are very costly. Also, the rims bend too easily which affect the tires. I like the ease of use of the convertible top.
Would not buy again
When i got this car i didn't have but 40 some thousand miles, and IT WAS THE WORST mistake of my life buying this car, it runs horrible and has been in and out the shop for the past two years from everything to a new top new tires axles and just about everything under the hood. Does not go in to reverse the best either. cracked dash and sound system is also terrible. Rattles and shakes anytime you hit a bump or a turn.
Never again
This is my first time ever writing a review on anything and I'm trying to save someone a big headache. This car is a waste!! When it rains the back floors get wet and it's not because of the top (mine was changed twice!!). It has horrible mpg and interior after awhile starts to look real cheap!! This car should def be a 2 seater and what is going on with that trunk? Can't really fit anything that can't fold in there. The second cup holder inside the middle console was a horrible idea.
Spyder
This car is sleek, and has alot of style. Fun to drive and very comfortable. Milage is good, but not what I expected for a small car. So far very reliable, even in the cold and snow.
In love with my Spyder GT!!!
Love it! I just retired my minivan. Hugs the road...fun to drive! Paid only $13k for it used -- just 24,000 miles -- a steal. Mine doesn't have all the frills, but for the price (new or used) it can't be beat in it's class. Looks very elegant...classy. Fun to switch from automatic to manual, without the clutch.
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS
I just recently purchased this car. It is fun to drive. It also is colored a Pearl White. The interior is clean. and the exterior has only one small nick on the bottom of the front. Every thing works in it. It has power locks power windows. It also has a keyless entry. The interior is brown cloth. The car only has 35,000 miles on it. The topper is beige. The driving experience has been so fun. It rides really smoothly and the gas pedal is very sensitive. That means you will be bugging down the road and not realize it. The gas mileage for this car is about 25 mpg. The battery has just started to leak, I think the wires were it charging too much. It holds one CD at a time and has a radio.
Perfect
No problems at all best car ever
Hot stuff
Great fun to drive, corners well. As my son says, it's not that you go any faster, you just never have to slow down. The low visor sometimes is in the way when blocking low sun. Mileage good with Mobil 1, over 23mpg in city.
This car really broke down.
In the first two years I have owned this new vehicle here is what has broken down. The horn, headlight hard wiring, the convertible roof motor, the radio, a speaker. The headlight hard wirng needs to be replaced again. I am so dissapointed.
Can't Wait to Get Rid of This Car!
I bought this car as my third convertible. I had two Sebring Convertibles prior to this one. I have to say that they never gave me the type of trouble this car has given me. The car has cost me so much money in repairs it's ridiculous. So far I have had a rear differential pressure sensor short which cost about $500 to replace, a center speaker blow, a total new set of rims because they bend so easily (they are cheap and the new ones have already begun to bend at the edges), an instrument panel and center stack light burn out, and a fog lamp replaced. To add injury to insult, the rear differential pressure sensor blew because of a Mitsubiahi dealer mechanic leaving off the radiator hose!
Lovin' the Spyder GT
For the money, I can't imagine having more fun with a car. I love convertible living, though you have to be willing to ride with the top town quite often, becuase sight lines with the top up are HORRIBLE. The Spyder got a bit of kick and definitely gets it's share of compliments. Gas mileage with the top down is not that great, but well worth it. It probably doesn't help matters that I use the AC with the top down because of the balck interior and SoCal sun. I am definitely hooked and would suggest this car to anyone who would ask.
Sexy Senior
This is the second spyder I have had and over all they have been very good cars..the problems were taken by the dealer and I will probabley buy another one..I got this one new and have 38000 miles on it. only problem was the top stained and threads around the window rotted, but even at 38000 miles they replaced the top..I love the style and I have found they hold value very well.. haven,t addressed the gas cap peeling yet and it is bubbling up now...
Still love it !
Bought new GT Spyder in 6/00 -white w/tan for my Summer car. It only has 9000 mi on it and I never even took it in for the free 3000 mi. warranty check because it works perfectly. Mitsu's get a bad rap, but just check out the owner's ratings. The car has shortcomings but overall, it's a really good car. The (front) seats are comfy, and the wind noise is controlled. I had a good feeling about it when I bought it and still do. I don't think it will depreciate as badly as predicted. Consumer Reports is bearing this out. I have more squawks on my '04 Maxima in 4 months than on the Mitsu. in 4 yrs.
eh...
I had it for about a year and 1/2. Very poorly made car. Should be much faster for a V6, depreciates like no other. make sure you get in on the class action suit against mitsu over the garbage rims they slap on the car...
It's ok fun
purchased a repo,initially replcd top, rear bushings & front bumper, all under warranty, car has been no problem since, many highway miles, concerned with cracked dash and rear front spoiler has small fracture cracks. No I haven't hit anything. Think it's a defect. Cheap car, but it looks good. Fun to drive on a nice day.
the best car ever
im a young'n an ya know what, i absolutly love this car! now if it was a low ride...i couldnt even begin to describe how it would be to me.
Just do it
The looks are simply stunning (personal taste I know, but still stunning!) The interior, a bit plasticy, yes, but get leather and you won't notice it. The exhaust noise is a bit 2 Fast 2 Furious at low RPM, but at 4000rpm and up this thing sound like a Lamborghini, seriously.Take it from me, this car is worth every sub 20K dollar you will ever spend.If you want a Ferrari, buy one! If you want a Cadillac, buy one! If you want a convertible that looks like $15,000 more than you paid for it, goes better than most other "pony" cars on the road and is just big fun to drive, think Spyder. Trust me, you'll love it!
Solid and High Performance
This Car kicks ass like no other it's so damn fast I raced a Porche and BMW I beat them Both compare that to middle class cars. I give this car FIVE ***** Star's for excellent and cool look.
good car
Great car, fun to drive... nice mechanically!
Best value in it's class
Perfect car. Only issue was the stock wheels were a little boring so I replaced them. I have owned more than 10 cars in more than 20 years and this is by far the best one!
I'm going blind!
I love this car. LOVE LOVE LOVE. It is so much fun to drive, especially in Southern California.
01' Spyder GT Eclipse
I've have this car since Nov. of 00' and I can't say ONE bad thing about it! It was my first Mitsubishi and definitely wont be my last.
2001 Eclipse Spyder GT
I was never a "big fan" of the body style change of the Eclipse in 2000, but I must say the Spyder still looks good. It is fun to drive and will get looks everywhere you go (and I'm not just saying that). With the top up it maintains a very sleek low profile. I have a burgundy GT with the tan top, which is very stylish. The version GT with the 3.0L engine is a must! Its gas mileage is almost exactly the same as the smaller engine (1 mile per gallon difference) so why skimp? The tiptronic auto is the best of both worlds, auto for in town and switch it to manual when it's time to have some fun. I highly recommend the car if you are looking for a convertible with extra seating. The rear seats might be a little tight, just hope for small kids.
Eclipse Spyder
This is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. I have had it for two years and it has been in the shop for over two months during the time I have had it. It has had major problems that multiple dealers have been unable to fix.
Nice Car
Since I purchased my car back in March I have enjoyed it. I love just dropping the top during the day, driving through the city and just watching all the girls waving and smiling at me. The performance is wonderful. I have a friend that drives a mercury cougar with a 4.6L V8 sohc engine with a performance chip installed who thought he could beat me and I beat him at the strip by half a car length and the only thing I've added to the car performance wise is a cold air intake. It's the first car I've ever had and I'll probably keep it around for a while.
Fun car!
Great to drive, looks great, a lot of fun for not a whole lot of money. I've even had people get in the back seat because they want a drive in it! Has plenty of pep for hills and for highway driving. The standard transmission shifts very easily. Top is easy to put up and down. Very reliable, even handles well in inclement weather. The initial 0-60 is good, but not great, and, hey, it cost a lot less than the other sports cars I liked out there!
Cool Car
I have only had 2 minor items that were taken care of under warranty. The Clip that holds the visor broke and the right rear window gasket needed to be replaced (kept catching on the window). That is it in 15K miles. In general a real fun low cost convertible that turns heads.
Fun experience
Owned the car for 8 months enjoyed every second.
fun fun fun
a lot of fun to drive. clearcoat has begun to seperate from paint on the nose. dealer will fix under warranty.