2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Mitsubishi Eclipse receives minimal changes for the 2002 model year. Highlights include two new paint colors and a new chrome badge. ...
The Mitsubishi Eclipse receives minimal changes for the 2002 model year. Highlights include two new paint colors and a new chrome badge. The coupe had lost two of its best selling points with the 2000 redesign: all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine. More changes would follow in 2003, as Mitsubishi attempted to relieve the Eclipse of its lackluster image.
There are two separate Eclipse models: the coupe and the Spyder convertible. The coupes come in three styles: base RS, GS and GT. Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, a rear spoiler a CD audio system, and full power accessories. Illuminated vanity mirrors have all been added this year.
The base RS and mid-level GS use a 2.4 liter inline four, making 154 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The GT houses to a 3.0 liter V-6, for a total output of 205 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, with a manual shift feature on the GS and GT.
The Eclipse has received very positive reviews with regards to styling, fuel economy, and road manners. The most efficient Eclipse earns an EPA rating of 23/30 mpg, but drivers warn the four four-cylinder models are a bit underpowered, even with the manual transmission. The 0 to 60 mph time for the four-cylinder is 9.2 seconds. Eclipse handling is predictable and responsive, according to reviewers.
Owners commented that they would like to see the return of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and more leg and head room. Drivers generally found the interior to be user-friendly, but plain looks an lower quality materials mar the overall ambiance.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse express a strong affection for their cars, highlighting fun driving experiences, good fuel economy, and sporty handling. Many appreciate its stylish appearance and performance, especially for a four-cylinder model. However, some drivers noted reliability issues, particularly with the emissions system and maintenance costs, which detracted from their enjoyment."
The Eclipse is essentially a 2 door Galant. A sedan size and performance coupled with a sporty look makes for a great daily driver. The vehicle has undoubtedly been super reliable as I go into the 7th year of ownership with only one defect problem with the A/C compressor locking up shortly after I took delivery of it. Very comfortable and gains a lot of attention.
July 30, 2008Acceleration was pretty good for a four, handling was awesome, and braking was ok until the brakes went which happened very quickly. I had a lot of problems with the entire emisions system, I could not keep the check engine light off for anything, first it was an O2 sensor then a fuel neck, then a fuel cap, and so on and so on. I loved the apperance of the car and except for a couple of spots around the trunk it was pretty resistant to rust.
April 9, 2010For the price and class of sport compact car it is in, it is a good deal. The car was quicker than most cars in its class, fun to drive and tops out at 152 mph. The looks of the car are very sleek. It also got pretty good gas mileage for a V6.
October 21, 2009What owners say
The Eclipse is essentially a 2 door Galant. A sedan size and performance coupled with a sporty look makes for a great daily driver. The vehicle has undoubtedly been super reliable as I go into the 7th year of ownership with only one defect problem with the A/C compressor locking up shortly after I took delivery of it. Very comfortable and gains a lot of attention.
July 30, 2008Acceleration was pretty good for a four, handling was awesome, and braking was ok until the brakes went which happened very quickly. I had a lot of problems with the entire emisions system, I could not keep the check engine light off for anything, first it was an O2 sensor then a fuel neck, then a fuel cap, and so on and so on. I loved the apperance of the car and except for a couple of spots around the trunk it was pretty resistant to rust.
April 9, 2010For the price and class of sport compact car it is in, it is a good deal. The car was quicker than most cars in its class, fun to drive and tops out at 152 mph. The looks of the car are very sleek. It also got pretty good gas mileage for a V6.
October 21, 2009I love this car! The interior has kept up VERY well! The exterior is in great shape as well and I've had it for four years! Handles great on the road hangs tight to the curves! It may be only a 4cyl. but it acts like it's a v6! I think everyone should have one!
March 14, 2008Very nice car overall, not the top notch but has decent accell and handling, very realiable overall also, no engine problems whatsoever, is a good car for its price tag, and also a very high potential engine for upgrades too.
July 22, 2009this car is one of the best cars you can get, if your looking for a car that has great potential for speed and looks and reliability, the eclipse is the car for you, get yourself an eclipse and I have no doubts you will love it..
February 24, 2011I like everything about this car and have been driving it for fourteen years. I bought this car new in 2001. The body could use some refreshening. I also like the shifter that you can use as an automatic or manually shift it for more rpm...zoom! It is a petite girls car to drive.
May 16, 2015cup holder placement can make it hard to shift sometimes, It has great pick up, the brakes are excellent, it gets about 28 mpg going 90 on the highway, in town i get around 30mpg, it is a wonderful car
October 21, 2009Handles like a dream... Great for drifting, good for manuevering thouhg traffic... gotta have the manual version. alright on gas. not bad on maintainance... $30 for a full tank of premium gas. fun car overall. looks really sporty out and in.
June 12, 2010I love my car it gets good gas mileage compared to my truck and is quik enough for me for now. It runs like a champ and ive beatn most of the cars I've raced. I only bought the car for 4,400 and nothing was wrong with it. I love this car
October 22, 2008
