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Used 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
21 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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!!!!!!!!!!

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2.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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3 out of 5 stars

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
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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