Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mitsubishi Eclipse III (3G, facelift 2003) 2.4 (147 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mitsubishi Eclipse:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car which was manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi over four generations in the 1990–2012 model years. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.
The first two generations were marketed simultaneously as rebadged variants, including the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser — and were a byproduct of Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation's close alliance. Their partnership in turn gave rise to Diamond-Star Motors. In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared an extended wheelbase variant of their platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (3G, facelift 2003) Overview:
Mitsubishi Eclipse (III (3G, facelift 2003)). With 214 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1320 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. A car with a sloping rear hatch that opens upwards, combining style and practicality. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.4 (147 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A modest power increase over the 142 Hp variant, and when paired with a manual transmission, it offers a more direct and slightly more engaging drive for the entry-level model.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, especially with the manual gearbox, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and sporty styling
- • Strong V6 engine options (especially GTS)
- • Comfortable ride for a sport coupe
- • Good value on the used car market
- • Reliable powertrains (when well-maintained)
Cons:
- • Base 2.4L engine can feel underpowered
- • Automatic transmissions dull performance
- • Interior materials feel dated compared to rivals
- • Front-wheel drive limits ultimate handling prowess
- • Limited rear seat space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Spyder III (3G): 1999 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mitsubishi |
| Model: | Eclipse |
| Generation: | III (3G, facelift 2003) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 (147 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe, Liftback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 147 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.6 Hp/l [35mm more] |
| Torque: | 214 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 4G64 More details about the engine 4G64 |
| Engine displacement: | 2350 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6000 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9 kg/Hp, 111.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1320 |
| Max. weight: | 1750 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 479 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4490 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Width: | 1750 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1310 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1510 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 148 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.8 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 276x26 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 229 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mitsubishi Eclipse!