1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T - Long-Term Wrap Up - Japanese Car

After five successful years, the devilish triumvirate of affordable performance cars known as Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Plymouth Laser came due for replacement. Sticking with the proven equation of small-displacement engines augmented by a turbocharger in top models, Mitsubishi and Chrysler developed a new car on an enlarged platform for '95. With a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase and roughly two-inch-wider track, the second generation promised improved stability and ride. By stiffening the chassis, suspension engineers were able to fine-tune the underpinnings to improve handling abilities and road feel without sacrificing ride comfort. The previous MacPherson-strut/beam-axle combination was replaced with the more complicated multilink setups in front and rear with upper A-arms, lower lateral links, shocks, and anti-roll bars.

The resulting Eclipse and Talon-the Laser was eliminated from the lineup-featured otherworldly styling, corner-carving suspension, and potent performance, again in an affordable package. Base power was provided by a 2.0-liter/140-horsepower DOHC four-cylinder, while turbo versions exceeded 200 horsepower. We set our sights on the aggressive Eclipse GS-T for a thorough long-term flog, uh, evaluation.

Our Durango Copper GS-T had a base price of $19,999 that included power windows/locks/mirrors, a Mitsubishi/Infinity eight-speaker AM/FM/ cassette stereo, cruise control, intermittent wipers, a rear spoiler, and foglamps. To monitor underhood activity, the GS-T also includes a tachometer, turbo boost, oil pressure, and coolant-temperature gauges. We added anti-lock brakes ($716) and a security system with keyless remote entry ($332), for safety's sake, and indulged in floormats ($49), the leather package with power driver's seat ($789), and a power moonroof ($731). Only two options weren't checked off: CD changer and automatic transmission. The window sticker totaled $23,036 for our maxed-out Eclipse, slightly more than the $21,234 average price paid by our surveyed owners. Although the GS base price starts at around $15,000, only 5.9 percent of the Eclipse owners paid less than $19,000, revealing a common weakness for the available amenities and drivetrains.

Sifting through a year's worth of staff notes, one phrase is common to almost every logbook entry: "fun to drive." This is both the Eclipse's mission and standout virtue. Along with power and a goodly amount of sex appeal, nimble handling is the major contributor to the fun factor. The new four-wheel independent suspension combined with the widened track and grippy Goodyear Eagle RS-A 205/55HR16 tires helps the Eclipse remain sure-footed under extreme maneuvers, but it's the sport-tuned shocks found on the front-drive GS-T and all-wheel-drive GSX that allow the Eclipse to carve corners with the voracity of a chainsaw. The price for these driving thrills is paid every time the car rolls over less-than-perfect pavement. Harsh feedback from the cracked, grooved, earthquake-rippled roads surrounding Los Angeles exposed this weakness on nearly every commuter drive. While one logbook entry after another cited this annoyance, the survey results reveal that owners felt this was a reasonable compromise for the handling benefits-or they're fortunate enough to drive on glasslike surfaces.

The GS-T's 6.9-second 0-60-mph time doesn't fully describe its whiplash acceleration. Upto 4000 rpm, the Eclipse sort of trips over itself when launched from a standstill, requiring clutch and throttle finesse for a fast start. But once the revs build, the engine slingshots you to license-revoking speeds in an instant. With experience, a driver can adapt to the needs of the almighty turbo: Keep the tach lively and you'll be rewarded with brutal acceleration.