2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS Reviews

Great first car had great power brakes sucked but can be dealt with handling was just fine, great looks gas mileage was awesome overall a very fun car to drive whether it be a vacation or one of those nights you feel like taking a drive

For the life of me, I can't figure out why this car depreciates so quickly. An excellent condition 2003 Eclipse will only run you about $10-$13k. Small wear-and-tear problems will drive that price down quickly.

This is a great, fun, and exciting little car. Very good for a first-car, in fact. I have had the car for 3 years now, the car is 6 years old, and the only problems in its entire history are replacing the brake pads (probably my fault...) and a leaky coolant hose, which cost me about 60 dollars to repair. Beyond that, no problems at all with anything.

I highly recommend this car in a manual transmission. The 5-speed is easy and smooth, and a great car for first-time manual drivers. I should know, I was one :) First time ever driving a stick was the test drive. Second time was off the lot that same day, I loved it so much.

The only downsides to this car is its top-end power and perhaps the interior amenities. Below about 3300 RPM the car is a bit sluggish. Okay, it's VERY sluggish... But if you can keep the revs up in your shifting, the car has enough get-up-and-go for anything you may need (passing, quick acceleration, etc). The interior is very "plastic wasteland" though, somehow (unlike a lot of American inexpensive cars) it does manage to look tasteful, in spite of its cheap materials.

Visibility is good in all places except for the rear corners. Just take a quick glance over your shoulder to double check what your mirrors are telling you, and you'll be fine.

The WORST problem with the car, however, is the hideous understeer when keeping speed through a corner. Absolutely monstorous...but then again it is a front-wheel drive car, so how much are you gonna ask for it anyway? 99% of the time this is not an issue...I've only spun the car once, and that's because I was deliberately driving crazily at 11 PM on a deserted road :) Yes, I was going way too fast. But enough about me...

Great little car, inexpensive, easy to drive (manual), VERY fun to drive, good audio system...go buy one now :)

It's fun and sporty.