2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Mitsubishi is touting its thoroughly redesigned Eclipse as a "coupe for all ages." I guess that makes me dead.
While old and young alike may appreciate this 2006's pretty new body and long list of features for the money, I struggle to justify the cross-generation appeal. This Eclipse impresses me as a young person's car through and through. Call me crazy, but something about tires prone to squeal and gigantic subwoofers prone to attract noise pollution citations gives me this idea.
There is nothing wrong with youth appeal. Quite the contrary. Expect massive interest from the newly licensed and/or newly employed. It will be the car to have among the young, restless and stylish.

But, given that the Eclipse appeared to be maturing there for a few years with larger dimensions and more comfortable ride characteristics, I am surprised by this '06. Mitsubishi is calling this ground-up redesign a "full-fledged Grand Touring coupe." But I think of that designation as applying to the most dignified among coupes. On the contrary, this Eclipse seems to have abandoned its former kinder, gentler direction for an edgier attitude and rollicking good time. Some will be delighted with this turn of events; others will not.

The good news
Depending on which side of the generational gap you land in determines whether or not you like this new Eclipse.

As mentioned, its exterior hits a high note with deep fenders and rounded styling cues reminiscent of expensive German two-seaters. But, despite these classic cues, there is nothing vaguely retro about its look. Inside and out, the Eclipse GT registers futuristic but not frightening. Its crouching profile and sumptuous lines score big time with all ages, often eliciting comments from strangers. It is an exotic at a pedestrian price.

Its new exterior shape increases interior passenger volume by two cubic feet to 81.6 cubic feet and raises the Eclipse's height by almost two inches. A wider track means reasonable shoulder space for front passengers, something most coupes don't have. My Eclipse GT was outfitted with the optional Premium Package adding leather trim, 18-inch alloys, power driver's seat, heated seats and a few other goodies. Included is beefy audio by Rockford Fosgate, renowned for aftermarket car audio. This Eclipse presents a relatively upscale package for the price.

The Eclipse offers two engines. The entry level is a 2.4-liter inline 4 cylinder producing 162 horses. The upgrade, standard in all GTs, is a 3.8-liter, single overhead cam V6 that gets a boost from Mitsubishi's electronic valve timing and lift system. Its 263 horses/260 lbs.-ft of torque provide a swift kick and sustain it over a fairly broad powerband, while electronic timing system manages to hold fuel consumption in check. Mitsubishi says it's more efficient than the previous V6.

The V6 comes with either a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode or a new six-speed manual. I tested the latter, the better choice for optimizing the Eclipse's power if not its manners. More on that later.

Four-wheel independent suspension focuses on improved ride quality and handling, while standard four-wheel discs with anti-lock provide control. Also notably standard on this new Eclipse are dual-stage front air bags, dual side air bags, dual head-protection air bags and side-impact door beams.

In short, this new Eclipse is all about quickness, an alarming rush of power with the least provocation -- the kind of heady thrill most young coupe buyers lust after.

The bad news
I think it's a good thing this Eclipse has become so safety-conscious, because it has three vulnerabilities: It's good-looking, it's fast and it's cheap. To my mind, that makes it a teen dream and a parent's nightmare. How so?

Like Eclipses of yore, the aforementioned thrilling acceleration still deals the driver a handful of torque steer -- that pulling sensation when a ton of power dumps suddenly on the front wheels. It can be tricky to handle, even for the experienced driver.

In the case of the Eclipse, it's not as if this is a rare occurrence. It is hard not to make this car jump. The distance between gentle takeoff and warp speed on this accelerator is a mere hair. You can get used to it, yes, but it can still catch you off guard. Rear visibility is hampered by a combination of the high-back bucket seats and low-profile exterior design that closes around the cabin. I also strained my poor old rotator cuff trying to grab the seatbelt behind me.

I am not overly impressed by the Eclipse's apparent build quality. From the sound of the doors closing to mechanicals like seat mechanisms to its overall fit and finish, it doesn't impress me as top drawer. But when you get this much in power, looks and accessories for this low price, expect tradeoffs.

Finally, I am downright doubled over at the claim that this "Grand Touring Coupe" has room for two adults in the back seat. Yes, well, only if they are without legs. With front seats pulled as far forward as was reasonable, two average-sized teen boys in the back were begging me to hurry -- not because they wanted to see what this V6 could do, but because they wanted out. They consoled themselves, however, by cranking up the bass and laying their heads near the thumping subwoofer housed in cargo.

Is it worth it?
Although my sensible self harbors serious reservations about this Eclipse, there is no denying its appeal. Its alluring good looks, long list of extras and fun-to-drive factor for the price all land in the plus column. Since it now has more power than Ford Mustang V6 and more torque that Acura RSX, this Eclipse has earned some bragging rights.

But I am thoroughly put off by its jumpy acceleration, torque steer and lack of room and rear visibility. I also realize those criticisms won't bother its target audience. Which, regardless of what Mitsubishi wants us to believe, is not for middle-aged female car critics.

If it does turn out to be the teen/20something hit I expect it to be, I hope something can be done to reign in its ticklish acceleration and skittish torque steer. The average young driver does not need unpredictability. They already have their hands full. With cell phones.

Particulars
Front-engine, 4-passenger, 3-door hatchback
Price
Base: $23,699;
As tested: $27,834.
Notable standard equipment on the GT
Power accessories, AM/FM/CD/MP3, ice-blue LED gauges, 4-wheel discs with anti-lock, traction control, anti-theft engine immobilizer, integrated rear spoiler, fog lamps
Major options as tested
Leather seat, 18-inch alloys, power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate audio with steering-wheel-mounted controls, power driver's seat, heated seats, allow fuel door, auto air conditioning
Safety
Airbags: dual stage front air bags, dual side air bags, dual curtain air bags
Three-point seatbelts at all positions, side-impact door beams, upper & lower child restrain anchor system
Brakes: 4-wheel discs with anti lock standard
EPA crash test rating: n/a
Engine
Type: 3.8L SOHC 24V V6 with MPI fuel injection; Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC)
Power: 263 bhp @ 5750 rpm; 260 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: 6-speed manual (tested); 5-speed automatic with manual shift
Front-wheel drive
Exterior/Interior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Length/width/height: 179.7 in./72.2 in./53.8 in.
Curb weight: 3472 (with manual shift)
Ground clearance: 6.1 (with 18" tires)
Luggage capacity: 15.7 cu. ft.
Suspension
Front: independent MacPherson strut with offset coil springs; front stabilizer bar 22mm;
Rear: independent mult-link with coil springs; rear stabilizer bar 21 mm
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/27 highway

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.