I'm in Love.

This car is incredible, and one of the best cars I've driven in a long time. I spent a week in this badboy, and have to admit I'm thinking about purchasing it immediately. There are three different versions of the Eclipse: GS, GT, and GTS. I drove the GTS, which is the high end scale version of Eclipse. (It is worth every penny.) The basics of these versions are this: they vary in price due to performance mostly. The GS is the basic version, and it has a 2.4 V4 147 horsepower engine. It has 16" wheels, and 158 lbs of torque per foot. It gets the best gas mileage of Eclipse's due to its efficient engine: 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The GT version is 200 horsepower, and it has upgraded 17" alloy wheels. Its power is rated at 205 lbs per foot of torque, and it has a 3.0 V6 engine. The GTS is the best of all, with 210 horsepower on a 3.0 V6 engine. It also has 205 lbs per foot of torque, and can really move. Both the GT and GTS get EPA estimated mileage as follows- 20 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway. (Quite respectable for a fast moving car with a lot of ponies!) All models can hold 16.4 gallons of fuel, and can take 87-93 octane. (Manufacturer recommends premium grade, but all work.)

Here are the features that came with the GTS: A/C, power windows/locks/mirrors, alloys, sunroof, rear defroster, rear wiper, driver/passenger airbags in front, premium AM/FM CD player with 6 speakers, cruise control, 2 12 volt DC power outlets, ashtray, front lighter element, tachometer, analog instrument panel, engine temperature gauge, trip odometer, oil pressure warning, front reading light, illuminated entry, cargo lights, and front cupholders. They all work excellent. The sound system is loud, and is easy to preset stations and manipulate volume/treble/bass controls. The bass is so loud it easily shakes the car. The cruise control is easy, as it takes the flick of a switch to set your speed, and the panel is fine in day and night conditions. The only problem I saw with any of these options is you have to clean the alloys often. For some reason they seem to accumulate a LOT of brake dust. The two 12 volt adaptors is a nice option, as you can plug in two electrical devices at the same time. Most cars don't have this option. The car really illuminates the interior well for entry situations at night, so overall I would rate features very highly.

The suspension and brake features are way above average in this car. The Eclipse has a steering/suspension hydraulic power assist, and rack & pinion steering. The best part about the car is its speed sensing assisted steering, which helps in higher speed situations when moving around in lanes. The car also includes: front independent suspension, front strut suspension, front disc/rear drum brakes, front anti roll bar, rear anti roll bar, rear coil springs, and a rear multi-link suspension. These parts help with its high performance, especially around tight turns at fast speeds. It is front wheel drive.

Safety is not taken away either, as the car did quite well according to the NHTSA tests. The Eclipse scored a four out of five on the driver side crash test, as well as for the passenger. The only part it did average in was the side impact, where it scored 3 out of 5 stars.

Also, Mitsubishi takes good care of Eclipse drivers. The cars comprehensive warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles.(Most manufacturers only offer 3 years/36,000 miles.) For major components, Mitsubishi offers a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. For rust, you are protected for 7 years/100,000 miles. Also, if you purchase a new Eclipse, you get roadside assistance for 5 years.(UNLIMITED USAGE!!) Considering the Eclipse above average reliability rating from many publishers and car trade representatives, it probably won't be needed. However, if you need a jumpstart or a flat tire changed, its a good thing.

My driving experience was a dream. I took the car out on highways, and streets and was not disappointed at all. It drives fast, and it really moves once you hit 35 mph. The car can take sharp curves at high speeds, and if you need brakes they react properly. There is no mushy feeling when braking as in many other sports cars, and it brakes fast and precise. I drove the manual version, and it easily shifts with no growling sounds. (Auto is offered, but who wants that?) The steering is easy, especially with the speed assist. Comfort is excellent for a sports car, as long as you are in the front seats. The seats recline and move back far, but if you are in the rear there is practically no room. (A child will fit okay, but an adult will have locked up knees.) Visibility is excellent out front, there is a small blind spot on the sides.(You gotta use your mirrors, that's all) I would recommend this car..its so much fun. It also has an excellent resale value, and has been rated highly by magazines such as American Road and Travel, and Road and Track. If you want to check out comparable vehicles, drive the Acura RSX, Dodge Stratus R/T, and Mazda 6. However, I would stick with the Eclipse GTS-its a beast that is practical as well.