Each Mitsubishi Eclipse had front-wheel drive, with the exception of the all-wheel drive GSX.
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The 2007 Eclipse has a rear-wheel drive, right?
The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder ragtop is exciting to drive even with the top up, though. The Spyder is considerably more enjoyable with the top down when it’s cold enough outside or the sun isn’t quite so high in the sky.
This is especially true for the higher-end GT variant that we tested, which has a 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission (base price: $28,269 plus $625 freight). That is 98 horsepower more than the four-cylinder, five-speed manual engine found in the base GS variant ($25,389 plus freight).
According to Mitsubishi, the GT’s V-6 engine and six-speed transmission can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.
For people who must do a lot of city driving, the $900 Sportronic automatic transmission with manual-shift capability on the GT variant would be the best alternative. The same price also includes a four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission with the four-cylinder engine.
For a dynamic car like this, most driving aficionados prefer the manual transmission, which is what our tester had. The short throw of the six-shifter speed’s allowed for swift gear changes as we put the car through its paces. The GT was a delight to drive on some winding Hill Country roads.
Even on steep motorway ramps, the car’s quick V-6 engine provides outstanding acceleration. The Spyder was designed to handle like a sports car, and it boasts four-wheel independent suspension, which, according to the manufacturer, provides it “both sporty driving manners and a compliant, comfortable ride.”
According to Mitsubishi, the body of the convertible is intended to be almost as rigid as the body of the coupe. This is not a situation where the manufacturer produced a coupe, then later removed its top to create a convertible, as the new Eclipse chassis was created to support both a coupe and a convertible. These configurations can occasionally cause a convertible to shake and shimmy with every bump.
In less than a year, the Eclipse portfolio has welcomed two new models, including the Spyder. The totally redone coupe debuted as a 2006 model last summer, and the Spyder convertible type debuted in March as an early 2007 model.
When the top is up, a multi-level headliner helps block out road noise, and we discovered that the Eclipse is quieter than some well-known roadsters, including the completely redesigned 2007 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky and the updated 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. According to Mitsubishi, the top is made to prevent “ballooning at highway speeds.”
Although the back seat is a little cramped for adults, kids can fit comfortably in it because child-seat anchor points are included. The kids don’t have to be left behind like they do with the Miata, Solstice/Sky, and at least with the Spyder.
The 2007 Eclipse Spyder, which was unveiled in Detroit, is “designed to appeal to convertible and sports car enthusiasts of all ages, and it echos the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details like bright finish LED tail lamps and monocle-lens head lamps,” according to a product news release from Mitsubishi.
The Eclipse coupe was introduced last summer, and the Raider midsize truck, a variant of the Dodge Dakota, will go on sale in the fall. The Spyder is yet another of the six new vehicles Mitsubishi has promised its dealers during a three-year period. A new small Lancer sedan, a revised Lancer SUV, and a new iteration of the Lancer Evolution street-legal race vehicle are all coming this fall. The redesigned compact Outlander SUV will include the first-ever third row of seating.
The GT variant is made to rival more pricey automobiles like the Nissan 350Z roadster and even the Z4.
The manufacturer claimed that the electronic variable valve timing in both of the new Eclipse engines “helps maximize engine efficiency and output across a broad engine speed range. Additionally, both models’ exhaust systems have been tweaked to emit a seductive growl. A modified exhaust system gives the coupe’s V-6 engine a slightly higher horsepower rating than the convertible’s 260, according to Mitsubishi.
Despite its sportiness, the GS has an EPA highway rating of up to 29 miles per gallon with either a manual or automatic transmission, allowing for efficiency.
The business claimed that special care was paid to the interior, which includes elements like “ice-blue illumination” and gauges that are “influenced by motorcycles.” There are three interior color schemes available: terra cotta, medium gray, and charcoal.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio system controls and one-piece, high-back front bucket seats, “inspired by Mitsubishi rally vehicles,” according to the carmaker, are further special features.
17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, air conditioning, advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, cruise control, an engine immobilizer security system, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors are all included as standard on both models.
The GT variant also includes electronic traction control and a standard exterior temperature/compass display in addition to the V-6 engine and updated gearboxes. In contrast to the GS model’s solid rear brake discs, the GT variant boasts bigger, vented disc brakes.
A 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system is standard on both variants because this automobile is designed for young people who value high-quality music systems. It has an in-dash CD changer with six discs that can play MP3 CDs. In the back seat of the vehicle is an eight-inch subwoofer that is supplied.
Along with the temperature/compass display that is standard on the GT, the GS leather option ($980) adds heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and leather seating surfaces.
Leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, 235/45 R18 tires, a six-way power driver’s seat, aluminum pedals, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and outside mirrors are all included in the $1,730 “Premium Sport Package for the GT.”
For any model, a $179 accessory package comes with an alloy fuel door, wheel locks, and two sport floor mats. Furthermore, a five-piece aero kit is available for $1,820.
The Spyder GS model’s EPA fuel efficiency figures are 22 city/29 highway for the manual gearbox and 22 city/28 highway for the automatic.
18 city/27 highway mpg for the manual and 19 city/28 highway mpg for the automatic are the numbers for the GT model.
17.7 gallons of unleaded normal petrol can be used in the fuel tank.
The set includes a front-drive, four-passenger, subcompact, two-door vehicle with an inline four-cylinder or V-6 engine.
Highlights: For 2006, Mitsubishi completely redesigned its popular Eclipse coupe, and for 2007, a brand-new convertible model was introduced. An whole new chassis, as well as modifications to the appearance, engines, and transmissions.
Negatives: An all-wheel-drive model would correct the fact that front-wheel drive is not the best configuration for a sports car.
Transmission: Sportronic manual shifting is available as a $900 option on the four- or five-speed (GS) or six-speed (GT) automatic transmissions.
22 mpg city/29 highway according to the EPA (GS, manual); 18 city/27 highway (GT, manual).
$30,624 for the tested price, including freight and extras (GT with manual transmission, leather).
Prices displayed are manufacturer suggested retail prices; actual selling prices may change based on manufacturer and/or dealer rebates, discounts, and incentives, as applicable.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse from 2006 has rear-wheel drive.
Here, that is not a concern. The Eclipse GT can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The clutch pedal and shifter give a sports-car-like sensation. The stick has a significant feel, however it isn’t as precisely controlled as the one in the Nissan 350Z. While I’m drawing comparisons, the Eclipse’s pedal changed in the opposite direction from the Z’s for the 2006 version. It would not be flattering to a newbie and is less forgiving.
In straight-line acceleration, I saw some torque steer, but not nearly as much as I anticipated from this drivetrain. The ABS-based traction control did its job without bucking the steering wheel left or right even though there isn’t a limited-slip differential. Overall, the ratio and turn-in are well matched, and the steering is adequately weighted. But once you start acting aggressively, the car’s dynamics begin to ruin the fun.
With a front/rear weight distribution of 62/38 percent, the Eclipse is front-heavy like other front-wheel-drive vehicles. Whether the throttle is on or off, understeer is common. The optional tires, which were rated P235/45R18 (tire codes), howled at the least provocation and never allowed me to approach the car’s physical limits, making it difficult to establish the impact of the imbalance. From the driver’s seat, I surmised that Mitsubishi had selected budget tires because it knew that enthusiasts “Nowadays, whether they need to or not, people replace their wheels and tires.
When I noticed the Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season wording on the sidewall and their shocking selling price of $255.95 per, I abandoned that hypothesis. Perhaps there is simply a mismatch heretoo much weight for the tire patches. If you have any experience with these or any other types of tires, please write me and let me know how they performed for you. Mitsubishi employs many tire brands and models of the same size.
The suspension consists of multilinks in the back and MacPherson struts up front. Sports-car stiff, but bearable, is the ride. P225/50R17 standard higher-series tires could make things a little softer. The car has some body roll, which the weight of the vehicle may exacerbate.
Although some people might find the color combination of my test vehicle to be overwhelming, I like the interior design. Overall, both the materials’ quality and ergonomics are rather good. Manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat is standard; power adjustment, leather upholstery, and a number of other luxuries are all included in the GT Premium Sport Package, which is an add-on. Sadly, they are only offered in one combination, which has a suggested retail price of $3,270.
These sport seats provide adequate support for the price, but the driver’s seat only has a few inches of up and down adjustment. Otherwise, headroom is acceptable, and it appears that the optional sunroof, unlike some moonroofs, has little to no impact on headroom. The steering wheel telescopes, but only tilts. The blue-backlit gauges are quite cool, but blue isn’t the color that is easiest for us to read as we get older. (I am aware that: “You’re too old if it’s too blue.)
In a coupe, the back is typically visible. Although the C-pillar is wide, the car’s belt line and height provide for the visibility of passenger automobiles. Despite some noise coming from the hatch area, I found the cabin to be relatively peaceful. The tires were also fairly quiet when they weren’t screeching.
The backseat of coupes has a restricted amount of usable space. It has two seating options, with the front passenger’s side seat, which tilts and glides forward, providing the simplest access. The rear window is straight overhead, and there isn’t nearly enough headroom for a passenger that is over six feet tall. There should be adequate room for children in the back, but it depends on how far back the front seats can move. Back there, there are no cupholders or storage options.
However, the cushions are shaped in such a way that a child safety seat might not fit, even though there are LATCH anchors in the backseat. Because of the cushions and where the seat belts were placed, my convertible seat, which isn’t LATCH compatible, couldn’t be secured laterally. Another kid seat might be appropriate, but if you want to transport the young ones, bring one to the dealership and test it out.
Mitsubishi definitely went astray with the previous-generation Eclipse, a loose, unremarkable vehicle that, despite being lighter than the new GT, felt heavier. The 2006 is a reasonable compromise for the mainstream market but it’s not quite a return to the sportiness of the early Eclipse models. Driving it makes it much simpler to recall that Mitsubishi also produces the Lancer Evolution.
Mitsubishi Eclipse: A 4WD vehicle?
With our cutting-edge Super All Wheel Control 4WD system, Eclipse Cross offers continuous four-wheel drive. More concentrated drive power, better cornering, and improved stability under all driving circumstances are the outcomes.
This integrated system is ideal for winter driving and slick conditions, making hill starts simpler and cornering safer. It combines Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Are Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles dependable?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is a vehicle you can trust. You need to be aware of the following things before purchasing a Mitsubishi Eclipse: They usually cover 170,000 to 190,000 miles. There is a 13% possibility that they will encounter a significant problem.
A Mitsubishi Eclipse from 2001 has rear wheel drive.
This engine runs as smoothly as an electric dynamo and is simply faultless. We wouldn’t want something considerably more powerful under the hood of the Eclipse Spyder because it has front-wheel drive and the current engine already approaches wheelspin under aggressive use.
AWD is present on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
All-wheel drive is now standard across the full lineup of the Eclipse Cross as of this year. A new 18-inch wheel design and standard LED head- and foglights were also fitted by Mitsubishi.
What is the lifespan of a Mitsubishi Eclipse?
If properly maintained and driven sensibly, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross should last between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometers on average. The Eclipse Cross should last 13 to 17 years before needing unaffordable maintenance based on the national average annual mileage of 15,000 miles.
Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse from 2007 quick?
This Mitsubishi can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, from 0 to 160 km/h (100 mph) in 24.7 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 73 seconds, and the quarter mile drag time is 16.6 seconds, according to ProfessCarsTM estimates.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse from 2006 AWD?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse of the first generation served as an entry-level, four-cylinder sports coupe. There were four trim levels available, with front wheel drive available on the bottom three and all wheel drive on the top. Both the top FWD and AWD models used turbocharged motors.
The 19921994 versions are clearly distinguished from earlier models despite the fact that the car received modest changes throughout its lifetime. For 1995, the Eclipse underwent revisions to become a new car (described below in the 2G section).
Four trim levels of the Eclipse were offered during the first generation’s production lifetime. The initial model year’s second half saw the introduction of AWD variants.
Eclipse: The base FWD model comes with a 1.8 L 8-valve SOHC 4G37 engine that produces 92 horsepower.
Eclipse GS DOHC: An improved FWD variant powered by a 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63 engine with 135 horsepower.
Eclipse GS-T: Top FWD variant with a 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T engine producing 180195 horsepower.
Eclipse GSX: AWD model powered by a 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T engine producing 180195 horsepower.
The drive trains, available choices, and to some extent the aesthetics of these models differed greatly. For instance, the Eclipse GSX had a different plastic body coating than the standard Eclipse.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse’s basic driveline configuration has a transversely mounted 4-cylinder 4G37 or 4G63 engine on the left side of the vehicle and an automatic or manual transmission on the right side. AWD variants have a separate transmission that has an output shaft for a transfer case and a center differential that is limited-slip capable of driving the rear differential and half-shafts.
Both the 4G37 and 4G63 engines are gasoline in-line 4-cylinder units. The 4G63 has an aluminum cylinder head and an iron engine block, and it has balancing shafts for quiet running. In order to better withstand the strain and added heat brought on by forced induction, the turbocharged version of the 4G63 (also referred to as the 4G63T) is fitted with a lower compression ratio (7.8 vs. 9.0 in the normally aspirated version) and oil squirters under the pistons.