2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review

Mitsubishi is shaking up the Eclipse coupe by offering the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. It’s a racy, round-backed, sensual convertible with a whopping 260-horsepower V6 packed into it. The Spyder shoots from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and stows its stylish soft top in a measly 19 seconds. It is based on Mitsubishi’s Project America platform, and shares it with the Mitsubishi Galant and Endeavor. The Project America platform is both stiffer and wider than previous Eclipse platforms which means crisper, more responsive handling and a more sure-footed driving experience. The Spyder is a front-wheel-drive sports car with a 5-speed manual transmission and an aggressive, snarling stance. Its eye-catching body panels look great with the top up or down, and it handles well with very little body lean. The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider feels as fast as the speed-soaked design looks.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable convertible. Its sexy, sporty styling and long warranty make it an attractive value. However, its safety is still unknown with no crash test scores available as yet. Doubts also surround Mitsubishi’s reliability. While two recalls already are not unusual for a new model, buyers may want to wait to let the early bugs be worked out. Where the Spyder really scores is in price, no other sports convertible on can rival its low price tag, making it a solid option for those on a tight budget.

What’s New For 2007:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the new convertible version of the Eclipse coupe, which was first introduced in 1990. The Spyder has – in addition to the Eclipses features – an anti-theft system, an automatic cloth top which maintains a surprising level of the vehicle’s cool factor even when up, a much more powerful engine, and a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system. The Eclipse Spyder is available in two 2 trim levels: the GS and GT. Upon introduction, the GS trim is powered by a 2.4-liter 162-horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine (the same as the hard top coupe) mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. An upgrade to the GT trim has sportier suspension, optional leather seats, optional power seats, and a more powerful 260-horsepower V6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

While there is no specific data available on the all new Spyder yet, the 2007 Eclipse earned only two and a half out of five stars from J.D. Power and Associates. The previous generation Eclipse had its fair share of problems, including vehicle noise, hard starting, sticking sunroofs, and popping speakers. Expect average to below average reliability out of the Spyder. Fortunately, Mitsubishi has a nice basic warranty, lasting for five years or 60,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Standard safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS), front and side airbags, and an upgrade to the GT trim adds traction control. As of the writing of this article, no crash test data on the Eclipse Spyder convertible is available. It should be noted that convertibles are inherently less safe than other vehicles for a number of reasons: It’s near impossible to equip them with head-protecting curtain airbags, and a rollover in a convertible is more dangerous as there is no rooftop impact absorption. In a sports car, it may be more tempting for a driver to push it to the brink of a rollover. There have already been two recalls for the Spyder: One for a weak crossmember, and another for a faulty interlock cable.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Eclipse style in a convertible
+ Powerful engine
+ Advanced sound system

Cons
– Unknown/poor reliability
– Front wheel drive torque steering
– Low cargo and passenger volume

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Spyder is one of the most affordable convertibles on the market. The king of affordable sports cars, the Ford Mustang GT Deluxe Convertible, comes in at over $5,000 more than the Spyder, and lacks its CD changer and side airbags. But the Mustang wins in performance, sporting a larger, 8-cylinder engine, with 130 more horsepower than the Spyder. Also available is the Honda S2000, which comes standard with leather seats, a six-speed manual transmission, and 70 more horsepower. But for the additional $8,000 you’d spend, you’d think it would come with the Spyder’s side airbags and CD changer. No such luck. The MINI Cooper fits nicely into the Spyder’s price range, but has a smaller engine, and lacks the CD changer and side airbags.

What Others Are Saying:

“It looks as if Mitsubishi has found the sweet spot for sporty convertibles. If you want a four-passenger droptop for less than $30,000, there are half a dozen economy car-based, front-wheel-drive alternatives, but none offer as pleasing a combination of sportiness, style, practicality, and performance as the new Eclipse Spyder.” – AutomobileMag.com

“I found myself on route to downtown Toronto in Mitsubishi’s hot new 2007 Eclipse Spyder- fitted with, among other things, a really enormous stereo system. It’s the powerful sounding music and impeccable reproduction of even the highest and most challenging notes that serves as the ultimate test for a car audio system. For a factory setup, the Rockford-Fosgate system fitted to my test car did a bang on job.” – Auto123

“Out on the road, the Spyder turns in responsively and hangs on well, pushing progressively into squealing understeer at cornering speeds most ragtop clients will never attain.” – Car and Driver

Read more about the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder at the Mitsubishi manufacturer web site.