The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse ranks 5 out of 5 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
"Not everyone in this world wants a fire-breathing, rough-riding but fun-to-drive sports car," writes MarketWatch. While strong points include an aggressive-looking exterior design and sporty interior cabin, critics complain of visibility issues, a cramped backseat and lacking cargo room in the convertible.
If you're in the market for a four-passenger affordable sports car that packs more punch, test-drive the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The Mazda RX-8 also makes a great choice.
This adage seems well-suited to the modernly attractive 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Eclipse isn't a complete impostor. For the 2010 Eclipse, there are just a few feature and cosmetic changes. The GT has more standard features (last year's Premium Sport Package option is essentially now standard) but the sticker price has gone up correspondingly.
Mitsubishi's 2010 Eclipse essentially serves as a middle ground between small and nimble coupes like the Honda Civic Si and bigger midsize coupes like the Nissan Altima coupe. For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse hatchback sport coupe is offered in three trim levels. The base GS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an integrated rear spoiler, keyless entry, cruise control, 50/50-split-folding rear seats and full power accessories.
New for 2010, the GS Sport trim level bridges the gap between
the GS and GT models. The GS Sport features the four-cylinder drivetrain from the GS, wrapped up in the GT's exterior styling. The V6-powered GT model includes the GS Sport's equipment as well as upgrades like foglamps, larger rear brakes, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror, a compass, an outside temperature display and aluminum scuff plates and pedals.
Powertrains and Performance
The Eclipse GS models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 162 hp and 162 pound-feet of torque. The base GS has a five-speed manual transmission as standard or a four-speed automatic as an option. The GS Sport has the automatic as standard. Across the Eclipse range, fuel economy is just about average compared to other sporty coupes. The manual-equipped GS gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined; highway mileage drops to 27 with the automatic.