1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review (continued)
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Walkaround

One of the hottest selling sport coupes available, the success of the Eclipse is partly due to its exterior design. Though it's been with us for a few years now, it could still double as an auto show concept car. Styled at Mitsubishi's design center in Southern California, the Eclipse has an aggressive front fascia with large air intakes, flowing roofline and full-width taillamps.

Eclipse comes in four trim levels: $16,185 RS, $18,345 GS, $23,645 GS-T and $26,995 GSX.

RS and GX come with a 16-valve, 2.0-liter dohc engine that produces 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. This is a competent package that puts the Eclipse in the same general performance envelope as a Dodge Neon R/T. Buyers get all the style of the Eclipse without the higher purchase and insurance costs of the turbocharged engine.

The entry level Eclipse RS has body-color bumpers, full wheel covers, dual mirrors and a rear window defroster; inside, are woven cloth bucket seats, a full console with dual cupholders, and an AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers. Option packages allow RS buyers to add air conditioning, alloy wheels, cargo cover, rear spoiler, power windows, power door locks and cruise control.

Eclipse GS, the most popular model in the Eclipse line, comes with low-profile rear spoiler, side cladding, fog lights, 50/50 split rear seat, 16-inch wheels and tires, four-wheel disc brakes and a rear stabilizer bar designed to reduce understeer.

The GS-T and GSX are powered by the turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter engine that puts out 210 horsepower and 214 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. They are distinguished by a huge rear spoiler, black on white gauges and a higher level of standard equipment.

All Eclipses are front-wheel drive except the four-wheel-drive GSX.

Also available is the Eclipse Spyder, which comes with a power insulated soft top with a glass rear window. The $22,145 Eclipse Spyder GS comes with a 2.4-liter engine, while the $27,395 Eclipse Spyder GS-T comes with the 2.0-liter turbo.

Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard, but an optional $880 4-speed automatic transmission is available.

Most of the changes for 1999 have to do with packaging. There's more standard equipment: Eclipse RS gets AM/FM/CD standard. GS-T gets a power glass sunroof and keyless-entry security system. GSX comes standard with anti-lock brakes, a limited-slip rear differential and a leather interior. That last part is a bit unfortunate for budget hot rodders as it raises the entry price of the GSX.

Our GS-T was equipped with two options: anti-lock brakes ($716) and leather front seats ($457), which boosted the total price to $24,818.

Interior Features

The Eclipse is a comfortable coupe. Headroom is limited, however, so drivers over six-feet tall may find it a bit confining. Some drivers find the cockpit-like foot well a bit uncomfortable. Others like the jet fighter school of interior design. The switchgear is canted in toward the driver and the Eclipse features a nice set of gauges that are easy to read.

The wrinkly leather seats are fashionable and comfortable. But we prefer the nice cloth that comes standard on the GS-T.

Visibility is limited. The tall rear spoiler reduces rearward visibility, particularly when backing up at night. Out front it's better, but the gun-turret windshield doesn't offer the panoramic view found in the Honda Prelude. The payoff for the tight quarters is big in terms of performance, however.