1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review
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Used Eclipse for sale
Appraise This CarMitsubishi Eclipse model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse features sleek styling, comfortable front seats, great cargo space.
Cons
- Puny back seat and harsh ride.
What’s new
The GSX gets a standard sunroof, power driver seat and remote keyless entry.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T Turbo 2dr Hatchback 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$231/mo for Eclipse GS-T
Eclipse GS-T
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Since 1990, the Eclipse has been giving budget-minded enthusiasts style and performance at bargain prices. Last year's redesign of the Eclipse improved on this great idea.
The RS, GS and GS-T have front-wheel drive, but different engines. A twin-cam Chrysler motor powers the RS and GS, while the GS-T gets a potent turbo version of a Mitsubishi 2.0-liter engine. The top-of-the-line GSX gets the Mitsubishi powerplant, and an all-wheel drive system that's ideal for less than hospitable climates.
Prices have crept up a bit and the Eclipse faces stiffer competition in the sport coupe class than it did when it was first introduced in 1990. Still, with all-wheel drive, good looks and fantastic performance, the GSX is worth consideration at $25,000. The GS and GS-T must duel with competitors that offer the same level of refinement and power, often at lower prices.
The Eclipse is essentially the same car as the Eagle Talon, but the Mitsubishi looks much better, to our eyes. The tail is tidier and the roof of the Eclipse is painted the same color as the rest of the car, unlike the Talon's all-black roof treatment. Dual airbags are standard for this sleek sportster, but antilock brakes are optional on all models. The interior is a nice place to spend time, with an organically shaped dashboard that sweeps in front of the driver and between the seats, putting all controls within easy reach.
Shop carefully for a sport coupe, but definitely consider the Eclipse, especially over its less sophisticated sibling, the Talon, which is now in its final year of production. The Eclipse won the battle over its Chrysler sibling, but the real test is how it competes against the recently improved Honda Prelude.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
5 star(56%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
46 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
dsmbasshead, 12/03/2010
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
I bought this car, as a replacement for my 2002 Mercury Cougar C2, and I think the eclipse was, by my standards, definitely an upgrade! First of, the exterior styling. The "2G" eclipse is definitely, the best looking generation IMO. I love the body lines, even the uneven hood. The interior is some what bland, but the curves of the dash and panels keep you entertained, although the … interior pattern is ugly. Performance on this, for a 2.0l DOHC L4, is awesome! It beats hondas all day and Ive even run agains a Dodge Ram Hemi and won! Its has its flaws, such as questionable build quality on less important components, but over all its a great car with good fuel economy, thats really fun to drive!
3.88 out of 5 stars
Good If You Don't Want Your Kid to Speed
jeeppsu85, 02/06/2007
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
My car is beautiful, but has no personality. I treated her like a daughter. I washed and waxed her weekly or bi-weekly and maintained her on a regular basis. There has been no problems with the leaks that are usually found with this model. My only problem is I tend to have problems accelerating on the highway and going uphills. In the winter, the trunk has the grand ability to smack ya … on the head. This is a beautiful car but it has low performance. The 420A inline 4 has amazing economy, it hits about 230-310 miles per full tank depending how you drive. To accelerate fast you need to turn the air/heat off to get full power to the engine.
3.13 out of 5 stars
A Good Car in my opinion
LocoDonkay, 02/23/2002
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2dr Hatchback
With this car I have enjoyed myself. I have had no major problems with the car like some of the other reviews. I have made some minor upgrades to the car....Euro tail lights,Short ram intake system, clear bumber leans,and a Hayame muffler.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Good car, only for gas mileage
laukc7085, 02/26/2010
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2dr Hatchback
this car has been a pain in my rear since i got it. I am going to school to be an automotive tech and i can tell you that this car breaks a lot and is hard to work on. the engine is crammed under the hood so there is no room to work. I've only had the car for about 2 months now and i really hate it. ive had to replace a belt, had a bearing go bad, i have an oil leak from somewhere, an … anti freeze leak, my release bearing in the clutch is going bad, had an electrical short, and just other things that irritate me
1998 Eclipse Highlights
Hatchback
GS-T
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $231/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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