1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0 DOHC 420a

Summary:

Good looking, good handling, but somewhat lacking in straight-line performance

Faults:

The previous owner of my car must have beat the heck out of it, because within a couple of weeks, the engine made a quiet clicking sound that got louder as time went on. The body shop found out is was a spun bearing, and supposedly repaired it. However, the same day I got the car back from repairs (on the drive home in fact) the sound came back with an even greater ferocity.

We decided to just replace the whole engine. The shop found a good 1999 420a engine for $1200, and installed it. The new engine runs great, and with slightly higher compression ratios, performs a bit better.

General Comments:

The car is a definite head-turner (an incredible ego booster), the 1997-1999 body styles are some of the best looking cars I know, even if the performance doesn't quite match up. Off the line, you really have to give it some revs to get a good launch (but the tires will spin), and isn't terribly fast, at least when you are alongside other cars. When you are driving alone, the car seems pretty fast and will impress any passengers. With an upgraded air filter or intake, the engine makes a great sound at higher RPMs.

As far as the handling goes, while the turning radius is terrible, at speed, it will out handle just about any car on the road. The amazing grip has saved my life at least once.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2007

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2.4L Non-turbo

Summary:

Looks nice; otherwise a dog

Faults:

--Convertible top motors burned out twice, top bars bent, now lower top manually

--Automatic transmission needed rebuild at 80M miles

--Internal engine failure at 60M miles (Tensioner broke,)

--Numerous trim pieces have broken off in normal use

--exterior door handle came off in my hands

--Seats worn and starting to tear

--Crappy gas mileage, barely 20 mpg

--140 HP engine is underpowered, especially for a sporting vehicle.

--Extremely low front fascia constantly catching on parking lot dividers and tearing.

--Minor top leaks, major water dumps on you when you open a door in the rain.

--Poor visibility of curbs from driving position

--Rear visibility with top up almost nil (caused me to back into another car)

--Rear stereo speakers vibrate excessively

--Assorted electrical glitches.

General Comments:

I bought this car because I previously had a 90 Eagle Talon and loved it. Figured this was on the same platform from the same plant so it would be as good. And it was... NOT. Poorly built, unreliable. Nice styling, but that's the best I can say for it.

Not surprised this company is going downhill fast even as all the other Japanese makers are doing great. Will never buy another Mitsubishi again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2006

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Summary:

Its the best ever!

Faults:

The only thing I have to replace is the clutch the car has 150,000 Miles and hasn't given me trouble yet, but I'm going to change it out just in case. Nothing else has gone wrong. Great Car and drives wonderful!!

General Comments:

I love this car. When you put a muffler on it, it automatically sounds like a fast and the furious car. My car is manual and handles very well. Superior sound system makes this car a must have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2006

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Spyder

Summary:

Jazzy sport style and a great value to revel in the summertime

Faults:

Rotors needed replacing, normal wear and tear, yet for being the third owner, this car was babied and well cared for. Speakers need replacing.

It seems to be on its 2nd, new convertible top. After a summer of 1 button drop-topping, the top malfunctioned. Evidently some cheap upholstery style staples pulled out of the bar. Sturdy thread fixed the problem temporarily, but, as another reviewer said, you have to manually push in the middle bar.

General Comments:

This Spyder is pure fun to drive. It has great road feel, shifts tightly even at its somewhat advanced age. You can't beat the price for a convertible that looks and drives like this and that friends think is a BMW or SAAB. It has better sports car looks than either, and, if cared for, is a much better value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th September, 2005