Car Reviews: 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

A Real Winner, at Least Compared to the New Generation Models

In order to feel the pain that comes with change in the automotive world, one needs only to be a fan of a single type of car. One then simply needs to watch as their model of choice is picked apart, "modernized" and utterly destroyed as new generations and "improvements" are made. Fans of nearly every generation and type of car lasting longer than five years have had the opportunity to bear witness to this. Of course, any Mustang fan remembers the pain that shot through the heart strings the first time the 1980's "Fox" body rolled out. Or, perhaps the Nissan Z enthusiast remembers cringing in disgust at the first 1984 Nissan 300zx. However, while many brand names have been utterly destroyed in attempts to make them better, perhaps one model that has fallen particular pray to this phenomenon is none other than the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Starting off in the early 1990's, the Eclipse (or Plymouth Laser, or Eagle Talon) began it's life as a small, sporty and boxy two door coupe. From that day on, the next generation saw a curvier body, and the addition of a truly enjoyable turbo engine coupled with all wheel drive. However, that engine, and the once applauded all wheel drive system are now gone, and what we have sitting before us for review today is the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS.

From the outside, it seems that the 2004 Eclipse GT is a mixed bag. While the car is definitely sporty, encompasses a low, wide stance, many things about the exterior are either hit or miss. Namely, one either enjoys the vent like designs on the side doors or hates them, and the same can be said of the triangular headlights and low roof. However, for most, the Eclipse GT is definitely a winner in the looks department, and although the style may not leave one screaming for joy, it's definitely more professional and grown up than the previous generation, and looks an incredible amount better than the bloated fourth generation cars. The design on the GT model is enhanced with a semi-big, but not overdone rear spoiler, seventeen inch rims, fog lights incorporated into the front grill, and a brushed aluminum gas cap.