1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
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Used Eclipse Spyder for sale
Appraise This CarMitsubishi Eclipse Spyder model years
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder types
- Convertible
- GS-T
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- One of the best top-down cruisers being sold.
Cons
- Rear seat is little more than a parcel shelf. And, as in all front-wheel drive vehicles, beware the understeer!
What’s new
Sundance Plum Pearl exterior paint replaces Magenta Gray Pearl, black leather interior replaces the gray, and the GS-T model gets white-faced instrumentation.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for Eclipse Spyder GS
Eclipse Spyder GS
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Capitalizing on the recent success of convertible sports cars, Mitsubishi released a topless version of its successful pocket rocket in the spring of 1996. Unlike most convertibles, the Spyder is not merely a chopped version of the Eclipse coupe. Instead, it was designed from square one to be a convertible. This results in a drop-top that is extremely rigid with only a 50-pound weight gain over its hardtop sibling.
The Eclipse Spyder has attractive look-at-me styling that is a good component of any convertible design. Fine interior ergonomics and an excellent driving position compliment the sleek, compact body and tidy dimensions of the car.
Available in entry level GS or performance-oriented GS-T trim levels, the Eclipse Spyder is destined to impress the most demanding of taskmasters. Instead of the feeble, Chrysler-built 2.0-liter engine common to the GS coupe, the GS Spyder receives a 2.4-liter engine pulled from the Mitsubishi Galant. Horsepower figures are nearly identical for both powerplants, but the Spyder's engine has the definite edge in torque; 14 percent more is available at a relatively low 3,000 rpm.
The real excitement, however, lies with the GS-T. Using a proven Mitsubishi 2.0-liter intercooled turbo engine producing 210 horsepower, the GS-T offers more power than convertible competitors from BMW, Saab and Toyota. Pretty impressive for a car that costs less than $28,000. GS-T models come packed with goodies that include leather seats, an in-dash CD player, cruise control, security system and air conditioning. Unfortunately, antilock brakes are conspicuously absent from the GS-T's standard equipment list.
We cannot point to many reasons to pass over the Spyder; it has a respected bloodline, attractive looks and promising performance. However, in the $25,000 price range, it places itself in direct competition with two of our perennial favorites: the Mazda Miata and the Ford Mustang GT convertible. Both offer rear-wheel drive performance that will appeal to most enthusiasts and are solid in construction and design. This does not mean the Spyder isn't a worthy contender, but it makes the decision difficult. Well, that's one tough decision we would love to make.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
5 star(53%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Why not add a turbo
4g64twannaB, 02/10/2003
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
I can't say enough about this car.
Although in the bone stock form it
leaves something to be desired.
Handling:it is great. Add an
aftermarket strut bar and coilover
style springs and your golden. The
interior is very comfortable withit's
reclineable bucket seats and easily
accessible console. The exterior is one
of those things that makes this car so
great. It looks … as aggressive as some
of those $30k and up sports cars. Now
here's a secret not many people know,
put the cylinder head from a turbo on
this engine block and guess what, you
can bolt-up the gst/gsx turbo and your
non-turbo 2.4l spyder is now a turbo hp
machine. Overall a great car.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Worth every penny
Tim, 04/09/2008
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
The moment I drove this car I bought it. It has stunning looks and handling, awesome exhaust note and the head turning appeal. Yes my top leaks but a small price to pay for such a exciting car. I have 93,000 on it and all original parts, I have never had a more reliable car. I drive this car every day and it never gets old I recommend this car to anyone who wants a sexy sport convertible … that gets great gas mileage.
4.75 out of 5 stars
turbo lover
turbogst, 06/17/2004
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Turbo 2dr Convertible
i love these cars, they are really
fast and are really easy to modify.
Also they are very cheap to modify as
well.
5 out of 5 stars
1998 RED Hot Mitsubishi Eclipse GST
marcyjp, 02/14/2012
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2dr Convertible
I bought my Eclipse in October of 1998 and have loved driving it whenever I get the chance to take it out.
I love to throw the top down turn up the stereo and let this car take me wherever I am going.
I have 128,000 miles on my eclipse and it looks like the day I brought it home!
This car is a real eye catcher. I was pulled over and the office didn't believe that I had given him the … right insurance card so he asked for the card for the new car, I told him it had 98,000 mile on it and he still had to look at the odometer.
No problems just maintain it.
I still have the original exhaust and everything!
My kids and their friends have always loved riding in it too.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, so we've included reviews for other years of the Eclipse Spyder since its last redesign.
1999 Eclipse Spyder Highlights
Convertible
GS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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