Finally, the folks at Mitsubishi have something to smile about.
While many of its Japanese counterparts including Toyota, Honda, Nissan and even Mazda continue chalking up impressive sales numbers here in the United States, Mitsubishi continues struggling for momentum here and abroad.
In its 2004/2005 fiscal year ending March 31, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. estimated an overall loss of $4.39 billion. So far this calendar year, it's U.S. sales are down 39 percent compared with last year's static numbers.
Part of Mitsubishi's woes are self inflicted. In Japan, the company hid safety-related defects for more than a decade from authorities resulting in arrests of top-level executives. In a country where honor and integrity are paramount, this episode cast a very dark shadow over the company that's 13 percent owned by DaimlerChrysler.
That said, the all-new totally redesigned
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse reached dealers 10 days ahead of schedule when the sporty coupe went on sale Thursday May 19. Eclipse rates as one of Mitsubishi's most recognizable nameplates especially here in Illinois where the vehicle carries special cache.
Mitsubishi plays a key roll in Illinois economics since it's only U.S.-based assembly plant is located here in the Prairie State. Mitsubishi's Normal plant ,about a three-hour drive southwest of the Chicago suburbs, assembles not only the all-new 2006 Eclipse sports coupe but the Galant mid-size sedan and the mid-size Endeavor sport utility. Other vehicles rounding out the lineup include the Lancer compact sedan, Outlander entry-sport utility and Montero off-road capable mid-size sport utility.
The 2006 fourth-generation Eclipse is available in two trim levels: GS and the uplevel GT. This differs slightly from 2005 when a third GLS trim level was offered. The key difference between the two 2006 offerings is what's found under the hood. The GS features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain delivering 162 (up from 147 in 2005) horsepower and coupled with a five-speed manual transmission or fours-speed automatic. Under the hood of the GT is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine delivering 263 horses and linking to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission featuring a sportonicmode allowing drivers to manually engage a desired gear with out a foot clutch. The 2005 Eclipse GT featured a 3.0-liter V6 generating 200 horses. The V-6 GT edition requires premium unleaded fuel while regular unleaded suffices in the four banger. The fuel tank holds 17.7 gallons. Thethird-generation Eclipse debuted back in the 2000 model year.
The sharp-looking front-wheel-drive coupe exclusive includes a base price of $19,399 for a GS edition with manual transmission, about $300 less than the 2005 counterpart with a $20,274 starting price. With automatic transmission, the 2006 GS checks in at $20,299. The GT starts at $23,699 and with automatic transmission, the list price is $24,599. Prices are exclusive of a $595 destination charge.
Eclipse rivals include the redesigned 2005 rear-wheel-drive Ford Mustang ($19,215 starting price for a six-cylinder manual), Hyundai's front-drive Tiburon ($15,999 for a four-cylinder manual) and the new front-drive Scion tC ($16,000 for a four-cylinder manual). Competition in this sporty two-door segment is not as fierce as it once was. Offerings such as the Chevrolet Camero, Pontiac Firebird and Mercury Cougar have 'retired' from the market place. The emergence and popularity of compact sport utilities vehicles has stolen some appeal from the two-door coupe. Both appeal to youngerbuyers many of whom find themselves on a limited budget.
Mitsubishi's Normal assembly facility is one of three automotive assembly plants in Illinois joining Ford Motor Company's Chicago Assembly plant on the city's far southeast side (assembling the new Five Hundred sedan, Mercury Montego sedan and Freestyle crossover sport utility) and DaimlerChrysler's Belvidere plant southeast of Rockford which is currently in a retooling phase and eventually will build a replacement for the long-running Neon compact sedan.
Exterior wise, the 2006 version is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Overall length now measures 179.7 inches, almost three inches longer than the 2005 version. Width has increased by more than three inches. The wheels are pushed out to the corners to increase stability and add to a sporty look. The thin, narrow rear 'C" pillar does not flair out near the bottom along side the large rear hatch area resting at a 45-degree angle. The rear hatch features shop-absorber-type hinges near the top and includes a rear wiper standard. Cupped door handles are body colored as are therearview mirrors. In front, Mitsubishi's tri-star center logo is flanked by twin honeycomb ports.
During the week-long test-drive, the new Eclipse received its share of extended glances and curious stares as onlookers pondered what type of vehicle just shot by.
Inside Eclipse features seating for four. In the rear the seatbacks fold down with a 50/50 split, improving cargo-carrying abilities of the adjacent rear hatch area. Maneuvering into the back is made a little easier via a passenger-side seat that manually slides forward with ease once the backrest gets tilted forward via a floor-mounted handle. Once in back, be aware of a low ceiling. In fact, rear headroom is slightly less than the previous generation. My six-foot frame was no match for the Eclipse's rear quarters and my head was resting against the hatchback glass. This region isbest left for the pre-teen crowd or the pet set during extensive travel. Tiny, static tri-angular shaped windows do not roll down.
Adding the sports car feel is the low-to-the-ground seating position. Our test vehicle included a two-tone interior. Gauges and buttons were logically arranged and user friendly. Between the front bucket seats are a hand-operated parking brake, dual inline beverage holders and a right-side-hinged storage bin/arm rest. The instrument panel contains four independent analog circular gauges. The rectangular sound system with compact disc player includes a brushed aluminum face and features decent-sized pre-set buttons and dials for volume and station tuning. Three easy-to-grabdials monitor ventilation functions. At night, the instrument panel and center console illuminate in blue backlighting.
Eclipse comes very well equipped with most popular features including air conditioner, cruise control, rear-window defroster, power windows and single-feed compact disc player standard. Mitsubishi made selecting options easy. Each of the two trim levels has one basic option package. The GS Sun and Sound option package ($1,500) includes a power sunroof, upgraded audio system and steering wheel audio controls. The GT premium sports package ($3,270) features heated leather front seats, power sunroof, heated mirrors, power driver seat and upgraded stereo. More than a few automakers makeselecting options more of a headache than need be.
Both trim levels include seat-mounted side air bags, anti-lock brakes and front-seat curtain airbags standard. The up-level GT adds traction control standard.
The small rear windows come into play in creating a right side blind spot. Drivers must be aware to check out the situation carefully before switching lanes.
Many shoppers seem unaware Eclipse includes one of the longer powertrain warranties checking in at 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). The basic warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles.
If possible, opt for the six-cylinder powertrain which more closely matches the aggressive styling better than the less potent four-cylinder engine.