2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
This is an UPDATE to a review I left on 12.11.11. I still own my 2000 Eclipse GT which is now 16 years old (I purchased in Dec 1999). My silver Eclipse is automatic transmission with 3.0L V6 engine. The odometer just turned over 500,000 miles with the original engine and very little maintenance (click on pic to see), and it still looks great! I have changed the timing belt only once in 16 years and had only one tune-up. I get the oil changed every 10,000-20,000 miles (clearly I'm bad at following recommended maintenance schedules). I changed the radiator myself at about 480,000 miles which was super easy (I'm not a mechanic. I looked up how to do it online). It still runs great though a few minor problems (small oil leak, AC not cooling great, lifts no longer hold hatchback open) which is expected after 16 years and half-a-million miles. Still runs great whether in summer heat or extreme blizzards (WY/CO). I will be sad when my "Silver Horse" stops running.
VS
Critical Review
I've had the vehicle 3 years now. It appears a common problem with the engine is with the valves and the valve guides. I've had it rebuilt twice. I've not raced or modified it, just a few leisurely weekend drives here and there. Even a few cross country trips. Meticulously maintained, yet it still saw fit to break without a moments notice. Day 1 starts with a check engine light, and about an hour later after a few diagnostics and taking the heads off, the valves are having problems again. Not to mention the design and placement of the engine makes it nearly impossible to work on without a lift and specialty tools. The rear head that houses cylinders 1, 3, and 5 is located partially under the firewall and is covered by the intake manifold (which coincidentally is also partially tucked under the firewall). So reaching the bottom bolts to take it off to do any sort of work seems dubious at best without undying patience and specialty tools. It's a very enjoyable vehicle to own, very fun to drive. But in 3 years I'd never thought I'd spend over 10,000 maintaining and rebuilding it just so I could drive to work and back. IMHO it's just not worth the hassle, it's an expensive rebuild process. I've loved this car, but it's just not worth the headache.
2002 Eclipse Reviews
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Love her style and speed.
She has let me down a couple times on trips!
She has been the best car I have ever owned. I have always owned sports cars, manual transmission. I love the convertible top and how she drives. Blessed to have had her for 14 years.
A lot of power and good gas mileage
Can’t take sharp turns
This was my first car and I have loved literally everything about it. From how much power you get for such good gas mileage is amazing! I bought mine as a beater, re did the clutch, fly wheel, trans fluids, radiator, battery, brakes, tires, full tune up, all dents took out, did a custom exhaust and it literally looked and drove brand new.
Fun to drive
Premium gas however, keeps the engine humming.
Excellent acceleration, good gas mileage, hugs the curves, nice seating and comforts, ample storage space, repairs (if needed) are not expensive, sound vehicle, solid.
Alot of new parts
Rusty strut tower
It's a nice fast fun car with a good ride quality not to bad on gas reliable motor hasn't failed did so much work to the car with mechanical wise
great gas mileage
sounds
Every summer people tell me how nice the car looks even after 16 years! It is super sporty and although it is all standard features, the convertible makes it look like a much more expensive car. I have owned it 7 years and have even driven it in the snow and had no issues at all. Due to snow and salt, I did have to have all the brake lines replaced but that is nothing for a car that is so low to the ground already and has seen some stuff. Lots of power, fun, and freedom. This is not my first convertible, but it is the better one that I have owned due to the fact that I can even fit 5 people in it and parking is easy because its so compact. The negatives? With the top up there are blind-spots that are hard to see around and because it is so low, it seems like people do not see me but no accidents and i can blow the heat and take the electric top down to back out of a dark space if i have to or "head-in park" which my job tells me to do with work vehicles for safety anyway so...problem solved! :)
Fun to drive
N/A
It runs smooth,has great speed and is very comfortable. I love racing it. It has great gas mileage.v
Fun to drive.
Love everything about this car.
I bought car when it was 4 years old and only had 3,000 miles. Fully loaded, all leather, 5 speed. I added alarm system and Alpine stereo system. I love this car but I am getting too old and need an automatic.
