2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse First Drive

Wrap-Up and Specs


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TO THE POINT What’s New? Complete redesign with more powerful engines, greater comfort, added attitude. Selling Points: In-your-face styling, roomy for front seats, entertaining performance with GT, six standard airbags
Deal Breakers: Arrest-me-now styling, too big outside, too small in the back seat, front-wheel drive
Our Advice:We think you’ll find the new Eclipse is a huge improvement over the model it replaces.

MEET THE COMPETITION Acura RSX
Ford Mustang

Click to enlarge. 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Wrap-Up and Specs No matter whether you choose to view this as a Japanese car that just happens to be made in America or an American car that just happens to have a Japanese first name, we think you’ll find the new Eclipse is a huge improvement over the model it replaces.

No matter whether you choose to view this as a Japanese car that just happens to be made in America or an American car that just happens to have a Japanese first name, we think you’ll find the new Eclipse is a huge improvement over the model it replaces. Despite a few weak points, we think it deserves a place on every sport compact buyers shopping list.

Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS and GT
Price Range: $19,994 (GS); $25,194 (GT) (including $595 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (GS); 3.8-liter V6 (GT)
Engine Horsepower: 162 at 6,000 rpm (GS); 263 at 5,750 rpm (GT)
Engine Torque: 162 at 4,000 rpm (GS); 260 at 4,500 rpm (GT)
Transmission: 5-speed manual (GS); 6-speed manual (GT)
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,274 (GS); 3,472 (GT)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 23/30 (GS); 18/27 (GT)
Length: 179.7 inches
Width: 72.2 inches
Wheelbase: 101.4 inches
Height: 53.5 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 42.8/29.2 inches
Head room (front/rear): 38.5/34.6 inches (without sunroof); 37.5/34/6 inches (with sunroof)
Max. Seating Capacity: Four
Max. Cargo Volume: 15.7 cubic feet
Competitors: Acura RSX, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Coupe, Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda RX-8, Mini Cooper S, Nissan 350Z, Saturn Ion Red Line, Toyota Camry Solara, Volkswagen GTI

Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi

About Alan Rider
Alan Rider is a contributing editor for Autobytel.com and two of the country¹s largest AAA magazine publishing groups, where his automotive reviews and feature stories are read by more than 7 million members. He is also a contributing editor to the AAA Buyer¹s Guide to New Cars & Trucks and an award judge for the organization¹s annual Top Car awards. He lives with his wife and son in Northern California.