Overview

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a "pony car": an economical 4-seat coupe with sporty performance features that's also available as a convertible (called the Eclipse Spyder). The Eclipse adds a new mid-range trim level for 2010, as well as several high-tech options. The Mitsubishi Eclipse competes with the Ford Mustang, Honda Accord, Audi TT, and Hyundai Genesis coupe, among others.

The base trim level, the Eclipse GS, features 17-inch alloy wheels, manual front air conditioning, cruise control, power accessories, rear spoiler, keyless entry, 6-speaker sound system, auxiliary audio jack, and optional remote ignition. The new GS Sport trim features 18-inch wheels, sunroof, Xenon headlights, an upgraded sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and rearview camera. The GT trim upgrades to a V-6 engine. In addition to the Sport features, the Eclipse GT provides leather upholstery, automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, more power controls, stronger brakes, and other enhancements. The Eclipse Spyder features a power soft top. The coupe's trunk offers 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space; the Spyder's trunk measures 5.2 cubic feet, according to Mitsubishi.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Its GS and GS Sport trims employ a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The GS features a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The latter is standard with the Sport trim. The GT trim features a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The Spyder offers only an automatic transmission: 4-speed with the GS, 5-speed with the GT. According to the EPA, the smaller engine delivers 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with manual transmission; the V-6 delivers 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with manual transmission.

Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, front side air bags, and side curtain air bags.

MSRPs for the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse ranged from $20,699 to $28,089.