Build Quality

Second only to the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse’s primary failing, interior design, is the car’s quality. The interior of our GT tester, a $27,964 premium model, was riddled with low-grade black plastics with differing grain patterns and varying degrees of shine, a fuzzy headliner, despicably cheap leather wrapping the rear split bench seat, and a sunroof shade that slid half way back when accelerating. A plastic cover on the vanity mirror was ready and willing to pop off, the center console shouted a disheartening echo when the lid was shut hard, noticeable casting flash was visible on the steering wheel spokes and back side of the center console, and the silver finish on the door handles and outboard vents didn’t match the alloy look given to the door inserts, shifter plate, and radio face. What’s more, the passenger door panel popped out of place, plastic seat frame covers came loose, the joint where the dash and A-pillar met was off, and the driver’s A-pillar was obviously warped. Again, Mitsubishi has the audacity to ask about $28,000 for this ride.

On the other hand, there were a few (very few) points chalked up in the pros column. The front seats were wrapped in soft suede and leather, material also used on the door inserts; a leather-wrapped steering wheel featured color-keyed stitching; and the exterior build quality was quite good, aside from a rear hatch that showcased minor gap inconsistencies.