2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS

While many of us grew up with traditional pony cars such as Mustang, Camaro and Firebird, today's young people still gravitate toward this kind of inexpensive, fun-to-drive mode of personal transportation such as the Honda Civic and Subaru WRX. But, another favorite of the mosh pit crowd is the aggressively styled Mitsubishi Eclipse.


Unlike the Mitsubishi Lancer, also a favorite of this demographic, the Eclipse is more of a pony car in the traditional sense, featuring a low, swoopy two-door body. It's meant to look aggressive and fast, rather than appearing like a conservative sedan such as the Lancer. You can also get an Eclipse in a convertible form called the Eclipse Spyder.

The Eclipse is more of a pony car in the traditional sense, featuring a low, swoopy two-door body.

Base model Eclipse RS and GS cars come equipped with a 2.4-liter 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while the up-level GT model comes with a 3.0-liter 200 horsepower V-6. The car we drove for this test is the new-for-2003 GTS model, which features an upgraded version of the GT's 3.0-liter V-6 that puts out 210 horsepower. Modifications to the smooth-running engine include new variable length intake manifold runners and higher compression pistons that broaden the torque curve to help achieve 205 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine changes also make for crisper throttle response across the rpm range. While the GTS is no rocket ship, it runs from 0 to 60 in an adequate 7.0 seconds.


GTS models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, or you can opt for Mitsubishi's Sportronic Sequential Shift automatic transmission that changes gears automatically or provides the driver with clutch-less manual control. Click the shifter into the Sportronic gate and you can take control of gearshift points and engine revs. This allows the driver to make quick downshifts especially during cornering.


Eclipse Coupes feature a sport-tuned suspension system with front struts and a rear multi-link set-up. The driver's wishes are translated into cornering commands via engine-speed-sensitive variable-boost power rack-and-pinion steering and P215/50VR17 tires. On the road, the Eclipse is confident, stable and fun to drive—like a personal coupe should be. The ride is firm, but no where near as punishing as many other sporty coupes.