2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Reviews, Pricing & Specs

It all depends on how many owners, and well taken care of over the years. Get your service records and dates, and make sure its been maintained. If you see a bunch of rust spots under the frame or in the engine, leave it alone. Alos, rust deposits could be in the fuel pump, from how old the car could be, if its low miles and looks like poo, do not fall for it.Dec 03, 2020

This car is Pretty ideal for me. It handles great, is incredibly easy to see all around me when I'm driving, parallel parking is extremely easy, able to park in compact spots while still having an engine with good kick. If you're going to get this car the GTS is the way to go sporting a considerable 3.0L engine, and a unique but sleek and sexy exterior, this car is a head turner. The interior is definitely meant for you and one other person, with a backseat mostly good only for fitting whatever you need to take with you. I've had really good luck with maintenance since it's been in my hands, since I regularly check + maintain the parts of the car. The audio system is amazing for factory in my opinion, with a clear and powerful infinity 6 CD stereo and plenty of bass. One of my favorite things about this car is the way its well rounded, it gets decent MPG, however it ONLY takes premium; I left this car with my mom one day so she could take it in for maintenance while I took her car to work. She unknowingly filled it up with regular not knowing it took only premium and the engine wouldnt start for a couple of days. I ended up having to siphon most the gas out and replace it with premium, which solved the problem. Also make sure you monitor this car checking under the hood every couple of weeks. The timing system can be sketchy I've noticed, so I'd recommend you simply buy some sort of application for treating the timing belt as I did to make sure you keep it running smoothly. Overall it's a great car for the price and I'm very happy with this car, and I'd recommend it to anyone who's willing to take the time to truly love and care for their vehicle!May 19, 2013

I absolutely love this car. Its accelearation and braking are excelent. The handling is decent, new suspension would be a must for any enthusiast. The quality is great, very reliable, no surprise from mitsubishi. I think the exterior and interior are both amazing. It can be a little pricy, as far as gas mileage goes it really depends on how you drive it, it can be one of the best or the worst on gas. The tires can also be pretty expensive with stock low profile 17's. This car is amazingly fun to drive, never a dull momentNov 08, 2010

The sportronic 4-speed transmission has a very slow response and is slower than a Honda Civic of the line. The manual version does give a little more response but the FWD drive train is very weak and you will find yourself having issues with anything involving the letters CV. Other than that it is a quality car. The all leather dark interior is very comfortable and stylish and the 9 speaker Infinity sound system can bump pretty well for a 2003 stock sound system. The exterior styling is very clean and flowing. And finally the exhaust, it is a symbol of the Eclipse. When getting passed by a stock Eclipse you will find yourself asking if it has a high-dollar exhaust system, but in all honesty, it will be very hard to find an exhaust that sounds as good as it does stock.Sep 06, 2010

My first ever new car.Handles great ,drives nice and stops on a dime.Have had this car from day 1 and have not had any maintenance issues at all. It is starting to show it,s age a little with a little wind noise on the drivers door and a few interior squeaks nothing major that can't easily be fixed.Fuel milage depends on how I drive it really. One week of going to and from work stop and go and it gets in the upper 20's straight interstate driving on vacation the lower 30's. Overall it's a fun car to drive definitly gives ou a very sporty feel.Nov 05, 2009

I really like the car, it turns heads for sure. It's not the fastest car on the block and the 6 cylinders are harder to boost. If you want a straight-line car that can get under 14s without putting out much cash, stick with a Mustang or other rear-wheel drive car. If you're looking for something to take some corners, shell out the grand or two and you'll be set.Jun 26, 2009

The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is a little peppy car with a manual transmission. Without it, though is a dog. Overall it is a great car very good on gas since its a four cylinder. Its exterior like always on the Eclipse is very well designed and made. It comes with a spoiler and a sunroof. The bucket seats inside are very comfortable. Even though with minor back seats they are comfortable. The hatchback gives plenty of room. All in all this FWD vehicle is fun but is not in the same league as its predecessor. Jul 01, 2008

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 :)Jun 30, 2008