Used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Consumer Reviews
Poorly built
My Eclipse is fun to drive, and a pretty good performer, but the build quality is extremely low. I noticed a ticking sound in the engine only after 8,000 miles. When I pressed the clutch in, the ticking goes away. The dealer said this is normal wearing of the clutch! Spoke to Mitshubishi directly, and they agreed. The clutch is obviously bad. They're just waiting for the warranty to expire (10,000 miles) before telling me I need to pay for a new clutch. Trying to get rid of this car ASPA. Creeking, squeeking, etc. Poor build quality. I was warned not to buy a Mitshubishi. Wish I took the advice.
Mistu Eclipse 03 GTS
I got a great deal on this car, with Mitsu's 3000 rebate and 3000 customer loyalty last year and my 1992 Eclipse had 160K miles on it, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I have no gripes at all with this car. It has great acceleration, has great handling and excellent performance. I enjoy the sun and sound package and the interior midnight blue leather combo looks great. If you can afford a few extra grand, definitely go for the GTS model. In my opinion, Eclipses blow Mustangs away; they are much better looking, more reliable and just made with better materials (Mustang is mostly fiberglass). The only drawback is gas mileage, but we don't buy sports cars for mileage.
- GS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,995814 mi away
- GTS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,950945 mi away
- GT 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,495994 mi away
Fun
I have never owned a sports car before, so it is hard to compare. I love the way it looks, though. It is not a family car so you can't criticize the small back seat. It handles very well and has lots of pick up for a 4 cyl. The gas mileage is also impressive.
Good car, but not a sports car...
I bought the car new in May '02 and had to replace the factory clutch in Sept of '02. The car now has 53k on it and I have only had to replace the front breaks. No problems since then w/ anything mechanical. But, for essentially a two-seat sports car it could be faster. The seats should also be more supportive and less cushiony. The suspension is noticable soft/bouncy and feels more like you're in a sedan than a sleek hatchback. It also turns like a Mac truck (40+ ft turning radius!) overstear also becomes a problem w/ more spirited driving. Consider the Acura RSX as well if you are considering a Mitsu.
Fun car could use some upgrades...
Was driving an accord coupe that was too slow. This car is fast and definitely more fun to drive, but doesn't hand quite as well as Honda's are known too. Guess you can't have it all. Have had the car 5 months...so good so far.
Good, but not great
I've had this car for over a year now. I didn't buy this car to race it and my driving style is actually pretty conservative. Problems I've had in the past year: Clutch was completely replaced at 14,000 miles at MY expense; the sunroof is CRAP, it has a mind of its own and will open and close depending on its mood; the factory tires are CRAP... I had to have mine replaced at 12,000 miles because two of them had large bubbles in the sidewalls; the brakes are crap. At 10,000 miles, I had to have the rotors turned. If you're considering buying this car, I HIGHLY recommend you go to www.neweclipse.org and www.deadeclipse.com to read up on it.
Sweet car
This is a nice car, like the interior and the 210 horses, be careful though, it creeps up in speed without you knowing
Great car
Runs great, build quality is excellent.
Won Me Over
I really did like the Eclipse because of the lack of power compared to others in it's class. The new GTS changed my perception. The extra 10 horses makes all the difference in the world. The car is fun to drive and the leather interior is much improved over other models. It's very quick off the line and has solid handeling.
Exceptional value for the money. Awesome
I love this car. I am somewhat biased, since this is my fourth Mitsubishi and I am very brand loyal, and this is for a reason, since these are great cars for the money in styling, performance,and reliability. I like to stick with a good thing, and this is a great car.