Used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Consumer Reviews
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.
For the money spent, I'm satisfied.
I bought a GS model and though I do have a couple minor complaints I'm pretty well satisfied. I wanted a Celica but couldn't fit in one comfortably. The Eclipse is very comfy and easy on the back for anyone sitting in the front. Definitely not a 4 seater. Avoid 4 adult occupancy at all costs. The acceleration leaves something to be desired but is decent for a 4 cylinder. For the price I found this to be real good buy, styling and comfort were big for me and this car met those easily. I don't know why everyone rips on the interior. I personally like it. Beware of the blindspots! The rear left one can be quite a problem during the busy morning commute.
Update from 06/27/2003
Eclipse GTS 5-speed/man. This is an updated from my last post, (06/27/2003). Current miles 48k. So far so good. No major problems to report. Have not repaired or fixed anything on the car expect, normal secluded maintenance. From time to time this car is driven hard. Few burn outs, head to head speed race, ect... Lastly, this is not a perfect car nor is it the worst car. My Final score is 85%
Mixed bag
I bought mine in 2003. I was torn between the Eclipse GT and the Acura RSX Type S. I chose the Eclipse because money was an issue as I was fresh out of college and Mitsubishi was offering zero payments for a year and a lower APR than Acura thereafter. Plus the RSX was in its first run while this model of Eclipse was in its second. I figured Mitsubishi would have worked out some kinks by the second generation of that model. Overall I have been pretty pleased by the performance and mechanical build of the engine and drivetrain. I have issues however with the shoddy plastic quality of the dash, doors, trunk lining, etc. The interior is a synch to scratch with keys, luggage & other cargo.
Great Snow Car
I bought this car brand new and the performance in the snow has been amazing! The performance on dry land has been great too! I traveled during a blizzard and passed a lot of 4x4's in the median because their high center-of gravity made their big fat tires useless. Another experience was on black ice and out of eight of us, I was the only one that didn't rollover when the nightmare was over. This is a PERFECT CAR! The leather interior has held up perfectly! I truly cannot think of anything to complain about.
I love my car
This is the best car that I have ever driven. I love it all the way.
The Best Coupe <$30,000 for Snowy Areas
I'd love a BMW Z4, Honda S2000, or Nissan 350Z, but since I live in a snowy, hilly region (and I have to get to work no matter the weather), the Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS has been a great choice. I've owned it for almost 5 trouble-free years now, and have loved it. It got me up a steeeeeep, winding, thickly-snowed & untreated hill last winter (passing other, struggling cars), and on nice dry days it has plenty of muscle beneath the pedal when I need it (although the torque-steer took some getting used to). This car is also perfect for short people (like me): the "butt" part allows quite a bit of vertical movement, so you can sit much higher than in other sporty cars.
Love this Car!
I've had my Eclipse for about a year. I bought this car used with 30,000 miles. I have wanted one of these vehicles for years, and I am loving it. Yes, there are terrible blind spots, but not a problem in you use all three of your mirrors and stay aware of the road. My main complaint is the already mentioned turn radius, which is practically nothing. I would definitely recommend the V6 GTS. I drove a 4-cyl. and it had no pickup, with the weight of this car. My car is totally "zippy" and I have had so many compliments on the looks. I have had absolutely no problems with it, and wouldn't trade it for the world!
Some Trouble, but Overall Happiness
I love the car - the way it drives and looks, but a few problems are souring me. Water immediately got in the doors during rain and caused a moldy smell. Now the power windows are failing at 90,000 miles. The A/C went out at 80,000 miles. The brakes are of moderate quality and durability. The window tint started peeling within 50,000 miles. The hatchback is tough to open and won't stay up in cold weather. The interior poorly designed - I reach too far for many things. The plastic interior takes a beating. The plastic hooks for the floor mats break easily. Also, the blind spot is a major issue and the A/C (when working) saps much engine power. On small bumps, I bottom out the nose. But man, at 60 mph, the acceleration is great.
Great car
This is the best car you can ever drive. It reall atracts the ladies.
Not bad but parts can be expensive
The overall car isn't bad. I got the car used from a dealed about 7 years ago and put 90k miles of my own for a total of 150k (actual mileage). I gave all it maintenance and regular oil changes. The engine is not as strong as I would like to. I had to reapir it and change multiple valves, gaskets and resolve loss of pressure inside the engine. I live in CA and the smog regulations are strict here I had to get rid off the car for not passing the smog check because the catalytic converter worth more than the car itself. Not for tall people defenitly!
This Car Rocks!
Amazing acceleration, very comfortable (I'm 6 ft tall), excellent combination of ride and handling and you get a lot of looks on the road - superb value for the money.
nice
nice car, fun to drive
I love my new Eclipse!
I don't think there is anything that I don't like about this car. From the beautiful and sporty body to the sleek and modern interior. It has a smooth powerful ride...enough get up and go even though mine is a 4 cyl. The power shiftron was handy for the snowy winter here. I love the sunroof/moonroof, the excellent stero system. Yes, I am in love with my car!
Good car, has quirks
The car has cool going for it, comfortable ride and okay handling for being so heavy. It has a lot of road noise, huge blind spots (but that is to be expected on any sports car) and a turn radius so bad you have to drive it to believe it. Interior is plastic, but stylish. The back seat is merely for looks, but you shouldn't have a problem selecting takers for the front seat (everyone wants to ride in it). It is very reliable, no mechanical problems, although I would highly recommend better grounding wires since Mitsubishi stock grounds are suspect at best. There have been two attempts to break into the car with no success (popped lock stayed locked, window won't peal). All in all, good car.
good
This car has been so reliable and i get looks from people just because of the excellent design of the body style. It's a fun car and i love my eclipse.
maybe mine is a lemon?
I have had this eclipse for a year now and not a month goes by with out me having to fix something. This is my second Eclipse I had a 99 RS model before this and i loved it! it was my first car and it lasted for 210,000 miles. However this Eclipse is terrible in comparison. it sounds like a diesel truck and no one can tell me why, my seat belts stopped working, i had to replace my o2 and knock sensor, water pump, thermostat twice, it vibrates like crazy and it just hit 100,000 miles. when i got my old eclipse it alredy had 111,000 on it and i never had these problems. if you want an eclipse go with an older model because the 03 sucks.
I love it
I have wanted one for like 2 years and I finally went out and got one and I LOVE IT
Great used sports car for the money
I love my GTS. I bought it with 23,000 miles and have had it for a year and a half now and already have over 50,000. I haven't had any problems with the engine and it handles well. It's the best used fwd sports car you can get for the money. It's a good looking car, great features, lots of cargo space, great gas mileage, plenty of power, comfortable seats, and great sounding stereo. There are only a few negatives. I had one blow out on the highway and then an air leakage, and the tires probably had another 10,000 miles left on them. Another issue is how low the car sits. Be prepared to ruin your bumper going into bad parking lots, and it has a horrible turning radius.
Excellent Value, Very Reliable
I bought a used, year-old Eclipse GS and have been extremely pleased with it. The interior is very comfortable and gives you that sports-car feel. It is great in the snow, handles very well and has been very reliable. For a sports car it gets good mileage.
Nice mid-life chrisis car
Fun to drive, gets you noticed. I drove it in a few places where there wasn't a Mitsubishi dealership and everyone thought it was a Ferrari (think late episodes of Miami Vice). Nice low ride, excellent placement of the controls (especially on-column stereo control); using the cup holders gets in the way of shifting, second holder requires between-seat storage to be open. Spoiler can make it difficult to see behind you. Lots of fun to drive, though you'll feel every bump.
eclipse gt
i have driven the rest and i picked the best,i tested the celica gts,acura rsx,sentra vspec,tiburon tuscani,and a miata,as far as i am concerned the eclipse is the best bang for your buck
Mini-Ferrari
Let's be honest here, this car is definately a looker. Its especially popular with the ladies for some reason, which i dont' mind at all =). Its visual presence is 2nd to none in a $10,000US range. Althought mine is only a I4, i gotta tell you, it is a BIG 4 cylinder engine. 2.4 liters with a 100m stroke pushes out quite a bit of torque, although HP/L ratio leaves something to be desired. Speaking of gas, it can go more than 700KM on a 62Litre tank. Not too bad for such a big 4 cyl! RSX's and Celica GT's do a little better but thats on a 2.0 and 1.8 WITH variable valve timing!
fast & furious
2 words to describe what I feel about this car , "Completely Satisfied"
great car
fun, fast, owns up on the celica and prelude. Audio system ROCKS, specially with 2 12"'s thumpin the low pass in the trunk. Beautiful car too, chick magnet.
Best in class!
Well, I was more than surprised when I test drove the 2003 Eclipse GT. You feel like your driving a much more expensive car than you really are. If you haven't given the Eclipse a try, this baby has grown up. The V6 sounds awesome and the car is just beautiful to look at. Everyone will want to race you! :)
You can feel the power
I have been driven this car for 3 months I realy love it you can feel the power under the hood and the body style I think is the best for the sport car same class with this
Awsome
I love my eclipse and as the owner of three generations of eclipse this one is the best one of all. I didn't think I would own another eclipse since I've owned 2 other previous eclipse's. ('92 & '97) both of which I had over 150,000 miles without any problems. Of all the sports car I've test drove this new eclipse had the best of everything. Power, handling, comfort and reliability. I have 62,000 miles on it now and have had no problems at all. I only chnage my oil once every 10,000 miles not the usual 3-5,000 miles. Thats why I love it..Low maintanence! My one advice...Just test drive it and you'll know what im talking about.
The Fast and Furious!
Powerful 210 hp engine. Great Infinity Sound system. Comfortable front seats for driver and passenger. Nice 17" alloy wheels.
GREAT VEHICLE
THE BEST SPORTS CAR UNDER 30K
To buy, or Not to buy
This car's MSPR was $24842.00 for 03 GTS 5-speed manual. Bought it for $22500.00 at Puente Hill, CA. Before I had a 97 GT-S 5-speed manual and this new car (also built in: Normal, IL) has improved ALOT, from ride, drivetrain, clutch, interior, Everything. Do not expect a soft smooth ride, tire profile is 50 series (215/50/17). Fit and finish is not to great. I have rattling sound comming from glove compartment latch locking unit. If I leave it open there is NO sound. My gear trim moldings (plastic) is tilted up on passanger side. There is alot of road noise at freeway speeds (65-85 mph). Power and speed gets A++.
hot car
this car is fun to cruise in ...i got lots of complements from students at school ...mostly girls love it!
Impressive, but not a fan at 1st
I never cared for this body style at 1st, but since I had credit problems in the past I wasn't able to get into a newer Eclipse. I have owned this car since Feb 29th 2008 and let it be known that this car is pretty sweet. The drive is nice, power for a 4 cylinder is tight. It's no 6, but gas prices these days makes this a more a advantage. I love to mod cars and the aftermarket has plenty to go with this car. Eat your heart out boy and girls this car is for REAL.
Road Hunter...
Had a 2003 GT...manual......leather...hunted some bad ass cars on the road with my Mitsubishi 2003...If Mitsubishi makes the exact same car, I would buy it always...
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Worst mistake I ever made.
Bought this car for $4,000 in 2012, with 80,000 miles on it. I must have got a bad one. I had to replace coil packs shortly after buying it, and a main bearing in the engine went out as I was driving down the interstate and it began knocking. I barely got it home. Had to replace the engine, clutch, motor mounts, hoses, plugs, wires, coil packs, control arms, drive shaft, and a few other things by 102,000 miles. Then shortly after, the transmission had a bearing go out, and had to replace the tranny, alternator, and tierods by 112,000 miles. Had a few misc. issues, the hatch supports that hold the trunk lost pressure and had to be replaced, the seatbelt dinger stopped working, check engine light came on, starter became weak, headlights fell apart and had to be replaced (couldn't see more than 15 feet in front of my car), and for some reason the passenger side headlamp would burn out every 2 months. The front turn signals had to be replaced because they got water in them and corroded the socket, causing the turn signals to malfunction. This car just seemed like it was one problem after the next, and I lost my rear end on this car when I finally sold it, with 125,000 miles. I also noticed that the car had a weird shift link up. The engine would drop its RPM almost immediately after pushing the clutch to shift, then would jerk when letting it out after getting the car in gear. When starting out, it would vibrate really bad when letting the clutch out. The steering would pull to the left, unless I got on it, which would cause it to go straight, until I let up on the gas. The car was not equipped with ABS, and was incredibly dangerous to drive in snow. One inch would cause it to fishtail from behind, unless I pumped the breaks, which was difficult in some situations.
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Mitsubishi need to fix this car
Owned the car for almost 6 yrs, this is my send eclipse had a 94, the quality in product has gone down and if it wasn't paid off I would sell it cause with 70k miles it parts are breaking that shouldn't. I wouldn't buy another Mitsubishi
Great First Car!
Loved this car. As a high school teenager who never knew how to maintain a vehicle, I ran this car to the ground. Never gave it an oil change until after about 70k miles. All I did was add more oil to it when the light came on. I've learned since then lol. Although... I never had any issues with it within those miles. Finally blew a gasket after 300,000 miles due to a water pump leak I didn't know about (more behind that reason) and had to get rid of it as it was unbelievably expensive to repair. This car will last a lifetime if you take care of it, I guarantee it.
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Reliable and easy maintenance
I am the second owner. I've owned it since 2005, and have spent very little on maintenance compared to customizing. Over the years, outside of oil changes the repairs have been timing belt, clutch slave, alternator brushes, engine mounts, valve cover gasket, A/C recharge, and new headlight plastic. There was a recall on the passenger visor. Customization was rims and tires, cruise control, shocks/struts, and more to do in the future. It's been very reliable, and still fun to drive.
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Very happy
Last year I bought a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Manual 5 speed, with 112,000 miles. I got a great deal because it's a manual, the paint on the hood was peeling and the check engine light was on. I've been driving it daily for the last year with absolutely no problems. I put a decal on the hood to cover the paint. It's exactly what I was looking for: An older, affordable vehicle that's still reliable and I like the way it looks. Update: a year later and still no problems.
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Hot car, bad mechanics
This is my first car. I bought it at 79k miles used. 6 thousand miles later, we've put $6000 from the day I got it. Dealer sold it with the wrong transmission in it. That was 4000. Something with the steering wasn't right and a few other things that costed 1000. For a few months it was ok. During the summer when I turned it on, it just died after a few seconds. That hasn't happened since. I noticed a creaking sound to the right. It had a worn upper engine mount and transmission mount and a oil gasket leak which all costed 1200 to fix. I wouldn't suggest this for a first especially if you only have a min wage job! It's so much fun to drive but is that really worth all my money?
Be cautious of 1.9% financing from MMCA
Mitsubishi Motor Credit of America (MMCA) reeled me in with the special 1.9% financing rate and then sold my loan to another company within 30 days of my purchase. I was never sent an initial monthly statement or notice that my loan had been sold prior to my first payment due date. I had to make my first payment over the phone which cost an additional $10.00 for the ACH fee.
Attention getter
My car prior to this was a 95 Saturn sc so you can imagine the power jump. Since then I have done little things to mod it; intake, headers, and ground effects for a clean look and it has been nothing but easy to work with. Two other buddies and I took it to fl from wi and we averaged 35 mpg, the person in the back had to suffer but it made for a very successful spring break. Now it has about 70,000 and there has not been a problem with it yet! Also I have always owned manuals all of my life and this one has a weird gear set up which makes shifting from 1st gear to second gear hard for a smooth ride but I still have had no complaints haha.
my first car
I got this car for my 16th birthday with 59,000 miles on it my mom drove it back from Pittsburgh to me about 2000 miles. It's baby blue v6 3.0 liter, has good power and I have 2 12 inch sub woofers in the trunk and even at the loudest the car doesn't rattle great car no problems at all with it.
Car Sucks
This is the absolute worst car I have ever driven. The transmission will not shift into 1st gear driving over 5 MPH and sometimes not into 2nd gear if over 15 MPH. The dealer said that this is normal for Mitsubishi and that "They do not have the smoothest shifting transmissions out there." Why is it that for the first 6-8 weeks of owning this car did it drive fine? Nobody wants to address this question. I have had it in there a total of 4 times for this issue and the first time they replaced the synchronizers (maybe) and now they tell me, "We replaced them to make the customer happy. I will NEVER buy another car from that dealership.
Mitsubishi 2003
Before buying a 2003 GS, I had a 2000 RS model. Although I traded up in features, both cars drive exceptionally well, especially on ice. I love the Eclipse and would recommend it to anyone. The only downfall of the car is that it is not made for backseat passengers, small kids fit comfortable, but not adults. Overall, I would rate the car an A+.
Stay Away
I have had my 03 GTS Eclipse for a about a year and a half. It has been in the shop 4 times... once they had my car for over 2 WEEKS! Everything that could go wrong with this car - has. Stay away.
It's OK, but not my Acura
Man I must be spoiled by my Acura RL which turns on a dime. This GTS has a very poor turn radius. Also, the gearing needs revamped. A lot of wasted gears. I usually just use 1,3 and 5. That's all that is needed. Also my wife almost killed herself because she reached down to the console tray for something, and when she pulled back and the parking brake got caught on her sleeve. going down the highway at 80 miles an hour and pulling the brake is a recipe for disaster. After a 360 degree slide she was OK, no thanks to the designers at Mitsubishi. I think the interior needs a major redesign!!!
Great Car
Just dont drive the car to the ground, have fun
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Sporty
Not for 5
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