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When Mitsubishi unveiled the Eclipse Concept-E at Detroit's 2004 auto show, few thought the futuristic sport coupe had a prayer of reaching production in that form. Well, it did, and now this Eclipse GT has joined our long term fleet. With us about 6 weeks, and a mere 2,400 miles, it's just settling in. But aside from the somewhat garish color, we find the new front-drive Eclipse to be a huge improvement over its predecessor in handling, ride, power, and most of all, comfort. It's not the smallest or most intimate of sport coupes, but it handles chores from carrying kids to groceries and is still a hoot to drive.
Mileage is coming along. It stands at 22.3 for our 6-speed manual and its 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6. We expect mileage to continue to rise.
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Always ready to go is our Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. This affordable sport coupe offering is sweet to look at, and no competitor can match its combination of comfortable interior and road gripping manners. It is also a far more sophisticated package than any Eclipse before, even if its softer ride may turn off some enthusiasts. Totally favorable is the GT's reworked 3.8-liter V6 and its responsive 263 horsepower throttle. After three months and over 5,000 miles we've experienced zero problems, good fuel economy of 22.6 miles per gallon, and despite a rather large glass hatch around back, nary a squeak or a rattle. Often sexy, sporty coupes make terrible everyday transportation. The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a welcomed exception.
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We're four months and some 10,000 miles into our long term test of this 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and we certainly are enjoying its class leading combination of head-turning style, long-legged interior, and entertaining performance. Our GT's 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 has plenty of reserve power for fast getaways and effortless passing. And, despite a heavy foot, fuel economy has risen nicely to 23.3 miles per gallon.
We've had no mechanical problems, and comments from the log books include praise for the flexibility of its hatchback interior, its fine handling despite a fairly soft ride, and effortless power even with the stick in 6th gear. It seems whatever you want in a practical, sporty coupe, the new Eclipse can deliver.
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After 8 months we know this sporty coupe quite well. Our GT has delivered about 11,000 fault-free miles and we're still enjoying both its back road balance and long distance comfort.
Our GT's 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 never comes up short on power, and we're quite pleased with the 22.9 miles per gallon average fuel economy. Plus, it soars to near 30 on interstate legs.
Log book entries praise the flexibility of its large hatchback interior. That is due in part to an unusually long wheelbase. Yet despite that, and a fairly soft ride, we still find agility to be quite good. The list of affordable sport coupes seems to grow shorter every day, so we're glad that Mitsubishi has hung in there with the Eclipse, and those who try it won't be disappointed.
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Sporty cars and summer go together like sun block and a beach, so it's a perfect time to check in on our Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe. After 10 months we know this sporty coupe quite well. Our GT has delivered over 12,000 fault-free miles and we're still enjoying both its back road balance and long distance comfort.
The GT's 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 has plenty of reserve power, and we've even seen fuel economy average rise a bit to 23.0 miles per premium gallon of gas.
Eclipse log book entries praise its roomy, yet intimate and flexible interior. This is due in part to an unusually long wheelbase. Yet despite that, and a fairly soft ride, we still find agility to be quite good.
It's a great time to take great drives, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse makes you love every mile.
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Our fleet's other sporty two-door is a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe. It too has been with us a year and we've been quite pleased with this affordable hatchback. Even after over 14,000 miles, log book entries continue to praise its roomy, versatile cockpit-like interior and efficient operation. Even with our GT's 263-horsepower V6, fuel use has been limited to 23 miles per gallon of premium gas.
It has also been totally trouble free. Our only complaint is a ride that is a bit too soft.
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