1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Owners of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder generally enjoy the fun driving experience and sporty look of the car. They appreciate the quick pickup and good handling, especially for a small turbocharged engine. However, some drivers noted concerns about visibility, noise at high speeds, and issues with interior quality, such as rattles. The car is fun for summer drives but may require attention for maintenance, especially with higher mileage models."
For a little 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo charged engine, this car moves like the wind. It's the front wheel drive model, meaning 1st gear is basically worthless when the turbo spools. Second through fifth, however, will sit you firmly in your seat. The top starts to get pretty loud around the 90 to 100mph range, and even worse up around that 130 to 140mph range, almost to the point where you think the top is just going to leave the car. The actual car is still prett stable for the most part around those speeds. Maybe a little light in the wheel. The braking is also spectacular. The upper model cars have 4 wheel disc brakes instead of 2 disc and 2 drum, and they work. Well. If you arent ready, you'll meet the windshield, face first. The cornering is that of a true sports car. It's very stiff and rigid, which helps with the body roll (or lack thereof). The gearbox is very tight, meaning a person has to pay attention if they want the correct gear. Overall, it's a sharp looking, good running, fun to drive car that still gets mid to upper 20's for mileage (unless of course you drive it like it's meant to be driven).
March 2, 2008it's quick to get up and go. some parts goin out due to higher miles, but for the most part it is in great shape.
April 15, 2008performance - not great acceleration, good breaks and good handling, appearence - great exterior design and is great inside, its not expensive in maintenance, its a real fun car to drive, and is excellent for summer break, i really enjoy drive that car
September 30, 2009What owners say
For a little 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo charged engine, this car moves like the wind. It's the front wheel drive model, meaning 1st gear is basically worthless when the turbo spools. Second through fifth, however, will sit you firmly in your seat. The top starts to get pretty loud around the 90 to 100mph range, and even worse up around that 130 to 140mph range, almost to the point where you think the top is just going to leave the car. The actual car is still prett stable for the most part around those speeds. Maybe a little light in the wheel. The braking is also spectacular. The upper model cars have 4 wheel disc brakes instead of 2 disc and 2 drum, and they work. Well. If you arent ready, you'll meet the windshield, face first. The cornering is that of a true sports car. It's very stiff and rigid, which helps with the body roll (or lack thereof). The gearbox is very tight, meaning a person has to pay attention if they want the correct gear. Overall, it's a sharp looking, good running, fun to drive car that still gets mid to upper 20's for mileage (unless of course you drive it like it's meant to be driven).
March 2, 2008it's quick to get up and go. some parts goin out due to higher miles, but for the most part it is in great shape.
April 15, 2008performance - not great acceleration, good breaks and good handling, appearence - great exterior design and is great inside, its not expensive in maintenance, its a real fun car to drive, and is excellent for summer break, i really enjoy drive that car
September 30, 2009The pick up is amazing! I bought it from a dealer in Florida and drove it all the way to Ohio with no problems at all. Except for a major failure of Meineke (all the lugnuts broke off, their fault) there have been no problems with this car. The clutch is annoying, however. You have to push it all the way to the floor to disengage it, so you have to move your seat up very far to reach it. The interior panels are not attached very securely, but nothing has fallen off. It just bends and rattles. 30 MPG is wonderful. I never have to get gas! The car is beautiful on the outside, but average on the inside. This car is so much fun to drive! My parents have an 08 Mustang GT and an 00 Integra Type R, and I drove them both before I got this car. They pale in comparison to my Eclipse. I would certainly recommend this car, but you have to be careful which one to buy, because many of them have been beat to death and have no life left in them.
December 3, 2008It's a great car, it is 13 years old and it running well. It performs great. The turbo kicks in at the right time every time. It's real fun to drive, especially when people think it's one of the slow eclipses.
September 13, 2010I love my car i bought my car used back in 2000 and i have not had any major problems. it still runs and looks great. i love my little red car. I love the fact it small and i can always find parking. I still have people staring...
June 16, 2011I loved driving this car, especialy in the mountains. With the top and the windows down gave you a completely different driving experience. Sadness though, this car was taken from me prematurely. Because it was black and low profile it was hard to see. An old lady pulled in front of me and we nearly hit head on. For that I give Mitsubishi props for a strong body fram, otherwise my friend and I probably would have been seriously injured. Performance wise this isn't the quickest ricer, so expect to throw extra money at it if that is you goal. Not a tough feat, there is plenty of aftermarket stuff for this make.
December 28, 2008
