2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
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Used Eclipse Spyder for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable front seats
- relatively roomy cargo area.
Cons
- High price
- convertible's poor outward visibility
- sluggish acceleration with GS models
- torque steer with GT
- small backseat
- no telescoping wheel
- lackluster interior quality.
What’s new
For 2012, a new special-edition Mitsubishi Eclipse "SE" model debuts with a number of appearance upgrades.
Edmunds says
Outdated in just about every aspect, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse just can't keep up with the latest sport coupes and convertibles.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-Sport 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 $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$177/mo for Eclipse Spyder GS-Sport
Eclipse Spyder GS-Sport
vs
$163/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Every once in a while a car's name takes on a second and entirely unintended meaning. Such is the case with the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Eclipse coupe and Spyder convertible, both in their last year of production, were once darlings of the sport compact scene. In the last few years, however, a new breed of inexpensive, fun-to-drive coupes and convertibles have literally eclipsed the old favorite.
The problems start under the hood. Even when this latest-generation Eclipse was new, its base four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic were pretty mediocre. Today, that combination lags in both performance and fuel economy. The 265-horsepower V6 powering the Eclipse GT is a better fit for the car's avant-garde styling, but again it's outclassed. Most current V6 sport coupes and convertibles boast at least 300 hp and better fuel economy.
Other downsides include a small backseat, lackluster interior quality and a high price. The latter might not be much of an issue, as dealers will likely have plenty of cash incentives to wave around. Even so, we'd recommend shoppers try the Chevrolet Camaro V6, Ford Mustang V6 and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. All are better choices. If you're only looking for a sexy shape and good fuel economy, put the Kia Forte Koup and Scion tC on your test-drive list.
Performance & mpg
Power for the front-wheel-drive 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder comes from one of two engines. GS, GS Sport and SE models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The GS comes standard with a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic is an option. The auto comes standard on the GS Sport and SE. EPA estimated fuel economy with either transmission is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
The Eclipse GT gets a 3.6-liter V6 good for 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. This engine requires premium fuel and its estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder's standard safety features include four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and front seat side-impact airbags. Coupe models also get front side curtain airbags, while the Spyder gets taller side airbags that cover occupants' heads. The rear seats lack head restraints. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Eclipse Spyder earned a top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.
Driving
Behind the wheel, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse underwhelms. The four-cylinder engine can barely propel the hefty car with any authority. The more powerful V6 is better suited to this application, though hard acceleration usually results in spinning tires and heavy doses of torque steer.
Handling is competent, though the large turning circle hampers slow-speed maneuverability. The Spyder exhibits noticeable chassis flex over rough pavement, but not enough to detract from the joys of al fresco motoring.
Interior
Both the Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder offer attractive interiors, though the overall impression is cheapened somewhat by the use of low-quality plastics. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel means some drivers may struggle to find an ideal driving position.
Rear seatbacks are too upright to be comfortable for more than a short trip, and taller passengers will also crave more headroom here. Those seatbacks split 50/50, however, and folding down both sections creates a healthy 15.7 cubic feet of cargo room.
The most notable difference in the Spyder's passenger cabin is that the three-layer cloth convertible top makes for limited visibility out the back. The power-operated top can be lowered in about 20 seconds, but doing so cuts cargo capacity to a meager 5.2 cubic feet.
2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder models
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is offered in both four-passenger coupe and convertible (Spyder) body styles. Coupe models are offered in four trim levels -- GS, GS Sport, SE and GT -- while the Eclipse Spyder comes in just those last three flavors.
The entry-level GS model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, air-conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, 50/50 split-folding rear seatbacks and a six-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio input jack.
The GS Sport adds xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, heated power mirrors, a rear wiper, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and steering wheel controls. The Spyder GS Sport includes a power convertible roof. The new SE model gets all that, plus special styling details that include distinctive dark gray alloy wheels, matching rocker panel graphics and black mirrors.
The GT adds a standard V6 engine, bigger rear brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and automatic climate control. There are no significant factory options to speak of, but there are a number of dealer-installed accessories including an iPod adapter.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
5 star(84%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
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!
Eighth review: car is still doing well, no bad issues to report. The top still looks great and operates properly. I’m sure it being garaged helps there. I took a friend for a ride and he commented on the passing power. The V6 gives it plenty of power. It won’t challenge any Hellcats, but it has all the power you need really. Still glad we bought it. Update 9: The Spyder is a “Lake Car” for me. It stays at my second home, and is used in the summer, so I don’t have much new to report. When I put the car up in October it was running well with no issues. I had some great top down days with it last summer. On the really hot days, the A/C works great and freeze you out. I expect when I get back up there in April, it will fire right up and the top will come down, and I’ll be enjoying the ride.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Fun To Drive
Carmel Giberson, 09/04/2009
2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Using the clunkers for cash, I bought this car. My old car was 19 years old so to me everything about driving this car is new and exciting. The convertible top goes up and down with one push of a button. The car has so much pep and drives so smooth that I find myself speeding at times. The camera (new in 2010) that is used to help you when you put the car in reverse is great. Merging to … get off a highway while moving to your right is very hard due to the huge blind spot the convertible top gives you. Driving with the top off is the best. This car is fun to drive but it takes time to deal with the blind spots that are huge. The backseat is useless. The trunk is big even with the top off.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Consider this model
TopDown2, 12/29/2008
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 2dr Convertible (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
This car is under-reported. Beautiful design turns heads, esp. with skirts all the way around. Great performance, steering, suspension; good brakes. Nice throttle note. Roomy front, but adults are really pinched in rear. Excellent stereo. All controls silky and intuitive. Wheels are set way out, and easy to scrape... watch out. Top functions and seals flawlessly; minimal wind noise. I … love this car. My next step up would be a Boxster. I do not like the changes to front end in 2009.
4.63 out of 5 stars
It aint my daddy's truck
Rebecca, 09/12/2008
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I have always bought and drove small pickup trucks (rangers, s10s) and this is a COMPLETELY new experience. Although the turn radius is greater than my last pickup and with the top up you can see very little around you, it more than makes up for having to be extra careful with the fun of owning a convertible AND the really flashy look that draws everyone's attention! I work at a school … and the kids LOVE it when I put the top up/down because they think it looks like a transformer! I never dreamed I would own an orange car, but would not trade it for another color now if offered!! :D
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, so we've included reviews for other years of the Eclipse Spyder since its last redesign.
2012 Eclipse Spyder Highlights
GS-Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,999 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $177/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Eclipse Spyder include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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