Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Consumer Reviews
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The best $7000 I ever spent
Luke L, 11/09/2008
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
It was completely stock a 56 year old owned it, it had 87000 miles on it. I am the second owner! I get 20 mpg usually, LOL I am a lead foot. Make sure you replace your timing / balance shaft belt, tensioners, and water pump every 60k miles with oem parts. I would as a precaution if buying from a dealer go ahead and fork the 350 over to get it put on. The reason I rated the interior design an 8 is because the cup holder is not usable with a 5 spd with a 20 oz bottle. Don't buy ebay aftermarket turbos, get the real mhi evo 3 big 16g, 550cc injectors, walbro 255, apexi afc, and fuel pressure regulator. Set boost to 18psi, and then you will really feel the power. Stock clutch going at 90k
You're gonna like it.
aLzA~, 04/26/2006
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Eclipse almost 2 years now. This car is really good and fun to drive. I use it for everyday driving so don't be afraid to do so youeself.
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gwood, 12/27/2009
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Wow, this car is great! Awd turbo, it's just awesome. Great exterior design, from the bubble spoiler to the stock 17 alloy rims. But they should have designed the cup holders a little better.
Beautiful car and very fun to drive
moore11, 01/06/2010
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I brought this car with only about 110,000 miles and the only thing I had to replace was a valve cover gasket. The power on the car is ok just enough for passing. With the amount of performance parts out there, theirs a lot of potential for the 420A. It really shines in handling. The low stance makes it fun to drive when going around sharp corners or mountain passes. The cabin noise is a tiny bit loud, but it is a sports car so you can expect that. The outside is just simply amazing to look at. I fell in love with it once I seen it.
Fantastic stuff
Kenny Leong, 07/31/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It's one of the most beautiful looking cars I've ever seen irrespective of the cost. Two thumbs up to the people that came up with this style of car. I just feel great sitting inside one, and the car handles well. The 2 Litre engine idles beautifully, and it's definitely enough to give a bit of zip to the car when you need it. It can be hard to see out the back window and the cabin noise can sometimes be a bit high, but who cares right? It's a sports car afterall. Sometimes you just have to compromise beauty for comfort and practicality. I simply love sitting inside the car, as it is so elegant and not arrogant.
A Solid Entry-level Sports Car
saikyan, 10/03/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall I've been very happy with my 97' Eclipse GS. For starters, the car is absolutely gorgeous... easily one of the most attractive 90's sports cars. The interior is also very well designed. Small back seats.. but really, you shouldn't buy a car like this with backseat comfort in mind. No problems with reliability... give it routine maintenance and watch the gasket (as it seems to be the least reliable part of the car). The engine itself is decent in terms of performance. It is competant, but not particularly fast... If you're serious about speed look into a GST or GSX. Fuel economy is excellent, and the car handles very nicely. Pretty good sound system, too.
Best purchase I ever made
Leichtspeed, 10/18/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The second gen is by far the best looking Eclipse, a gorgeous car and a definite headturner, and in GS trim it will get you lots of attention. The 420A motor is reliable and has a lot of potential, but needs modification to realize it. In stock form it is merely adequate, due in part to this car's cumbersome weight. Acceleration is good enough to give you decent passing ability. Handling is very sharp, and the GS/GST/GSX versions have front and rear anti-sway bars. Ride is a bit rough, but it enhances the sporty feel of the car. Seats are comfortable, and the cockpit design wraps around the driver. The hatchback is adequate with the fold down seats.
one long fun ride
jplgsx, 10/06/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this used in '98. I had no idea what a great car I had purchased. AWD and turbo for a bargain price. I have mintained this car very well and could not resist adding some of the modifications available. I took it out on to the road racing track and surprised Corvettes and RX7 turbo cars. This is a very special car that unfortunately Mitsubishi no longer makes. The Evolution 8 is the only thing close.
love my car
Althea, 09/24/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have not had many problems with my car, and have had only to put out over all, a couple thousand in it over the course of 7 years I love the way it handles, I love driving the car
Lord of Lemons
bryan43, 08/19/2012
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car yesterday, and on the way home the clutch decided to lock up and so i could not get it home. Had to tow it. Then when accelerating on to the freeway, when ever the turbo gauge would go to the top it was exactly like the car had a rev limiter, it would continue at the same speed but, would not go any faster. Turbo didn't "whine" like it is supposed to. I don't know what happened with this car but I'm disappointed with the car in general. Going to look at the next model eclipses.
One check engine light after another!
purplewolf617, 06/01/2013
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
This the worst car I ever owned! It was fun to drive but every month it had one check engine light after another. Within 3 moths after buying the car I had to put 3 alternator belts,starter & an alternator in it! The rear defrosters stopped working & I had to shake the radio to start it. Then the windows stopped working. My dad bought one & the radiator was leaking water & over heated as soon as we left the dealership!
gsx
tom push, 11/08/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the gsx is mint, i slammed it with wheels and and low pro's have a sick new turbo intercooler and front bumper for just an example of mods its a great fun car to drive.
The best import
Peterr, 11/07/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fastest car i have ever driven, turbo goes at about 60 thousand miles and timing belt too, needs to be changed after that the car will perform almost new and stays or beats almost any new cars out there.
Great Ride
klepore, 01/05/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is an absolute blast to drive. I have a 5 spd manual transmission and it is quite zippy. However, it is a base model vehicle so you pay for what you get. It has 43000 miles and haven't had a problem with it yet. I do however question the build quality of the vehicle, the doors kind of have a rattling noise to them when you slam the door. It just doesn't feel real solid, but overall a great car and very fun to drive. Also, it has a great storage capacity. I was very surprised, once you fold down the backseat you can fit just about anything in the hatch.
fun fast car
mraley31, 02/10/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a great car! I bought it used and it is still running great with over 100k. there is not much room inside for passangers so if you want a car your friends wont beg you to drive this is great. the only thing i dont like is that there is no traction in first gear. other than that great fun fast car.
Rock-solid turbo engine with beauty
dan chi, 02/27/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1. Rock solid turbocharged engine makes for a happy drive every day. Stuck behind a slow truck going 20mph when traffic is zipping by at 45mph? No problem, punch it in first gear and slam it into second and you'll start passing those cars going 45 in just a couple of seconds. :-) Big smile. 2. This car is so reliable it's amazing. I was always under the impression that these cars were not that reliable before I got one. Now I think differently. Much love to this engine designed by mitusibishi. 4. Go get one. Just make sure it's been treated properly and the timing belt has been changed or else suffer expensive repairs.
Fun - If You Get the Right One
Hephaestus824, 04/29/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Definitely an absolute blast to drive on a twisty road as long as it is equipped with the 5speed manual. The auto is sluggish and jerky. Looks are great, aftermarket is phenomenal. Cheap fun. Rear seats are useless, but look nice none the less. Hard to see out of rear window and over little hood hump, but boy does it look nice. Interior hugs you - like a glove. So nice. Acoustics are outstanding.
My Favorite Car
Ben , 03/04/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, this is the perfect car for someone who wants to learn how to modify cars. This car is safe, fun, and reliable. The only bad thing about this car is that the gas gauge is wrong. Since it is all-wheel-drive the gas tank is split in two. So when it says your on empty and the low fuel light is on, you actually have 7 gallons left.
Mutsubishi Eclipse - Best Car
Bernier65, 05/09/2006
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car that I have ever had in my 37 years. It's fast, comfortable, and gets pretty good gas mileage. The price is also great.
A Great 'Fun Car'
NTense, 01/04/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new, and must say of the 4 cars I've owned, this has been my favorite! It's cockpit like driver's seat makes you feel like you're ready to fly. The turbo is responsive, and supplies ample power to this car. Rear seats are small(as with most sport coupes), and shouldn't be considered for more than children or extra luggage. The car handles great, and was comfortable enough for me to make many cross country trips in. The stereo system absolutely rocked (as much as one can ask for from a factory system). If you're considering a sports coupe in this price range, take a hard look at the GS-T or GS-X.
Fun, fast, and reliable.
Danielle GS-T, 07/18/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great gas mileage, very reliable, fun to drive. The clutch had to be replaced, but that was after about 5 years.
The Fast and the Furious
Murph's GS-T, 01/15/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, the Eclipse GS-T has been a wonderful vehicle. Minor problems here and there. Getting close to 30 now, and looking for a bit more "mature" vehicle, but the car has been great. The 17-24 year old that buys mine will love it!
V8 EATER
Schmidty_07, 04/24/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is really fast, i did some mod's to it, a big 16G turbo and a dragon Z body kit, 660CC injectors, and it is even now faster, but before i did mod's to it, it still halled alot of yeaaaa, it has always been my dream car and know i own one.
Fly GS-T
vitesse, 06/04/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the best, if not the best, cars in its class. Fun, style and fast.
7865495132493
cooldog, 07/13/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its great its the best car ever i think every one should have one its so cool
Awesome car, fun to drive and gorgeous!
Brits02, 03/14/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is soooo much fun!!! When you drive it around (especially if you have a sun roof, if your thinking of getting on get one with a sun roof) you feel really awesome. Usually they have some engine problems so that is something to consider and you want to make sure your car is in good shape before you buy it, but Mitsubishis are great, and this is one of its best!
Amazing Car
Army CPT, 10/04/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Eclipse in June of '97 after graduating from college and have never regretted the decision. Great performance from a turbo 4-cylinder and outstanding winter handling by the AWD. Unfortunately, I'm selling it this fall to upgrade to a more family oriented vehicle. It's too bad that Mitsubishi stopped making Turbos.
1997 eclipse turbo is a great machine
Bertimus, 10/23/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my turbo eclipse with 15K miles and now it has 109K and I've had no problems other than a bad thermostat. Great look, very good power (210HP) and surprisingly reliable and with 29MPG. Interior would be very uncomfortable for tall person. Keep stiff walled tires on it!!!
great car
blue rh, 11/09/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is fast fun and reliable. the only thing that is poor is the blind spots in the car. lots of torque steer but thats ok
My 1997 GS-T
dan, 06/27/2007
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car at 117,000. In just over a year and a half it's at 142,000. At 142,000, the factory turbo is still working just fine. Just make sure you don't miss the regular oil changes and keep up with your maintenance and the car will continue to work well for you. At 10 years old, there is no rust and everything works. Overall a great car, though keep in mind that with a turbo your maintenance is higher because so much of the engine bay is used up making it harder to remove and get to necessary parts.
still a thrill
blackwings, 01/05/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
going on my 5th year with this car and i'm still in love with it. with no more than routine maintenance it still runs like new and it's style doesn't seem dated. very fun to drive and low maintenance.
great car!!!
EclipseGuy, 10/11/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really great car, love the exterior and the car really handles well in the corners
power station
power station, 05/21/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like this car (Mit. GST)because : 1)it is a fun car to drive. 2)it looks really sexy and sporty. 3)it is very powerful and has GOOD HANDLING. It does drive like a sport car 4)Reliability is above average
awsome
Billy White, 01/15/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
quick, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, Quarter mile in 15.1. Top end, I have not got there but I have went 140 easy.
Great Car
REX, 06/10/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
These are great cars for the enthusiasts out there. They're not the BEST handling sports cars around (they're a little heavy) but they provide great acceleration in turbo form. The clutch feels great and the shifter is smooth and strong, but they tend to have a slight difficulty getting into third gear. This particular body stlye is timeless, a real work of art. Mine has 110,000 miles and no problems at all. Mitsubishi makes a great car. Overall a very fun and reliable car.
Turbo is the way to go.
Golfpro, 11/13/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned for less than a year but feel this car is the most fun I've ever had on 4 wheels. Plenty of power, very responsive and handles like a dream. Stock stereo (Infinity) is great sounding and the AWD is all it's cracked up to be.
Love my car
monica1, 06/10/2004
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Eclipse but if I had done the research I would hav purchased a gs-t or gsx.
love my 'clipse
janelle05, 07/07/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought my car mainly because i was in college, had a little money and wanted to get a new car. I have never spent money so well. my car runs, runs well, and even the factory speakers dont sound like factory.
THE BEST
LYNNE, 09/04/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS IS THE 3RD ECLIPSE OWNED IN 10 YEARS.I LOVE THIS CAR AND WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE.ALL GADGETS ARE LOCATED IN A VERY HANDY PLACE, VERY COMFFY TO DRIVE, VERY DEPENDABLE, VERY FEW REPAIRS (186000 MILES). LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!
108K and still going
riiha, 06/08/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it new in 97 and 108k miles later I have had to replace the thermostat and that's it. It is just as fun to drive as the day I bought it with the superb handling and jump off the line in the lower gears. Still average around 32 miles per gallon.
97 ECLIPSE GS
E. CLIPSE, 08/15/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car with 35,000 miles on it. In two years I put 74,000 miles on it and have had MAJOR issues. Since I bought it I have had to replace the transmission, all belts, brakes 4x, rotors 2x, power steering pump, and tires. It is a great, fun car to drive but it didn't hold up to well to all the highway driving. Would reccomend, but under 40k miles and with turbo..straight 4 is too small.
1997 Eclipse GSX
97GSX Owner, 08/23/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new in 1997. In stock form, performs very good and it's fun to drive. After all this years I still love it and don't plan on selling it. The AWD system means a lot of grip. I have driven this car so hard for 96K miles and the engine is still running very strong and no oil consumption. I am impressed by that. No problems with anything, except that that turbo went under 72K but it was replaced under warranty . Everything else ... no problems!
This Car just falls short...
quik16, 09/23/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not only is the power in the GS model a joke, but the handling and body roll are horrible. I got the car a few months ago and I am really dissapointed. The only thing i like about the car is the exterrior design. The interior is uncomfortable and mechanically the car is unsound. If you want a sports car don't get an eclipse. The mercury cougar might be a better choice if you don't want japaneese. Oh yeah,the eclipse was manufactured for Mistsubishi by Chrysler so keep that in mind. It's not an Import.
I eat V ATE(8) MY DUST
GSXRATED, 08/28/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I spent over 1 year finding my 97 GSX. This is the 2nd GSX that i have owned and i like this one much better.(1ST Eclipse was a 1991) This is a high maintenance vehicle. You must change oil and all other fluids as specified in the owners manual. My car has 46000 miles on it now and runs GREAT!!!! I have many bolt on mods INJEN AIR INTAKE, 1ST GEN BOV, UPPER INTERCOOLER PIPE, GREDDY PROFEC B BOOST CONTROLLER, AUTOMETER GUAGES AND POD, 3IN MANIFOLD BACK EXHAUST, DENSO IRIDIUM PLUGS, JACOBS WIRES ETC... Beware modding your car gets very addicting. I eat up Mustangs, Camaros, VW's, Hondas etc.
Best Car Ever
Don Tenusi, 04/24/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is reliable haven't had one thing wrong with it. People always compliment how good the car looks. Perfect drive. Just all together sweet.
budget driver
Jonathan Wood, 06/07/2016
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
easy to find parts for, tons of online support for DIY'ers, sporty design with an almost bullet proof engine. performance enhancements still available around any town
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
FAST !!!!
assubanipal, 07/08/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car ... I really enjoyed it ... drove up and down the mountains in Colorado in every type of snow conditions. Never got stuck believe it or not. There is so much power on those 4 tires, it's amazing. Ended up plowing the snow off the road when it got over 7 inches.
DA BOMB
GDawg, 01/19/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Turbo 2dr Hatchback AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most well built car there is. Excelleration and speed make this car awsome to drive. I dragged my friends 2002 Mustang GT and whooped his but.
I love this car!
Melanie D, 05/20/2002
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 140 hp eclipse is so fun to drive, and is so reliable, it is the best investment I've ever made! The exterior design is so cute and distinctive, it stands out from all other cars in it's class.
Excellent Choice
Niclipse97, 10/03/2003
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Straight up. This car is beautiful. I love the way it feels when your zoomin by other cars out there. Yes, they should've made it have a bigger engine with more horsepower. But then again it would've added more weight. But still an all around great car. I love my baby.