2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

The Eclipse comes either as a sporty coupe or a convertible (called the Spyder) and is available with a 162-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder or 263-horsepower, 3.8L V6 engine. The GS comes only with the four, the sporty GT only with the V6, and the loaded SE comes only as a coupe but with either engine. Both can be specified with manual or automatic transmissions, and all Eclipses have front-wheel drive. Spyder models have a power-operated soft top and space for two small adults.

Four-cylinder models come with a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission, while V6 models get a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Both automatics have the Sportronic feature for manual control.

Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line, along with seat-mounted side air bags and front side-curtain air bags plus high-back front bucket seats. In coupes, the rear seat is split 50/50 and can fold forward to expand cargo space.

Standard features on the GS include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. Aside from the powerful V6, the GT brings 18-inch wheels, an upgraded braking system, and fog lamps, while the top-of-the-range SE adds 18-inch Sword Silver alloys, leather upholstery, steering wheel audio controls, and a high-end 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system that includes a six-disc in-dash changer, a ten-inch subwoofer, and Sirius satellite radio. A sunroof is also standard.

A GT Premium Sport Package brings many of the SE's features and more to the GT, including automatic climate control, leather heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and alloy pedals. A GS Sun & Sound Package adds the upgraded Rockford-Fosgate system, a sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
For 2008, the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder convertible are carried over with only a few minor changes. The 3.8L V6 engine is now available with the SE trim, whereas it was only offered with the GT for 2007. Larger 18-inch wheels are standard on the top-of-the-range GT model, and the availability of electronic stability control has been expanded; it's now standard on both GT and SE-V6 models. A GT Premium Package is available on GT models and includes the SE's Sword Silver 18-inch wheels and aluminum scuff plates.

SE models have also been revamped to include an aerodynamic body package and other cosmetic enhancements, and Sirius satellite radio capability with a six-month subscription has been added to the available Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system.

Three new colors are offered on the Spyder: Optimist Green, Rave Red, and Northstar White. see less