2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

 If you're looking for a car with power, comfort & a sporty design that won't break the bank or cost you dearly at the gas pump then try the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT.

The Eclipse in its 4th generation (2006-) keeps getting better.  Although it has lost a lot of its tuner turbo crowd, it has gained more popularity for a larger audience than pedal stomping teen racers. With its swoopy curves, large head & tail lamps, rounded rear end & powerful V6 engine you either love it or hate it, much like the opinion of the vastly different 3rd gen car.

I'm going to get right to the good stuff, the engine.  After losing the turbo in the late 90's & replacing it with a V6 starting with the 2000 model, the engine kept getting more powerful.  With the 2007 version GT it is driven by a 3.8 liter MIVEC V6 which delivers a whopping 263 horsepower & 258 lb ft of torque, which means you hit the gas and you are pushed back into your seat immediately.  Whoever says this car is slow has never driven one, the 0-60 mark can be reached in 5.7 sec by an experienced driver.  This FWD beast will squeal the front tires without much effort, it takes practice with the pedal to avoid this.  All of this power comes at a not so bad price at the pump.  I average 22mpg with mostly city type driving with one or two highway trips for a short distance and I don't "hot rod" it.  The required premium fuel sounds bad but really only adds up to an extra 2-3 dollars come fill up time.  The growl that comes from the oversized exhaust pipe makes its presence known.

The interior & controls fit nicely with the sporty engine and looks.  The high back seats are very comfortable with lumbar supports, there is a leather wrapped steering wheel & motorcycle type dual main guages for RPM & MPH.  The sound system features a 650 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo with a 6 CD changer & 9 speakers. The rear seat is small, mainly for small children or an adult on a short trip.  With the hatchback design and split folding rear seats you have room to transport a number of items which comes in handy.  There is also a factory moon roof that can be added, I have one on mine and gives you a nice air flow.  It can be electronically opened all the way or tilted back.  When closed you have a choice between the tinted glass or there is a fabric cover that closes to block out all light like a regular car.

The handling is surprising.  You hear complaints of torque steer and unless you're taking a turn at 100mph that is no issue. The car sticks to the road on turns and is very forgiving on miscalculating.  The wide body and heavy weight coupled with front wheel drive doesn't sound very appealing but especially in the snow both of these factors are useful.  I live in Ohio and this car has never caused me any concern trudging through the white stuff.  The only two complaints that I have is the incredibly large turning radius and the blindspots out the rear.  You get used to both and find out how to compensate.

This car has never been given much of a chance in the auto magazines but all of the actual owners love this car.  Test drive one and see for yourself.