2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

In 2006, Mitsubishi completely redesigned the Eclipse. For 2007 the car shows only minor changes. Reviewers have a favorable opinion of the new Eclipse, calling it "more a touring coupe than a sports car," among other things. The SE is the midlevel trim for the Eclipse coupe, adding front leather seating, a Rockford Fosgate stereo system, a power sunroof, and additional trim upgrades over the base GS model.

The only engine offered at the SE level is a 2.4-liter, inline four cylinder with variable valve timing that produces 162 hp and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 5-speed Sportronic automatic optional. Reviewers had positive impressions of both transmissions. Consumer Guide managed the 0-60 jump in 9.2 seconds. Reviewers found that with the manual transmission the engine offered adequate power and the advantage of better gas mileage, with the EPA estimating 20/28 mpg. Consumer Guide's testers averaged 19.6 mpg with the automatic.

The Eclipse's Ride is comfortable, though some reviewers find the Eclipse to be a tad firm, especially the tender souls at Consumer Guide. They found the SE especially firm when equipped with 18-inch tires. Other reviewers wrote that while the increased weight and rather large turning radius of the Eclipse precluded serious sports-car-like handling, it could happily participate in "spirited driving." Overall, ride quality and behavior are like that of most front-wheel-drive coupes: The harder the car is pushed through the corners, the more it will understeer.

The interior is comfortable, with sufficiently bolstered and cushioned front seats that work adequately for both spirited driving and day-long trips. The two rear seats, as with most sport coupes, end up as cargo - not people - holders. They flip down (50/50 split) extending the trunk space to a maximum of 15.7 cubic feet, but this cargo space is neither well laid out nor easily accessible.

The overall layout of the cabin is "austere," but not "minimalist." Various controls are well laid out and within easy reach, but some reviewers complain the tilting steering wheel lacks telescoping. Consumer Guide felt there were "too many hard plastic surfaces" in the cabin. And there were numerous complaints about the lack of rearward visibility due to the stylish body design.

Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution in this stylish sports coupe.