2001MitsubishiEclipseMitsubishi Eclipse2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse RSCoupeCoupeFWDMitsubishi's 2001 Eclipse, based on the Galant sedan platform, was redesigned inside and out last year, and embodies a youthful image and providing a sporty drive. The new year for the Eclipse sees a standard spoiler, tether anchors for child seats and meets LEV emissions standards.Bigger engines, intriguing styling, newfound refinement.Lots of road noise, low-grade materials, no turbo motor, no all-wheel drive, no ABS on RS and GS.Since 1990, the Eclipse has delivered edgy styling and quick performance at bargain prices. The 1995 redesign improved on this idea and last year, the Eclipse got another makeover - complete with enhanced four-cylinder engine performance, sophisticated technology and a new image. Mitsubishi calls the Eclipse's styling "geo-mechanical," with an unbroken roof arch, a swell in the hood that rolls across the upper fenders, a lateral accent line and ribbed contours in its doors and front fascia. The spoiler that reminds us of the St. Louis Gateway Arch is now standard. Inside, styling is one part futuristic and two parts sporty with a dash of luxury sprinkled in. Featuring a twin-cockpit design, the interior is symmetrical and functional, with some components appearing melded into the dash while others protrude aggressively. Materials include soft-touch appointments with titanium-finish details that look rather cheap. The Eclipse is offered in three trim levels -- RS, GS and GT. The base four-cylinder engine found in the RS and GS models displaces 2.4 liters and produces 155 horsepower. The GT model comes equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine making 205 horsepower that offers increased responsiveness to throttle input. The turbo engine has been dropped in favor of the more refined V6. Regardless of engine selection, a five-speed manual transmission is standard fare. For those desiring an automatic tranny, Mitsubishi offers a four-speed automatic with "learned control" that tailors its shifting characteristics to the driver's style, or a Sportronic automanual transmission that allows drivers to change gears without using a clutch. The 2001 Eclipse also incorporates a front suspension with large-diameter front struts and a multi-link rear suspension with tubular steel arms. A stiff sub-frame and a longer wheelbase also add to ride quality. Safety features include front-seat force-limiter seatbelts and front seat-mounted side airbags that are optional on the GT model. Traction control is offered only on GT with an automatic transmission, which leaves us wondering why it isn't available with the manual. And why can't buyers of the RS and GS models get antilock brakes? With all these features, the value of Eclipse hasn't been lost. Standard equipment on every 2001 model includes power windows and door locks, an engine immobilizer and anti-theft system, microfiltered air conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, CD player, auto-off headlights, and alloy wheels. The mid-level GS also gets standard 16-inch wheels, cruise control, power sunroof, remote keyless entry, fog lamps, lumbar support and a split-folding rear seat. Step up to the GT and consumers will receive the V6 engine, 17-inch wheels, improved brakes, upgraded seat fabric and wider tires. The power sunroof is optional on the GT, as well as an audio and premium package with side airbags and a 4-disc CD changer. Hardcore Eclipse fans will be upset that Mitsubishi no longer offers the turbo and all-weather GSX model this year in order to focus on attracting middle-market buyers. There's certainly no denying the huge leap that Mitsubishi has taken with the 2001 Eclipse. From styling to drivetrain, the car is totally different from the previous version that wore an "Eclipse" badge. Acura IntegraFord MustangHyundai TiburonMercury CougarToyota Celica336,000560,000336,0007100,000NANANA42.4 litersInline147 hp @ 5500 rpm158 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm175.4 in.68.9 in.51.8 in.2935 lbs.100.8 in.37.9 in.34.9 in.52.2 in.52 in.51.9 in.44.3 in.42.3 in.30 in.16.9 cu.ft.Not AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested16.4 gal.22 mpg / 30 mpg20 mpg / 27 mpg361 mi. / 492 mi.328 mi. / 443 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$16,460$17,9877.35%$535N/A2% of the Base MSRPRS (5M): 2.4L I4 SOHC MPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 90 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.72 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine-speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes; 16.4 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto-off headlamps; driver's and passenger's manual black outside mirrors; 15" x 6" silver alloy wheels; P195/65HR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, air filter; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, single-disc CD player, 4 speakers, theft deterrent, fixed antenna; power door locks, remote trunk release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, smokers' package; instrumentation displayincludes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar, trunk ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable; tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 4, front sports seats with adjustable headrests, driver's seat includes 6-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; full-folding rear bench seat; height-adjustable front seatbelts; cloth seats, front cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, glove box, front cupholder, instrument panel bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo cover; black sidewindow moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
GS (5M) (in addition to or instead of RS (5M) equipment): Rear wing spoiler; driver's and passenger's power remote black outside mirrors; 16" x 6" silver alloy wheels; P205/55HR16 BSW A/S tires; 6 speakers, window grid diversity antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry; garage door opener; ignition disable, panic alarm; sun visor strip; 50/50 folding rear bench seat; cloth door trim insert; leather-wrapped gearshift knob; additional interior lights include illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; cargo net and cargo light.
GT (5M) (in addition to or instead of GS (5M) equipment): 3L V6 SOHC MPI 24-valve engine; engine oil cooler; 85 amp alternator; 3.74 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; 4-wheel disc brakes; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; 17" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/50VR17 BSW A/S tires; additional instrumentation display includes oil pressure gauge and premium cloth seats.