3
0
Sporty/performance car; Built in USA
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door coupe
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,500 – $8,400*


2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS


2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT


2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse interior


2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder


2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V6)
  • Handling/roadholding
  • Front-seat comfort
Cons:
  • Rear-seat entry/exit
  • Rear-seat room
  • Rear visibility
  • Road noise

Though not quite as inspiring as a Honda Prelude, Eclipses compare well against most anything in their class. A GT might be the best choice, but few will feel penalized in one of the less-expensive 4-cylinder models. Spyders have no direct rivals in their price league.

Overview

Mitsubishi redesigned its top-selling series for 2000, dropping turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive, but making a V6 available for the first time. The American-built front-drive hatchback sport coupe was 2 inches longer in wheelbase, 3 inches longer overall, and some 2 inches taller than its predecessor. RS and GT models used a 4-cylinder engine, while the top-line GT now had a V6. A manual transmission was standard. Automatic was optional and, on the GS and GT, included a Sportronic manual-shift mode. Front side airbags and antilock brakes were exclusive to the GT, part of a Premium Package option that also included leather upholstery. Standard features included alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD stereo, and power windows and locks. The RS had 15-inch wheels, the GS 16-inch, and the GT 17-inch tires. GT coupes added aerodynamic body trim and had rear disc brakes instead of drums.

Yearly Updates

2001 Eclipse
A Spyder convertible arrived in summer 2000, as an early 2001 model. Coupes got a few minor feature changes. Both the coupe and the Spyder came in GS and GT trim, along with a price-leader RS coupe. Spyders included a power soft top, with glass rear window. All models had an engine immobilizer. Antilock brakes were standard on the GT Spyder. Leather upholstery was available for GTs and the GS Spyder.
Coupes gained rear child-seat anchors this year. GS and GT models added a standard rear spoiler. A new GS coupe Sun and Sound package included a sunroof and premium audio system. A similar Sun, Sound, and Leather package–with leather upholstery was available for the GT coupe.
2002 Eclipse
The only changes for 2002: two new exterior colors; a new Mitsubishi logo; and for GS and GT, glovebox and vanity-mirror lighting.
2003 Eclipse
GTS became the top of the line. All Eclipses got revised front-end styling, new taillamps, restyled instruments, and new interior color combinations are appearance updates.
2004 Eclipse
The Eclipse remains unchanged for 2004.
2005 Eclipse
Eclipse hatchback coupes and Spyder convertibles return for 2005 in GS, GT, and GTS trim. The price-leader RS coupe is dropped.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

In 2000, RS and GS models used a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 145 horsepower with a 4-speed automatic, or 154 hp with 5-speed manual shift. The GT edition got a 3.0-liter V6, rated 200 horsepower with an automatic transmission or 205 hp with the manual gearbox. When equipped with automatic, the GT had a separate gate for manual gear changes.

ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/149
Engine HP 142-154
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 163
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		23/31
20/28 		23.3
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/181
Engine HP 200-205
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 205
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		20/28
20/27 		20.7

Road Test

More mature and refined than their rough-and-tumble predecessors, Eclipses deliver a pliant, comfortable, sporty-coupe ride. Handling is alert and responsive with little cornering lean and grippy front-drive predictability, though maneuvers are hampered by a large turning circle. Wheel patter still turns up on washboard surfaces, but it’s not bothersome. Engines are much improved. Whereas the old 2.0-liter fours were throbby and loud, the new 2.4 liter is generally smooth and quiet. It packs respectable punch, at least with manual shift–which is a pleasure to use. The V6-powered GT doesn’t rocket away like the old turbocharged models, but it’s plenty quick–and naturally, suffers no irritating turbo lag. A GT with automatic reached 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and averaged 21.8 mpg. Surprisingly, the V6 is hardly quieter than the 4 cylinder. Furthermore, the body transmits noticeable tire noise except on glassy pavement. Wind rush is nicely tamed, even with the frameless door glass.

Despite a more spacious cabin feel, Eclipses remain cozy 2+2 models with a teeny back seat and wiggle-in entry/exit. Front buckets hug one’s torso, and should be comfortable on long rides. Driving positions are low-slung, and visibility remains difficult directly aft and over the shoulder. Taller drivers might wish the standard tilt steering wheel moved higher. Gauges and controls are clear and handy, but air-conditioner buttons are hard to see in daylight. Luggage space is generous in coupes with the back seat folded, limited in Spyders, but the load lip is lofty and the hatch lid heavy. Bulky doors may close with a tinny clang. Cowl shake occurs over bumps with a Spyder, but structural stiffness is acceptable and its soft top seals tightly.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, automatic

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 1
10%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 3
30%

Total: 44

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
100.8 175.4 68.9 52.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
7.2 16.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.4 34.5 42.3 29.4
2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
100.8 175.4 68.9 51.6
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
16.9 16.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.9 34.9 42.3 30.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2000 Eclipse 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 128
Injury 136
Theft 100

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: The automatic transmission may shudder, surge, or vibrate due to thermal breakdown of the original transmission fluid (SPII). The system must be flushed and refilled with revised fluid (SPIII). (1999-2001)
Hard starting
Description: The starter may not run due to a faulty theft-alarm relay (automatic transmission) or a faulty starter relay (manual transmission). Revised relays are available to fix the problem. (2000)
Audio system
Description: A short causes popping noises from the speakers when the power seat is operated. A jumper harness with a filter has been released for installation under the seat. (1999-2001)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: The sunroof may skip/stick during operation requiring a countermeasure drive-cable assembly. (2000-01)
Vehicle noise
Description: Banging, creaking, and popping noises from the front end are usually due to dry stabilizer-bar bushings. Revised bushings are available as replacements. (1999-2000)

Recall History

2000 V6
Description: Power-steering pipe could wear through, allowing fluid leakage. Can result in a fire and continued loss of fluid will result in a loss of power assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
2000-05
Description: Bilingual English/Spanish removable airbag warning labels on dashboard and sunvisor do meet size requirements.
2001
Description: Bulge in fuel tank caused by manufacturing process on small number of vehicles resulted in thinning of material, increasing risk of fuel leakage.
2001
Description: Harness for crankshaft position sensor could contact new protective shield, causing grounded circuit; prolonged contact could cause wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out, causing engine to die.
2001
Description: Some incorrect driver’s seat mounting bolts were installed.
2004 Spyder
Description: Fuel return hose fitting on electric fuel pump may have been improperly molded, which could result in fuel leakage.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 22, 2014.
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