2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Total Car Score Analysis

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse has changed little in nearly a decade, which is why it landed at the bottom in the segment’s Total Car Score ratings.  
 
The Eclipse has been criticized for being an overweight, underpowered, poor-handling coupe and convertible, and for having lost relevance in today’s market. 
 
Offered with either a less-than-eager four-cylinder engine or fuel-inefficient V6, this front-drive ride is now in its fourth and final generation (the following year is its last year of production).  
 
For a car that looks this good on the outside, the poor interior quality and lack of visibility make time spent in the cabin much less appealing. Like many products that have failed to receive regular attention, it has been eclipsed (pardon the pun) by a new breed of higher-quality, affordable cars. 
 
The last update two years earlier consisted of a facelifted grille to help the car resemble Mitsu’s cult street machine, the Lancer Evolution. For 2011, changes consist of a reduced MSRP, standard alloy wheels, leather-covered heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat in the GS Sport.  
 
Sadly, the GT is no longer available with a manual transmission, although all 2011 coupes have blacked-out roof panels, meant to evoke the first Eclipse model.

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Model Line-Up

Available as either a coupe or convertible (called “Spyder”), the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes in GS, GS Sport or GT trims.  
 
The coupe is offered in GS and GS Sport, powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with an available five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission; the automatic transmission is standard on the GS Sport. A 265-hp, 3.8-liter V6 propels the GT models. The Eclipse Spyder, whose power top comes with a heated glass rear window, is only offered in GS Sport and GT trims. 
 
The EPA rates the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse with a 2.4-liter engine and either the manual or automatic transmission at 20 mpg city, 28 highway and 23 mixed. V6 models (offered with only an automatic) get 17/25/20.

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