'95 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T

'95 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-TEntering its final leg of long-term service, our Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T continues to be a popular sportster in our garage. Both luxury-sedan stalwarts and econo-box masochists agree on the grin-inducing character of the Eclipse. One editor wrote, "This nimble road rocket begs to be driven with a heavy foot and quick wrist. It makes me feel like a college senior on graduation day." Although aggressive driving across the broken pavement in L.A. has stirred up a mouse den's worth of squeaks, they're easily quieted with the Mitsubishi/Infinity eight-speaker stereo system. Recent rainstorms illustrated the rear hatch's tendency to pour water into the cargo area upon opening, prompting us to request plastic grocery bags over paper ones. The Eclipse's operating cost per mile has been consistently higher than some of our other long-term vehicles due to regular city driving and the premium fuel required by the 2.0-liter/210-horsepower DOHC engine. Since we replaced its battery a couple of months ago, our Eclipse has been performing reliably and hasn't needed servicing.