MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 1999 SERIES

Noticeably more muscular and “boy-racer-like” than the original, the only visual changes to the top-of-the-line GSX for 1999 are new spoked alloy wheels and a large rear wing whose main purpose seems to be blocking the already limited rear vision. The second-generation Eclipse has been around since the 1995 model year, and it is still one of the more attractive sport coupes on the market. Fortunately, not much has changed since then. When the Eclipse premiered early in 1989, it floored the automotive world with its sleek shape, high-output turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, all for a reasonable price. The following review was written on February 28, 1999. Everything following, including the Eclipse Cross, are just things you should not look directly at no matter how badly you want to. As far as I’m concerned, this 1999 model was the last true Eclipse. That’s because between 20 it adorned a boring coupe. Personally, I didn’t mind that Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse moniker for yet another boring crossover. Then again, if I was actually on the inside, I may find my hypothesis faulty. I’m sure from the accountants’ point of view, since the front-wheel drive, naturally aspirated versions were comprising the bulk of sales, why add the extra expense of building and certifying a high-performance variant? Yet it was likely those “halo” versions that inspired people to buy the lesser models in the first place. What I’ll never understand is why some manufacturers take a car that is selling well and receiving lots of positive press, then just completely neutering it. Technically, there is a fourth if you count the Chrysler Sebring Coupe (coming soon).Īs you may have already guessed even before reading the review, this one was clearly the most fun. This completes are trio of 1999 Mitsubishi reviews.

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 1999 SERIES

Another in a series of my reviews that appeared in the online version of African Americans On Wheels, a now defunct automotive magazine that was included as an insert in the Sunday newspapers of major cities.

Mitsubishi eclipse 1999