If you’re looking for a sporty-looking car but don’t need an insane amount of speed or a super-stiff car, then the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a vehicle to explore. Although it looks like a sports car, it was tuned to perform as a daily driver. It has wide appeal to the baby boomer crowd who may want a sporty looking car without sacrificing a smooth and comfortable car. True sports cars can be fun to drive once in a while, but not necessarily practical in everyday life. Another bonus is that the Eclipse is pretty reasonably priced at around $20k. There are two body styles available; coupe and convertible (the Eclipse Spyder). There are three trim levels available; GS, GS Sport and GT. This sports car is not designed for the hardcore racer with a need for speed, but for someone who prefers a comfortable ride with a sporty look.
Step inside the cabin and you’ll find yourself in a well-appointed interior with sweet chrome accents for a modern look. The instruments are backlit with blue light and there is enough space to seat four people. Opt for the GT trim and you get heated seats, high-intensity projector headlights and 18″ wheels. Cargo space for the coupe is 15.7 cubic feet, while the Spyder offers 5.7 cubic feet.
There is a four-cylinder engine and a six-cylinder engine available; a 2.4-liter V4 with 162 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and a 3.8-liter V6 with 265 hp at 262 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This car handles corners well and is noted for its smooth ride.
Mitsubishi engineers have included a host of safety precautions, including seat belts that tighten during an accident and a comprehensive airbag system with side curtain bags. The chassis has been reinforced in critical areas and functions to absorb crash energy in the event of an accident. The Latch system is also in place, making it easy to attach child seats.
The 2011 Eclipse would be a great vehicle for anyone who prefers the look of an athletic sports car but doesn’t need to win every street race. This car is for the person who prefers comfort to a sporty ride. The 2011 model is competitively priced to sell around the $20k range.
