Used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Convertible 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.
Most reliable vehicle i have ever owned
I bought my 03' spyder gts in Nov. 2011 with 127k miles at a used lot. I am writing this on 5/22/2014. I love this vehicle. So much. I have the 5 speed manual tranny, and this thing has some JUICE, to the point where, despite having been through 2 fender benders with no repairs other than cosmetics, still beats the faster 2007+ mustangs and ricer hondas/nissans/scions. Oh, my 03 eclipse is completely 100% totally stock. It now has 178k miles and not only runs brand spankin' new but still beats new cars in accel. contests. Despire neglecting oil changes, being through 2 wrecks, taking it off roading, putting it through hell on the street, this is the most reliable vehicle i have ever owned.
Lots O' Fun Behind the Wheel
Since buying this auto I have been totally impressed by its performance, the low cost of upkeep and the WOW factor, everyone loves the style, ride and the handling (for a car at this price more fun can't be had!). Now mind you this isn't a 300GT V/R4 (I owned one of those!! YOW!) or the fantastic EVO, it still holds it's own! There are also plenty of after market parts for it so personalizing it is a fun way to go! In conclusion if you're in the market for a cool auto, that's inexpensive to upkeep, handles well in the snow (I live in Wisconsin!!) and gives you that open road freedom this is the auto for you!
- GS ConvertibleMSRP: $6,995261 mi away
- GS ConvertibleMSRP: $6,990419 mi away
- GS ConvertibleMSRP: $9,992887 mi away
The Spydy GT Automatic/Manual transmisission
Sweet. There's not much else that can be said. You can switch to manual and blast around slow moving vehicles at nearly 140 miles an hour. The G's pin your head to the head rest. Thank goodness that the Eagles are rated for 149 mph.
Wish I would've bought one sooner...
We bought this car because we were looking for a convertible in a reasonable price range. My wife and I have found this vehicle to meet and exceed all of our expectations. Fun to drive, sleek exterior, comfortable, SUPER gas mileage (33 mpg @80 mph Hwy. miles in the MOUNTAINS of Tennessee)
Drive Topless. It's fun
I rolled 130,000 miles this week much to my dismay and pleasure. Nothing but standard maintenance. Had to replace factory brakes with some better ones as the rotors kept warping but since I usually drive 75-80 that may have been my driving habits. NOTHING has broken in the car, paint hasn't held up very well but it isn't rusting so I can't complain. The car is still as fun as the day I bought it. With Sportronic and leather this car is as nice as cars costing twice as much. Also own an Audi TT and if I were shopping tomorrow, I would be at Mitsubishi, not Audi. I feel like it isn't going to be a stretch to get over 200k without anything but maintenance.
Love my Spyder
I have loved my Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder since I bought it. It handles great for inner city driving and its gas mileage is great. I'll have this car for a long time. The only draw back that I can see is the spoiler when the top is up, it creates even more blind spots. I also live where it snows A LOT, and would be nice to have side mirrors that defrost like my old VW Golf. I don't seem to have problems with the turning radius that many people do, and have fixed most of the blind spot issues with placing a small round mirror on the side mirror. I have a 4-cylinder engine with the standard transmission and the acceleration is great. Given the chance I would buy another one tomorrow and tell anyone looking for a new car to check this one out.
Still Love it Like When it Was New
I fell in love with the style when this version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder came out. The front stylying was like a mini Jaguar. Just a fine style package. It has never been in the shop for any repairs after 3 1/2 years. this car is a perfect runner that still turns heads. Its quality has been excellent. It is a great car for function and fun.
Cracking dash
This was a nice car until it hit 45,000 miles. Bad enough a rebuilt clutch cost me $2,000, but the dash is cracked like it had 245,000 miles on it and the posts on each side of the windshield are flaking. I have taken really good care of this car and it is worse off than cars I've owned for twice as long. If you buy a Mitsubishi, buy it new and get rid of it before you've owned it for 5 years.
#1#1#1#1
I BOUGHT ONE 6 MONTHS AGO...The review asks what shoppers should know about this car.? Well if you are considering buying a spyder...!!! Do it.. kicking car that is top notch racer... pedal to the metal. No more to be said. Parts are cheap and car is easy to work on. I feel blessed. We say this car stays in the family. replacing parts are easy, I'm at 160 + and haven't had to replace anything. This car is badddd!!!! They won't make a car like this again, I got mine at $2000 blue book because a small 1x2 unnoticeable slightly paint difference patch on hood. no big deal...with no motor / issues which is amazing, I am on here only to tell good people go go go! This is ticket to good car. Every review talks about the dash board being cracked.... whatever? Mine isn't thank God, but big deal.. the car rocks in every other aspect. It's the nicest car I've ever had at40 yrs old now and get compliments every day. If u like driving fast. I do. It's a contender with all new vehicle out there. And sounds like a jet landing when the motor slows down/ trans shifts. VByea people. no joke.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great for the money
I am happy with the interior of the car, body style with the exception of the blind spot. Can fit 4 people, back seat is a little rough with the top down. Must use Premium fuel. This is my first sports(type)car and I am happy with it and have had it over a year now. Great in the snow so far too!! All leather and 6 disc stereo with controls on the steering wheel, make it about all I want. (though seat warmers would be nice) Even has a Trunk that fits the family groceries.
Great Fun!
I bought my previously owned Spyder from a dealer, after driving the same model as a rental. It is a really fun vehicle to drive, with semi-automatic 4 speed transmission and powerful V6 engine. It handles very well. I had a transmission fluid leak repaired, but that is the only mechanical problem I've encountered. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a fun sports car convertible. Warning: This is NOT a comfortable vehicle for more than a driver and one passenger.
Fun...but
I have had so much fun driving this car..but there are a few problems. First. it loses value very quickly. I put 25000 miles on it in one year and it is worth about half of what I paid for it. The front end (under the car) "bottoms out" very easily and gets damaged. Tires wear quickly, and the insurance is a lot of money. But it is a reliable car..but not for the long run.
Don't do it
When I first purchased this vehicle it was an absolute treat. Lots of fun, fast, and easy on the eyes. I have to warn you, if you are going to be driving a lot, stay away! I am now in the process of selling it, but it spends more time in the shop than on the market. In the last 2 months it been in the shop 6 times to the tune of 4000 dollars in repairs. I've had to replace the engine (no warranty) and now the computer is all over the place, turning off components such as the AC as it pleases. The car is awful in extreme heat! AC kills all horsepower. The top no longer works electrically. Just awful. If you plan on only putting only 5k a year in miles, then maybe buy it
My latest purchase
I have wanted one of these since I first saw one. I finally got a used one last weekend. I like the handling of the car, although the turn radius is big. With the top up, the rear window is really small, and the rear quarter blind zones take some getting used to. However, I love the size of this car. I am 6'2", and I still feel like I have plenty of room. I drove it about 100 miles on a highway at 70 with the top down, and didn't get blown away. Good gas mileage, as I got 30 expressway on the way home. This was the perfect car for me!
Sporty!
This convertible handles and drives awesome. Has a decent punch and looks fantastic. Super stylish and comfortable interior (for front passengers) with two-toned leather it doesn't get any better for the price!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Owning a Mitsubishi
This is the most incredible car I have ever owned. It has met all of my expectations and more. It is just pure driving pleasure. Mechanically it is sound.
The best car I have ever owned.
I had very specific requirements when I was looking for a car: a convertible, a 4-cylinder engine, and enough room to get away for the weekend if you wanted to take a bag with you. This left me with the Eclipse and the Ford Mustang, and yes, the Mustang has 6-cylinders. The Eclipse has been flawless, and very fun to drive with the 4-cylinder engine. I took it on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few weeks ago, and the girl I was with asked me to slow down at first until she realized how well the car hugged the corners, so she just sat back and enjoyed the ride. Nothing has broken in three years, and people even tell me they still notice a hint of new-car smell. The back seat is more comfortable than you'd think.
First Convertible
After comparing many convertibles, we settled on a 2003 Spyder Convertible (auto) for several reasons, the highest on the list being headroom as I am 6' 4" and found virtually all other comparisons left much to be desired in roominess department. Although it did not have the horsepower of some of those vehicles we looked at, it had the best combination of features and came in less than 30k which we had agreed to stay under. We just got back from a Florida driving trip (1600 miles RT) and were very pleased with how un- cramped and un-tired we were after an 8 hour drive.
I love my Spyder!!
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a very nice,fun car to drive. I love to put the top down (especially because it helps you see the back of the car better). I passed the state inspection but the only problem is the brakes make a little bit of noise (technician will take a look to see whats going on)
love it
This mitsubishi is one word awsome, but what can i say i love sporty cars and fast cars. The forst time i saw this mitsubishi i liked it from the star because it looks really good.
This Sypder BITES!!!
I bought this car in 2000. I have had NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS it!! I'll make a long story short (unfortunately, this is the short version): The top leaks, after 2 1/2 years had to spend $1,000 for a new top - and still have problems with it going back smoothly, the window/door lock controller "box" has fallen into the door panel (twice, @ $120 each repair), A/C went out ($450 to replace), cam sensor went out @ around 40,000 miles & the car totally shut down ($200 expense). Along with the un-necessary repairs above, I have had this car towed a total of 9 times in the past 2 years....times that by $50 and you decide if buying the eclipse sypder is worth it!!!
How Sweet it is.
The best thing was I wasn't even going to buy a convertable never mind a Mitsubishi! An associate of mine bought a Diamante and got a hell of a deal so I decided to check it out. For a lark I test drove the Spyder and whoa! What a sweet little sports car, and not anything like I expected. It drove like the the 69 or 70's Cobra a friend of mine had. The next thing you know I'm signing the papers with no payments for a year. Is that sweet or what? I'm in love with a car!? Go figure. Don't tell the girlfriend.
Much better than the '99.
Just bought the new 2003 and turned in the old 1999 model. I like the performanc much better than the old and they added some little extras in the new.
My first love...
I love this car. Its style is gorgeous, it's built well, it's just down right spiffy. It hugs the road, is good in snow (compared to cars), has enough room for two or three people with one tiny person in the back, which is sort of small. The only downfall I see is the lack of passenger space for more than two people. But, if your looking for a family car then obviously you don't buy this car. The back seats serve more of a shoppers bag holder. This car is a must drive, its gas mileage is good and its body is strong. It is the love of my life.
my opinion
I LOVE THIS CAR IT IS FUN TO DRIVE IT IS SPECIAL IN LOOKS AND HANDLES WONDERFUL LOOKS SEXY AND SPORTY
lotts of looks
Never will i buy another car except a Mitsubishi,the salesperson Johnny Webb at First team in chesapeake va,was real helpful and he really knows his cars..a nice expercience
Perfect Midlife Crisis Car
The Spyders quick response exactly what you want it to do. Is it cramped? Yes & No. For the driver and front passenger,absolutely not. For the backseat passenger,yes! But really, who cares because face it, the Spyder is a "ME" car..not a "WE" car. The 6 CD in the dash system is fantastic. the speakers can make everyone around you listen to what YOUR listening to. Does the wind mess up your hair? Front seat passengers all agree..NO. The windshield comes high enough to cut the wind. Trunk space is really small but I do get my golf bag and clubs in there and accessories. It is the PERFECT midlife crisis car.
Eclipses Rock
This is one of the best affordable sports cars ever.
Eclipse Spyder 6cyl
This sports car is truly one of the best that I have raced. I have tried out civic's and acura's but this eclipse has truly given me the best performance. It is also alot easier to add performance parts to.
Lost my drivers license
Appearances can be deceiving. Gorgeous car. Interior has exposed wiring, roof leaks at car wash, back seat has a 90 degree angle which is extremely uncomfortable. However, it is fast and handles well. Very fun to drive. Unfortunately the bright red 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spyder is a magnet for radar detectors! This Arizona driver has had her license suspended after owning the car for only 4 months! Bottom line...fun and fast car. But can you have a fun, fast, red car and legally ENJOY driving it!?
Excellent car!
I've had this car for over 3 years as my primary vehicle, and it still looks and performs like new. This despite the fact that I'm a horrible procrastinator (an oil change missed here, inspection skipped there...)It's fast, responsive, comfortable, and chicks dig it.
Fun Fun Fun
This car is a blast to drive. Great looks & even better handling. And after 25,000+ miles, noooo problems. Have to agree with the comments from other reviews on turning radius, but for the number of times that issue comes up, it's not a problem to worry about.
A sport car for Mom!
I'm a 43 y/o self-employed working wife and mother. Its been a very long time since I've had the opportunity to own something other than a family vehicle. I recently purchased a 2003 Sypder GTS, 5 spd convertible! This car is absolutely the most beautiful, most fun car I've ever driven. Its not only easy to manuever its also very peppy! My only complaint to date is that the gas door cover does NOT match the car and the only other option for this seems to be an alloy cover that doesn't match any better.
Eclipse Spyder Convert
Handles well, accelerates with no problems.
I love this car!
I do love this car. Fun to drive, lots of stares from people who wished they had one! I bought it fully loaded, and it was well worth the extra cash!
Fun Ride
Sales Staff amazing, Traded out of a 2001 Nissan Max 20th SE with one year left on lease. Pull out of the deal even on the trade and 2 dollars over invoice on the Eclipse. Most wonderful purchase exp of a car ever. They bent over backwards to get me into this car and had a great attitude towards making it work the whole time. Interior is very comfortable, minus the back seats. Sporty, very fun to drive.
Happy days
Love this car, there's always room for improvement, but this car is dang fun to dive.
Excellent Car
I love this car. i wanted it so bad and i finally got it!!!
Exiting
I love driving this car, I have not had it up to high rates of speed, but the overall drive is great. I enjoy the feeling that if I need to go fast I have it at the tip of my fingers. The absolute control of the car is amazing! I enjoy my every day transportation from and to work daily.
Affordable Price yet Costly Upkeep
I bought my 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse for the sole purpose of having a fun convertible at an affordable price. I was disappointed to discover that I was visiting the gas station more often, especially with the impractical premium gas prices in California. But despite all that, I still enjoy the car and I think its very attractive. I get a lot of looks and girls definitely enjoy cruising with me in it. Another disappointment was the price for maintenance. In the service manual, it says to replace the spark plugs at 25,000 miles. Just the labor itself for 2.5 hours is about $200. That is not including the six spark plugs you have to buy for $20 each. I guess that is what a high performance engine calls for. This car Earns a B- in my book.
2003 Mit Spyder convertable GS
125 mi. and going strong! On time oil & transmission fluid changes, 3rd battery since purchase Aug 2003. 1 owner vehicle....seats are hard front & back & 1 door hinge doesn't stay open but that is my only dissatisfaction with this vehicle. I use the auto transmission but it also came with a switch over to manuel transmission feature which I have not seen anywhere else yet but I know they do exists. I am looking for a truck now because of free range horse/cattle in my area. I will miss this car forever. Held up well in & out. I had avalanche truck -entire dash board circuitry went out-thanks for not letting me know chevy co! I will buy my new truck elsewhere! not like U couldn't find me duh!
Sooo much fun !
I bought this car from Fremont Mitsubishi, CA. The sales staff was TERRABLE !!! No one knew anything!!! I had to research all options, trims, and any questions I had, I had to find out on my own. NO ONE in that dealership helped at all. In the end through dealing only with the New General manager did I finally get my car. (everyone else we had delt with had vanished)
Can I get some power please?
Traded a V6 Accord coupe with all options. Biggest mistake ever! This car is affordable, but no fun. If I could do it all over again I'd get aGTS 5- speed, and then maybe I could get decent acceleration and around town drivability. I have to drive my GS with the manumatic constantly revving to 6,000RPM and I still think it is slow. Build quality is okay, and the interior has too many cheap plastics. I had to buy an aluminum dash kit just to dress it up. I'm going to keep the car, so I plan to add headers, a new exhaust, new intake and throttle body, and either a turbocharger or performance chip. It's the only way the car will be tolerable.
Oh my Gosh!!!
Worst car in the world!! Bought it with 62,000 miles and it is the worst. So uncomfortable, so noisy, so many rattle, make horrible grinding noises, engine is ok, but not powerful enough, all of these cars have cracked dashes that make all sorts of noises. IT IS SO TERRIBLE!!!!! Never buy this car. OH YA and it LEAKES Water From Stupid A/C. Worst car ever!!!!!!! I can not express this enough!! DONT BUY!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Spyder should eat some more Wheaties
I bought this car back in March and was initially happy with it, but as time went on I became more and more frustrated with the very poor low-end HP and torque. Sure, once ya get the thing about 4000 rpm, it pulls fairly well, but getting to that point is torture. Mash the accelerator anything under 4000 rpm and the thing just dogs. The car handles corners very well and is fun to drive in that aspect. Another compliant is the awful turning radius. By far the worst in that aspect of any car I have driven. Any U-turn is impossible without having to backup at least once.
Only The Best!
This is a wonderful car great for a teenager just wanting to get out and drive away from home(then come back to you for money or food). Just Kidding. My dauter loves her new car.
mitsu convert
Just a plain fun vehicle to drive on a nice summer day.
BUY IT
Before buying the spyder, I shopped and shopped and shopped. This car is the most solid value around. It is roomier than the two seaters but just as slick and fun to drive. The finishing of the car is meticulous. I love this car.
yo smokey!!!
hey i actually think, it being my first car and all, that it was a good car. Having experiences with my parents cars such as,mustang,trailblazer,camaro,and more, i prefer the eclipes spyder better. its a great car! it has great comfort and its REALLY fun to drive!!!
cool
This thing rips! I just love the way it handles. The interior design rivals that of a Ferrari. However, it does have poor accelaration.