Storage and Cargo

At least Mitsubishi can claim that its 2006 Eclipse coupe has more than twice the cargo capacity of a Nissan 350Z coupe. Of course, that competitor is a two-seater with a plastic-clad strut tower brace eating up half the trunk, but that’s beside the point.

For its part, the Eclipse’s rear fascia is tall and curvy and makes for a very high liftover height, so getting dirty while loading or unloading cargo is a definite possibility. Once that threshold has been crossed, the trunk can be extended by easily lowering the split rear seat, though the floor has a permanent hump in the middle over the suspension, the optional subwoofer eats up gobs of space on the left side, and the steeply slanted rear glass can crush items when the rear hatch is closed.

Elsewhere, interior storage is acceptable if not plentiful. The center armrest sits atop an ample storage slot with an integrated card clip, coinholder, and power outlet; small pockets on the doors are useful for sunglasses or a compact cell phone, though probably not both at the same time; the glovebox is spacious; and two non-adjustable cupholders take up residence in the center console. Rear passengers are left wanting, as there are no storage cubbies or cupholders behind the front buckets.