2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS
by Cordell Koland

Mitsubishi Motors finally may be finding its grove in the tough American
market. Sales have increased 69 percent in the last three years. And while
it probably won¹t seriously challenge Honda or Toyota any time soon, it is
making a mark in some product niches, more related to lifestyle than basic
transportation. How about a loaded four-passenger convertible with a
powerful V-6 engine at $30,000? Sounds too good to be true? This fall all
will be revealed with the delivery of the 2003 Eclipse Spyder.

To avoid the shakes so often associated with open-top automobiles, the
Eclipse Spyder was designed and engineered from the ground up as a
convertible model to maximize structural integrity. And the result is a
convertible with a pretty solid body, largely impervious to the body
twisting and rattles that have defined affordable convertibles.

Available as a four-cylinder GS model and as six-cylinder GT and GTS models,
the latter promises even more fun with four-wheel disc brakes as well as
17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires. Our test GTS model is the
top dog, while the more affordable four-cylinder GS model is priced under
$24,000

For the 2003 model year, Mitsubishi raised both the torque and horsepower of
the Spyder¹s V-6. The result is a raucous engine that pulls strongly even up
rather steep grades to get up to cruising speeds in a hurry. The engine will
leave most drivers with a sense of empowerment. But make no mistake. The
engine is noisy. In fact, I¹d say it is one of the least refined V-6 engines
I remember driving in the last decade or so. Many drivers will find the
sound exciting, but those expecting a smooth quiet power delivery should
look elsewhere.

I like Mitsubishi¹s approach to pricing. Our test car came loaded at the
$30,000 list price with no options. Luxury amenities included a 12-way power
driver¹s seat, a high-end Infinity sound system with six-disc in-dash CD
player and seven speakers as well as a leather interior and a remote
security system. There are only a few low-cost options even available, such
as an engine block heater that few drivers in temperate climates will want
to purchase.

For the 2003 model year, the Spyder receives some exterior upgrades as well.
These include a clear tail light housing with red and amber lamps as well as
revised headlights and some changes that emphasize its pouting "wide-mouth"
look. The design does look contemporary, but I¹m not convinced that either
the wide grooves that run along the length of the doors nor the  "wide-mouth"
look will stand the test of time, unless you¹re a bass looking for a mate.
The design seems created to entice the Gen X set that appears to be the
target of the company¹s advertising campaign. Older drivers may prefer a
more classic design.

One provision that sets the Mitsubishi Spyder apart from other convertibles
is the quality of its slick insulated folding top. The fabric top is created
of a triple-layer fabric with a separate polyester/cotton interior headliner
and an electrically heated glass rear window. The top raises and lowers in a
snap. Mitsubishi also attacks one of the common problems with many low-cost
convertibles, many cloth tops fade over time. The Spyder¹s top employs an
acrylic outer layer that is solution-dyed before the threads are spun
together. But the real advantage of the top is that is isolates the driver
from wind noise when the top is up, the bane of cheap convertible tops.

The Spyder¹s ride and handling are commendable.  Given the sporting nature
of the car, it is no surprise that the engineering bias leans toward
handling.  The car¹s turn-in is responsive and it tracks well through a
series of demanding curves. And while the car isn¹t the easiest rider on the
block, it shouldn¹t give most drivers any real discomfort considering its
athletic inclination. The Spyder is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes
that work can be easily and smoothly modulated to provide smooth stops from
any speed. 

 
Vehicle: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS

Price as tested: $30,102

Engine:

         Type: 3-liter V-6

         Horsepower: 210 @ 5,750 rpm

         Torque: 205 ft. lbs. @ 3,750 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 20 mpg

         Highway - 27 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,229 lbs.