2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT

Reviewers are supposed to be consistent. I know this. But sometimes I find myself reacting to a vehicle in ways that run contrary to my usual instincts. This 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is such a vehicle. The Eclipse was totally redesigned in 2001 and remains unchanged this year. Gone are its turbo-charged engine and all-wheel-drive options. In their place is a roomier, kinder, gentler Eclipse with a thick power top and more settled ride. It’s more refined, says Mitsubishi, and its customer is older.

Which probably explains why, instead of being utterly disappointed at this Eclipse-gone-soft, I rather liked this car.

The Good News
As much as I embrace performance – and expect it in a sporty convertible like this – the Eclipse Spyder GT reminded me looks count for a lot, too. Everywhere I went, someone commented on this handsome dark gray Spyder GT with its jet black top, side air dams, 17-inch alloy wheels and enlarged stainless steel exhaust tips.

It is a handsome head-turner of a ride, beautifully balanced and profiled, contemporary but not contrived. Some of the costlier convertibles should look so good.

And, despite my indications, it is no dog in the performance department. The GT sports a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It puts out 200 horses at 5,500 rpm and 205 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Nothing slouchy about that.

Furthermore, having dispensed with the all that turbo business, torque steer (the erratic kick in the front end that comes when lots of thrust hits front-wheel drive) is no longer a problem. The V-6 power dispenses quickly, but predictably. That’s good.

The Spyder also offers a GS model with a 147-horse 4-cylinder engine. A four-speed automatic can be mated to either engine.

Inside its roomier cabin, you’ll find uncustomary quiet, thanks to a new three-layer power top that shields outside noise. Much has been done to stiffen the Spyder’s structure, too, giving it a much more solid demeanor.

The extras line up nicely vis-à-vis its image: rich and booming Infinity audio system; power everything including the top; leather front seats; a rear glass window, something more expensive convertibles don’t have. The package is very appealing.

The Bad News
From its looks and its predecessor’s reputation, one might assume this Eclipse Spyder GT qualifies as road devil. That would be incorrect.

Although the 6-cylinder power responds vigorously (and gives off a nice baritone, I might add), this Spyder’s steering and handling reflect more touring coupe than true sports car. It’s more Mercury than Miata when it comes to twisty roads.

But I don’t think many of its customers will care.

I mentioned the Spyder’s overall increased structural integrity: Improvements are obvious over the previous rattle-and-shake. But it still does not have the rigidity found in more expensive convertibles. There is some tremble and flex, and, yes, I noted a few squeaks and groans, even with the top up. Already.

My only other serious complaints about this Spyder are the cramped backseat (what else is new?) and the visibility challenge presented by the big cloth roof. The top looks fabulous, but the rear quarters on either side eclipse the view considerably. I don’t think that’s how it got its name, however.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 19 mpg city/22 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $25,597
Price as tested, $28,522

Is it worth it?
Although my willingness to forgive this Eclipse Spyder GT’s subdued performance and less-than-stellar structure makes me more than a tad uncomfortable, I find in this case looks and price win out. Basically, here is a knockout convertible with lots of amenities and a rewarding V-6 powertrain for thousands less than most of its competition.

I very much like the Eclipse Spyder’s new refined personality. Although many will mourn the passing of its bad-boy attitude, that generation always impressed me as too much power, too little sense.

This one, by contrast, has manners, sophistication and style. Most of all, style.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.