2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is one of the last of its breed. Gone are the days of inexpensive, front-drive sport coupes from Japan like the Acura RSX, Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica. Tastes have changed and corporate priorities have shifted.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the more appealing of the two simply because there’s not much competition. Those that are similarly priced (Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, VW Eos) are dramatically different types of drop tops. We think they’re all worth a look.

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in two body styles: coupe and the Spyder convertible. Both seat four people and are available in GS Sport and GT.

Every 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is front-wheel drive. GS models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Eclipse GT gets a 3.6-liter V6 good for 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and front seat side airbags. The Spyder gets taller side airbags that cover occupants’ heads. There are no rear head restraints. The Eclipse Spyder received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.

The 2011 Spyder features a three-layer convertible cloth top. Dropping it is a cinch. Release the header latches, hit a button and the top stows itself under the solid tonneau cover in 19 seconds, and it goes up just as rapidly. Unfortunately, this design severely limits rear visibility with the top up and limits trunk space to only 5.2 cubic feet.

For many drivers, the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse’s driving dynamics might be a bit of a disappointment. The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder exhibits a little more chassis flex over bumps than we’d like, but it’s not enough to spoil an otherwise enjoyable driving experience.