2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
List Price Estimate: | $4,104 - $6,154 |
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2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stylish design, quick in GT form, well-suited for top-down cruising, comfy front seats, rockin' Rockford Fosgate audio system.
Cons
- Poor outward visibility with top up, sluggish acceleration on GS model, stability control not offered, small backseat, wide turning radius.
What’s new
The addition of formerly optional 18-inch wheels to the GT trim as standard equipment is the lone change made for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
Edmunds says
Though not without its flaws, the 2008 Eclipse Spyder's mix of sexy styling, comfortable front seating and sporty performance make it a worthy choice among sub-$30,000 convertibles.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$193/mo
Eclipse Spyder GS
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
In the realm of four-seat, under-$30,000 convertibles, the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is one of the sportier entries. Now in its second year since a full redesign, the Spyder carries over mostly unchanged, offering the same radical styling and solid driving experience. Based on the regular Eclipse coupe, the Spyder comes with either four-cylinder or V6 power, a power-operated soft top and a two-person backseat.
The Eclipse's traditional soft top might seem a bit old-fashioned these days, given that competing convertibles like the Chrysler Sebring, Pontiac G6 and Volkswagen Eos 2.0T come with standard or optional retractable hardtops. However, the Spyder's soft top is well insulated from wind and road noise. Plus, the drop-top Eclipse has a nice-looking interior with generally solid-quality materials and an attractive, modern design. And in GT form, equipped with the V6 engine, this Mitsubishi can be quite sporty thanks to its substantial low-end torque and respectable handling ability.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is not without flaws. Its backseat is small, and less useful than the accommodations in most other four-place convertibles. It's not as sporty as the rear-drive Ford Mustang, and performance from the four-cylinder GS model is especially lackluster. Our advice is to figure out your priorities: If you want a truly athletic convertible, go with a Mustang GT. If you want a comfy and refined cruiser, consider an Eos or a Toyota Camry Solara. If you want something in between, Mitsubishi's Eclipse Spyder GT just might be the right fit, as it mixes modern styling with respectable amounts of performance and comfort.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive Eclipse is available with two different engines. The GS model comes with a four-cylinder engine that displaces 2.4 liters and produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The GT model features a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 260 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GS can be equipped with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic with Sportronic manual shift control. Mitsubishi upgrades the GT with a six-speed manual or an optional five-speed Sportronic automatic. With the V6, the manual-equipped Eclipse can accelerate to 60 mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds. The V6's fuel economy (16 mpg city/24 mpg highway rating for 2008), however, is not exactly budget-friendly. The four-cylinder has a slightly better 19/26 estimate.
Safety
In addition to the government-mandated equipment, all 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyders have antilock disc brakes and front-seat side airbags with head and torso coverage. GT models further benefit from traction control and bigger rear disc brakes. Stability control is not offered. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Eclipse Spyder was given the highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Driving
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS's four-cylinder engine is fine for normal driving, but the V6 is clearly a better match for this relatively heavy car. Not only does it add some personality to the car thanks to its snorty exhaust note, it also helps to overcome the Spyder's hefty curb weight (3,700 pounds for the GT model). The manual transmission is recommended if you're so inclined, as it's easy and fun to shift. On the road, the Eclipse Spyder handles well for a front-drive convertible and delivers a supple ride that makes it ideal for longer drives. There is a little more chassis flex over bumps than we would like, and the car's wide turn radius can be annoying, but it's not enough to spoil an otherwise enjoyable driving experience.
Interior
The Eclipse Spyder's cockpit has an attractive flowing dash, simple controls and generally good-quality materials -- although there are a few cheap bits here and there. The available two-tone color schemes are an attractive touch, although some may find the Terra Cotta and white combo a little like sitting inside a Creamsicle. Front-seat comfort is also notably good for this type of vehicle, but the two-person rear seat is suitable for children only -- and small ones at that. The Spyder features a three-layer convertible cloth top. Dropping it is a cinch. Release the header latches, hit a button and the top stows itself under the solid tonneau cover in 19 seconds, and it goes up just as rapidly. Unfortunately, this design severely limits rear visibility with the top up, and limits trunk space to only 5.2 cubic feet.
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder models
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a convertible version of the Eclipse coupe. Two trim levels, GS and GT, are available. The GS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power convertible cloth top with a glass rear window and defroster, air-conditioning, power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. A premium Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, a subwoofer, an in-dash six-CD changer (with MP3 compatibility) and speed-compensating volume is also standard. It does not have an auxiliary input jack, however.
The GT is similarly equipped but adds 18-inch wheels, a slightly sportier state of suspension tune and a dash-mounted compass and exterior temperature display. For the GS, Mitsubishi offers a leather package that adds leather-trimmed and heated front seats, heated mirrors and the GT's aforementioned display. A similar package is also available for the GT that features a wind deflector, automatic climate control and a power driver seat. A couple of exterior trim packages are available for buyers seeking a sportier look.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
5 star(81%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
90 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
A Sluggish Hottie
Sluggish Hottie!,12/18/2006
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
I have owned three convertibles prior to this one and it is by far the best value and hottest looking one I have owned. It is gorgeous, fun-to-drive and and very spacious inside. The top stowage system is superb and works flawlessly. The brakes are great. However, I am not happy that this is such a heavy car with the same horsepower as a Pontiac Solstice, which is half as big. What … gives? My engine should have another 100 horsepower to really move. All-in-all, there is no other car to compare at this price. I drove the Miata, Solstice, BMW Z4, 300Z and none have the roomy interior, killer sound system, awesome top and "drool appeal."
5 out of 5 stars
Sporty
Paul,12/11/2016
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 6M)
Ten years and 55,000 miles, three batteries, 2 sets of tires. I just replaced the clutch which required the engine to be yanked and re-installed. The interior plastic is easily scratched - don't take dogs for a ride! Otherwise, the car has held up great. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is at 500 watts per channel is more than adequate with the subwoofer mounted in the back seat … cushion. The car is very quick and agile on windy roads which makes it very fun to drive. Visibility out of the back window when the rood is up is limited by the small oval rear window, but at least it is glass and not Isinglass. The car is solid with no rattles after 10 years which is remarkable in and of itself, but being a convertible makes it even more impressive.
5 out of 5 stars
Have Loved this Car for 10 +years now
Tommy Ketcher,03/28/2016
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
This is a really fun car to drive, The top comes down and back up in 18 seconds with no issues 12 years. Have not had a single repair in the 72,800 miles I have put on it. Replaced the Battery, Tires in 2013 and other than that nothing except the recommended services such as Oil Changes. Vandals sliced open the Convertible top in 2017 and I took it to a Company in Kansas City, KS under … insurance. Top King specializes in that kind of work and it is flawless again. I have considered trading it in several times but can find nothing that I would like to have under 50k that would take its place. Paint is like new, some hazing on Headlight covers that I need to take to have detailed.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun Car
Glenn,07/02/2017
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
We were looking for a convertible to leave at our lake house and bought the Spyder. Its been a nice surprise and great fun to drive. It looks great in black and get lots of compliments. Money well spent.
Update: The car is still doing well. We enjoy driving it and are planning on keeping it for a long time.
Second Update: still enjoying the car with no issues at all.
Third … update: car is still doing great. Always a pleasure to drive.
Fourth update: No problems at all. Still enjoying it. I’m looking forward to driving it this summer.
Fifth update: Car is running and driving great. Had to repair the A/C. The condenser was bad. Common problem on these cars, but the car is 13 years old, so it’s expected. Looking forward to the rest of the summer with it.
Sixth update: Had to put in a mass air sensor it in last summer. Easy fix, I did it myself. Car is running great. Looking forward to this summer with it.
Seventh Update: No issues to report. The car is running great! Expecting another summer driving it and enjoying the fresh air in my hair!
Eighth Update: the car is sleeping in the garage at the lake waiting for me to get back in a couple months. It was running well when I left it, and I expect it to fire right up when I return for another summer of top down fun. Still running well and no real issues. The interior is holding up well. It’s all black and I get compliments on it a lot. Doesn’t use a drop of oil. Since the A/C repair, it’s back to freezing you out of the car again. Still feeling good about the car!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, so we've included reviews for other years of the Eclipse Spyder since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $25,699
- MPG & Fuel
- 19 City / 26 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 162 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 179.7 in. / Height: 54.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.2 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,472 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 5.2 cu.ft.
More about the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Overview
The Used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is offered in the following submodels: Eclipse Spyder Convertible. Available styles include GS 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 4A), GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 5A), GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 6M), and GS 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder models are available with a 2.4 L-liter gas engine or a 3.8 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 260 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed shiftable automatic, 5-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2008 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 2008 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) 2008 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 AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
Can't find a used 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyders you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2008 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
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