Mitsubishi exists in a void — barely an after-thought, less than an also-ran — with today’s car shoppers.
In 1994, Mitsubishi sold about one car and truck for every four that Toyota sold in the United States. In 2004, Mitsubishi sold less than one vehicle for every 10 that Toyota sold.
The Japanese brand’s top-selling model, the Galant sedan, didn’t attract even 50,000 buyers last year. It sold four sport-utilities, or SUV-like vehicles, but none sold more than 23,000 units in 2004.
Which brings us to the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. A two-door sports coupe favored by fickle young male buyers hardly seems the kind of platform to stage a company-saving revival. But that’s the reality.
Mitsubishi dealers sold just 19,361 Eclipse coupes and Eclipse Spyder convertibles in 2004, down an amazing 50.2 percent from 2003. Overall, Mitsubishi’s sales fell 37.1 percent last year.
Through July, Mitsubishi’s sales are down another 32.6 percent this year.
Analysts point to many reasons for Mitsubishi’s downfall. They include a defect-cover-up scandal in Japan, overaggressive marketing to under-dollared buyers, quality problems at its U.S. assembly plant, an over-reliance on fleet sales, unfocused marketing, the breakup of a partnership with DaimlerChrysler and frequent changes to its top management. Globally, the company lost more than $4 billion in its most recent fiscal year.
Clearly, this is an automaker that needs a hit.
The new Eclipse is good, but probably not good enough to make much of a difference.
Our test car was an ultra red pearl V-6 Eclipse GT. I loved the power of its engine and the smoothness of its six-speed shifter.
Ride quality is good, thanks to a stiffer chassis and an improved suspension. The base model comes with 17-inch wheels, while the GT version has optional 18-inchers as part of a premium sport package.
The aerodynamic exterior design was eye-catching, especially its rear end that somewhat resembles a Porsche Carrera. The front end suffers, I think, as Mitsubishi designers have to retain a familiar front face and must give prominence to Mitsubishi’s triple-diamond emblem. (I think Pontiac’s cars suffer from the same affliction.)
Only too-small, egg-shaped door handles struck a wrong note.
Inside, the car was simple and functional. Nothing stood out as innovative or trendy, but nothing looked awkward or out of place, either. I liked the big climate-control dials and the blue LED instruments.
The front seats, covered in black leather, were supportive, and easy to adjust in search of a comfortable driving position. There is plenty of room for two, full-size adults inside this two-door, four-person subcompact. In the back seat, my 8- and 10-year-old sons said they felt a little cramped. I’m guessing most Eclipse owners will use this space for things, rather than people.
Our test car cost nearly $28,000, which included more than $3,500 in options. The cheapest new Eclipse, with a four-cylinder engine, costs just under $20,000.
On sale since the 1990 model year, the Eclipse has endured some changes over the years.
From 1990 to 1999, the Eclipse was offered as a turbo-charged, all-wheel-drive coupe (but, yes, two-wheel-drive, non-turbo versions were available, too). Since 2000, it has been a front-wheel-drive model. Some enthusiasts will never forgive Mitsubishi for this switch.
More has changed as the Eclipse was redone for 2006. The 2005 version came in GS, GT and GTS trim levels. Now it’s just GS or GT. Last year’s GT and GTS models had a 3.0-liter V-6 that made either 200 (GT) or 210 (GTS) horsepower. That’s been replaced by the 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 263 horses. Horsepower on the base car’s 2.4-liter four grows from 142 (automatic) and 147 (manual) to 163.
The car grows three inches longer, more than three inches wider and about two inches taller. Most important, as many critics have noted, it gets heavier, too.
Last year’s Eclipse weighed 2,965 to 3,307 pounds, depending upon engine and transmission. This time, it’s 3,274 to 3,538 pounds with the same variables. (Throw in the package option that many owners will select, and it’s 3,325 to 3,611 pounds.)
That extra weight means worse gas mileage — a real no-no in the summer of $3-a-gallon gas. The 2005 GT/GTS models with manual transmissions got 21/28 mpg in city/highway driving. This year’s GT with a stick gets 18/27. As with the 2005 model, Mitsubishi suggests using premium gas with the V-6 Eclipse. (Four-cylinder Eclipses lose a bit of fuel economy, too, but require only regular unleaded.)
The base Eclipse can be had with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. With the V-6, buyers can opt for the five-speed automatic, but I’d stick with the six-speed manual that came with our test model.
Mitsubishi notes that the new Eclipse has more horsepower than the Ford Mustang V-6, and more torque than the Acura RSX. Those two models, plus the Honda Civic Si, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z and Scion tC seem likely rivals for the Eclipse.
On sale since May, two early recalls were conducted for brake problems.
Standard equipment includes six air bags, anti-lock brakes, power windows and locks, a split and folding rear seat, air conditioning and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo. Besides its unique engine and transmission, the GT adds a front strut tower bar, a muffler cutter and front fog lamps.
Options include automatic air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, aluminum pedals, a power sunroof and a 650-watt, nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo.
A convertible version of the Eclipse arrives early next year. Before then, Mitsubishi’s first pickup since the Mighty Max, the mid-size Raider, will go on sale.
As to whether the new Eclipse and Raider start a comeback from Mitsubishi, we’ll have to wait and see.
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Talk to Matt Nauman about new cars online for a live question-and- answer session from noon to 1 p.m. today at www.mercurynews.com . You also can contact him at mnauman@ mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5701.
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NUTS & BOLTS
What we drove: 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, a two-door sporty coupe with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Stars: ****
Base price: $23,699
Price as tested (includes options and delivery charge): $27,834
Curb weight: 3,545 pounds
Length: 179.7 inches
Turning circle (curb-to-curb): 40 feet
Standard features: Dual front, side and side-curtain air bags; anti-theft engine immobilizer; daytime running lamps; anti-lock brakes; traction control; air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; AM/FM/CD stereo; cruise control; six-way manual driver’s seat; 50/50 split, fold rear seat; front floor mats; 17-inch alloy wheels; fog lamps; integrated rear spoiler.
Options on test vehicle: GT premium sport package with leather seats, 18-inch wheels, power sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/6-CD stereo with nine speakers, automatic air conditioning, power driver’s seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats and heated door mirrors; accessory package with alloy fuel door, wheel locks, cargo net, cargo floor mat, sport floor mats.
EPA figures: 18 mpg (city); 27 mpg (highway)