First Impression
As soon as I got the key from the dealer, the excitement began...
The dramatic quarter panel, wide body stance, and huge 18-inch rims with low profile performance tires, are all hints that this is not an ordinary street car. It's good bone structure hinted that this car was for the young race car enthusiasts.
All right, let's get the technical stuff out of the way first. The Eclipse we tested was a GT V6—the name boldly stated on the rear of the car—and it did not disappoint. The V6 3.6 L engine pumps out 263 horses and 250 lb. of torque; this is a race machine one should not over look. The large brake calipers stop the car as fast as it accelerates. This samurai can go from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 sec. All this at CDN$34,498—a price that is ridiculously affordable for our young fans who enjoy riding a Japanese-built car.
The Interior
The stitched-leather bucket seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and stereo controls are just some of the standard features of the car. It is also equipped with a 650 W Rockford sound system that has a 9-inch subwoofer in the trunk.
Now who doesn't like the idea of having all the work done for you on the day you pick up the car? The stereo is a 6-disc CD changer with all the toys you would expect from the Rockford brand. Finding the leather bucket seats too cold in the winter? No problem, it has heated seats for both the driver and passenger.
The speed gauge is very clear to read with its cool blue light, which is quite pleasing to the eyes if you are open to the alternative lighting ambiance.
Everything is ergonomically placed for the driver, it even comes with an electric driver's seat that moves you up or down.
One thing we found that could be improved in the next generation Eclipse was the lack of space in the back seats. Trying to fit a grown person into the back seat is like trying to fit into your teenage jeans. The seats are really for small children who don't require baby seats, are not tall enough to bump their heads on the rear window, and who don't require adult amounts of legroom. Any person taller than five feet five will be very uncomfortable in the backseat should the passenger seat be occupied by some hot lady. If you need a lot of trunk space, you probably won't be happy with the Eclipse. This trunk can probably hold one golf bag.
The interior finish could use some upgrading, especially the dashboard; the use of plastic made it look dated. It's probably time for the Japanese automakers to vault themselves ahead of their counterpart in North America, and to keep up with European big brother.
The Exterior
This is a beautifully-built two-door coupe that will leave a lasting impression. The beautiful fire orange paint color really showed through after a wash. A streamlined vehicle with just-the-right-sized parts makes the perfect sports car at that price. Of course there are a few things you will want to get your hands dirty on. First, you will have to get rid of that 5-inch gap between the fender and the tire, it is ridiculously wide. Even the Honda civic has less of a gap, not to mention the BMW and the Audi.
Overview
Young racecar enthusiasts who want to buy something that is affordable and modify, should check this one out. With its engine power, and sound that purrs like a race car, it's like music to the ears, the more you push it, the better the orchestra. This car is well worth the money and I give it 4 tires out of 5.
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