Mitsu a faultless ownership experience

Mitsubishi has the distinction of attracting the youngest new-car buyers in the land. What makes it painfully obvious is the bad spelling on display in their online posts about their Mitsus.

“Car has some seeing problems out of small back windows, this is a hassel that needs to be looked into.”

“Cheap Porsche nock off.”

“Slick-shifting transmantion.” And the ever-popular “breaks” — those things that scrub off speed.

Thanks to the take-no-prisoners Mitsubishi Lancer Evo — worshipped by video gamers long before it showed up here — the Japanese automaker's first Canadian dealerships were welcomed by a small but fervent fan base.

The Evo wasn't the only object of their desire. The Eclipse coupe enjoyed a considerable history in Canuckistan as the Eagle Talon, marketed through Chrysler's captive-import stores in the early 1990s.

While the third-generation Eclipse was part of the initial Canadian Mitsubishi lineup in 2003, it was the fourth-gen redesign that arrived in mid-2005 that really got people gawking.

Its Roger-Ramjet styling, abundant power and retina-scorching colours made the 2006 Eclipse a crowd pleaser — well, as much as a sporty hatchback coupe can draw a crowd. (Oddly, kids today favour four-door sedans.)

Built on the Galant sedan's extra-large “Project America” front-drive platform, most dimensions grew, including 8.3 cm wider at the hips and weighing some 160 kg more — an unfortunate outcome for sport coupes and husbands.

Inside and out, the Eclipse treats (or assaults) the eyes with engaging shapes, contours and ellipses. One car magazine put it this way: “Almost everywhere you gaze, something interesting, unusual or expensive-looking is happening.”

The cabin's low-slung bucket seats hugged the driver and passenger, while a pair of jump seats were tucked behind. Like many of its ilk, a buyer has to try on an Eclipse for size. The back seats are reserved for munchkins and are best left folded flat to extend the cargo hold.

Mitsubishi expanded the bore and stroke of its aging motor, creating a SOHC 3.8 L cast-iron V6 boosted by the MIVEC variable intake-valve timing-and-lift system. The update worked well, delivering 263 hp and 260 lbs.-ft. of torque to GT models.

Base GS models used a more pedestrian SOHC 2.4 L four cylinder pinched from the Galant, good for 162 hp and 162 lbs.-ft. of torque.

The four banger came with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the muscular V6 was packaged with a six-speed stick or five-speed automatic.

Sadly, Mitsubishi didn't reprise its all-wheel-drive system, a sure-footed option that made the original Eclipse/Talon such a hit with enthusiasts. At least traction control was standard on the GT.

A Spyder convertible joined the coupe for 2007. Equipped with a fabric power-assisted top and heated glass rear window, the four-passenger Spyder could be ordered with a four- or six-cylinder engine.

The 2009 models received some minor styling updates, mostly to the front and rear fascias.

ON THE ROAD

Despite being saddled with unflattering mass, the V6-powered GT could overcome its slovenly tendencies and sprint to 96 km/h in 6.1 seconds with the manual tranny.

The four-cylinder Eclipse GS wasn't entirely embarrassing, taking 8.2 seconds to complete the same task through a five-speed stick. Add about a second to both times for the automatic.

Surprisingly, the Eclipse seemed to shed its weight at speed. The body stayed flat in the corners and the steering wheel conveyed a natural heft, telegraphing the inevitable understeer (it's a front-drive car).

Not everyone was enamored with its stiff ride, however, or enormous turning radius. “This kind of car should turn on the head of a pin, it shouldn't need three lanes to make a U-turn,” read one owner's post.

Some also weren't thrilled with the V6's voracious thirst for premium fuel. The four-banger is considerably better and it quaffs regular.

WHAT OWNERS REPORTED

Drivers love the Eclipse's athletic shape, taut reflexes, ample power, quick-folding top and decent value. Most have had a faultless ownership experience — Mitsubishi provides a comprehensive five-year warranty — although there are some minor issues to consider.

Early models exhibited squealing brakes and short brake life; Mitsubishi offered reformulated pads.

The audio system is fond of eating discs, and some felt the paintwork is susceptible to chips and scratches.

Reported sunroof problems include shifting glass and small leaks, while the heat shield on the four-cylinder engine can develop a rattle. A buzzing noise in the dash requires a clutch damper kit.

Reader Mel Bryan loves his Spyder, but grew wary of the tiresome rattles: “When I drive the car home from the dealer, the rattle is back immediately…I give up!”

But drop the top on a sunny day and all is forgiven, writes Bryan