2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Hatchback

3dr Cpe Auto GS

Starting at $12,425 | Starting at 19 MPG City - 26 MPG Highway

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$12,425 average Retail
$21,249 original MSRP

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Printable Version

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Hatchback

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

New for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse hatchback sport coupe is an updated front- and rear-design. Also, the GT gets a larger rear spoiler, xenon headlights, stability control and a new dual exhaust system to boost the hp. The GS comes with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that produces 162 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic with manual shift control. The GT 3.8L V6 engine pushes out 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, teamed with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg city/28 mpg hwy and 23 in combined driving, with the manual transmission, and 20/26 with the automatic, while the V8 gets16/25/20 for the manual and 17/25 for the automatic. Standard features include keyless entry, leather-wrapped shift knob and a 50/50 split fold-down rear seatback that gives the sporty five-passenger interior an added touch of utility, as shown in Mitsubishi Eclipse photos. Safety equipment features antilock brakes, front seat-mounted airbags and side curtain airbags.

Benefits of Driving a 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Hatchback

Mitsubishi's 2009 Eclipse coupe and Spyder convertible offer sporty performance with a front-wheel-drive layout, providing better year-round traction and efficiency than rear-wheel-drive roadsters. The Eclipse's front-wheel-drive layout also allows a roomier interior than competing rear-wheel-drive convertibles, and the coupe's fold-forward seats allow good cargo versatility.

What's new for 2009?

For 2009, the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder convertible get a noticeable facelift. The cars now feature a dark, trapezoidal fascia borrowed from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The rear end is slightly revised as well.

Model Strengths

Practical yet sporty
open-air Spyder soft-top model available
extensive feature list.

Model Review

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes either as a sporty coupe or a convertible (called the Spyder). Two trim levels are offered. The GS is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder making 162 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The GT is powered by a 265-horsepower, 3.8L V6. The GS puts power to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Sportronic automatic with manual mode. The GT utilizes a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Sportronic automatic with manual mode.

Printable Version

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Hatchback

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2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Source: The Car Connection

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the coupe and Spyder variants of the Mitsubishi Eclipse in order to give you an expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests on the Eclipse to produce this conclusive review and to help you get the most information about how it compares to rivals.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse isn't the nimblest two-door on the planet, but the V-6 versions and the Spyder convertible are engaging to drive.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse receives restyled front and rear bumper fascias. GT models also gain a new large rear spoiler, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, and a new dual-exhaust system boosting horsepower from 263 to 265.

The Eclipse is less distinctive than the Ford Mustang and not as pretty as the well-balanced Honda Accord Coupe--its styling is a busy mix of straight lines and morphed, melted curves. Inside, the plain-faced dash is made with good-quality materials that are fitted together well. The front seats are supportive, but the interior is intimate and many drivers might find headroom tight in the coupe; the rear seats are uncomfortable for adults.

A 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 162 horsepower powers the Eclipse GS model, while the sporty GT packs a 265-hp, 3.8-liter V-6. The SE is available with either engine. The four-cylinder cars offer a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the V-6 coupes come with a choice of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The convertible Eclipse Spyder is available in similar GS and GT versions. Fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg city, 28 highway with the four-cylinder coupe to 16/25 mpg with the V-6, automatic-equipped Spyder.

Because the Eclipse is a big, heavy two-door, the four-cylinder works hard to keep up, while the V-6 is a big, torquey engine that isn't eager to rev, but it doesn't need to. Since it's based on the Galant sedan, the front-drive Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the lightest, most entertaining steering or braking, and that's what keeps it from greatness. The ride quality is good, however, and Mitsubishi's manual transmission shifts cleanly.

Stability control is an option on some Eclipse models, but it does offer standard anti-lock disc brakes, as well as side impact and side-curtain airbags (except on the Spyder). The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse hasn't been crash-tested by the government, but it gets top "good" ratings for frontal and side impact.

The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt audio system is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models. A six-month pre-paid subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio comes standard with the package. Heated leather seats, side-view windows, and automatic climate control also are available options.

The Bottom Line:

Though the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the sharpest reflexes or handling, it offers an appealing mix of style and with the V-6 engine, excellent straight-line performance.

Printable Version