Every year like clockwork, as soon as the weather warms sales of convertibles perk up. And this year one ragtop sure to fire up interest is the new 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. It’s the latest drop top version of one of America’s most popular sport coupes. So sun and fun are pretty much guaranteed.
Mitsubishi calls the 2007 Eclipse Spyder an “attainable exotic.” Now calling the popular but very accessible Eclipse an exotic is certainly stretching it a bit, but this 4th generation Eclipse convertible is certainly a very inviting example of the drop top breed.
Unlike many modern ragtops, the Spyder was engineered from the start for convertible duty. This means a much stiffer chassis than previous Spyders, which is wrapped in the latest Eclipse lineup’s very smooth, flowing, but clearly aggressive and head-turning lines, and topped by a multi-layer cloth top that power folds out of sight beneath a solid tonneau cover.
It opens up the impressively wide interior with slick styling that perfectly complements the racy exterior. There is the same tricked out but efficient control layout that we like so much in our long term Eclipse Coupe. The sporty motorcycle style gauges are illuminated by blue LEDs that fit the Spyder’s expressive character to a “T”.
Seating is by high-back buckets with good back support, but a need for more under the thighs. Only the GT gets the optional 6-way power adjustments, but leather and heat are optional on both models. But serious audio is standard. Every Eclipse Spyder gets a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, a 6-disc CD changer, and an 8-inch subwoofer between the rear seats.
Manual climate controls are also standard, but GT buyers can opt for an available automatic system. Rear seating is devoid of any real leg room, so it’s best regarded as a place for child seats or extra cargo, which is needed, since the trunk will hold only 5.2 cubic-feet of stuff; hardly enough for a single’s groceries.
To move it down the road, the Spyder gets the same engine lineup as the Eclipse coupe. The GS has the 2.4-liter single-cam 4 with 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Our GT-grade test car sports Mitsubishi’s 3.8-liter single cam V6 for 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The 4-banger gets a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, while the V6 gets either a 6-speed manual or our car’s 5-speed automatic with traction control. Our car also wears optional 18-inch alloy wheels. 17-inchers are standard.
And with the V6 spinning them up, we reach 60 in 6.7-seconds, or the same as in our Coupe test, and that’s with 200 pounds more car. The quarter mile was only a hair slower than the hardtop at 15.3 seconds at 94 miles-per-hour.
The V6 delivers serious punch on the low end, and continues to hammer out power all the way to the 6,500 rpm redline. That snappy power delivery does make for a bit of front-drive torque steer, however, so keep your hands firmly on the wheel when you hit the gas. And when you hit the corners, the Spyder chassis is extremely well balanced, with minimal front plow, although you do feel the extra weight.
There’s very little body roll, and good steering feel, but the front end’s torque steer requires you to be very smooth on the throttle when exiting corners. Brakes are discs at both ends with standard ABS. Stops from 60 average a good 122 feet, with plenty of pedal feel and top notch stability. In day to day driving, the Spyder feels solid, with a firm ride that does get a little choppy over broken pavement. We did notice rather pronounced A-pillar shake, a bit more than the solid chassis feel would suggest.
The EPA suggests the Eclipse Spyder will manage 18 mpg city and 26 highway. Our daily Eclipse driving result was 23 miles-per-gallon.
Prices for the ‘07 Spyder start at $25,984 for the GS, and $28,864 for the GT. So the Eclipse Spyder may not be exotic, but it certainly is attainable.
The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the kind of machine that really fires up car buyers when the weather gets warm and makes that perfect combination of sun and fun a summer-long guarantee.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.8-Liter Single Cam V6
- Horsepower: 260
- Torque: 258 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 6.7 Seconds
- 60-0 MPH: 122 Feet
- 1/4 Mile: 15.3 Seconds @ 94 MPH
- EPA: 18 MPG City/ 26 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 23 MPG
Long Term Updates
Mileage: 1,400The so far warm mid-Atlantic fall has been perfect for top-down leaf peeping in this 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder convertible. After only six weeks, we’ve managed about 1,400 miles of mostly open-air touring.
On the few cool and rainy days we’ve had, there were complaints about the large blind spotted minimal rear visibility when the top is up. But then it’s no worse than many other convertibles. Top up or down the Spyder gets noticed and impresses us with a solid built quality that far exceeds previous Eclipse convertibles.
Power from the GT’s 3.8 liter, 263 horsepower V6 is much more than adequate. And fuel economy of 20.7 miles-per-gallon isn’t bad either. Recommended fuel grade is premium.
Fortunately with prices that start in the mid 20’s, you don’t have to pay a premium for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
Mileage: 3,800The test of any convertible is how well it keeps a sunny disposition during the cold grey of winter. In the case of our 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible, so far it has brightened the gloomiest days.
After five months it continues to be an entertaining drive, power top up or top down. Actually, given the mild winter so far, the top has been down and the heater turned up quiet often.
While the Eclipse has gotten some criticism for gaining size and weight, and losing thus some sportiness, we actually think it strikes a great balance between practicality and performance.
On the positive side is the wide, comfortable cabin, great build quality, and overall sleek and youthful styling. On the downside are the large blind spots when the top is up and some cornering flex over rough roads.
Power from the GT’s 3.8-liter 263-horsepower V6 is very willing and given its pep, we’re happy with the 24.4 mile-per-gallon fuel economy. Recommended fuel grade is premium.
And, with prices that start in the mid-twenties, you don’t have to pay a premium for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.
Mileage: 4,000No sooner did the temps hit 60 on the first sunny day of spring, than we dropped the power top on our 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder GT Convertible.
After seven rather gloomy months, it was great to open up the Spyder, both the top and on the road. We find virtually all the joys of a pure sports car in this well-equipped 2+2 ragtop.
Besides responsive handling, sure braking, and the GT’s robust 263-horsepower V6, we are impressed by the roomy cabin, and lack of top-down wind buffeting. It helps make up for the huge blind spots when the top it up.
Given mostly around town use, we’re satisfied with the 22.6 mile-per-gallon economy using premium grade.
And, with sticker prices starting in the mid-twenties, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is an affordable way to greet warmer weather.
Mileage: 6,500While keeping the top down on our 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder GT Convertible has given us a pre-summer sunburn, it’s also helped cool our slow burn over ever higher gas prices.
On that score, as we cross the eighth-month mark with this tidy 2+2 ragtop, we’re pretty pleased with its 23.0 mile-per-gallon fuel economy using premium fuel.
While we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the standard 2.4-liter 4 for even better economy, our GT’s strong 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 fits the responsive handling and braking of the Eclipse Spyder perfectly.
The Eclipse cabin is a great blend of sports car cockpit and touring car convenience. It’s wide enough to never feel cramped, yet controls are all where they should be. And, you really appreciate having something of a rear seat, even when it’s just filled with grocery bags.
And you’ll want to keep the top down whenever you can since the rear window is a sliver and the wide c-pillar makes for a huge blind spot.
But, if you’re seeking an affordable convertible that doesn’t forget practicality, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is well worth a look.
Mileage: 7,700It’s the peak of the summer driving season, and time for an update on our sunny 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder GT Convertible. This sporty 2-plus-2 drop top rewards us with both head turning style and more than competent performance.
Our GT’s 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 is a gem, with more than enough power.
But that prowess comes with a price. Fuel economy averages only 21.7 miles-per-gallon of premium. The Eclipse’s standard 2.4-liter-4 will do better.
The Eclipse cockpit is nicely driver oriented, yet wide enough to never feel cramped. And, you really appreciate having a rear seat area, even when it’s just filled with groceries.
In ten months we’ve had no mechanical problems, and our only wish is to reduce the top’s blind spots.
So having this Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder around for the summer is perfect timing.
Mileage: 9,700While summer is over, top down weather is giving us a bit more time to truly enjoy our 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible.
Once the top goes up for the season, however, the large blind spots and small rear window will take a toll on popularity.
The 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 is ideal for any driving need, be it slogging through traffic or ramping onto a wide open freeway, and fuel economy has taken a welcome blip up to 22 miles-per-gallon of premium.
The front cockpit is wide and comfortable, and the back seat, while minimal, comes in hardy for luggage that won’t fit into the tiny trunk.
Fault free at 11 months on, only now are we noticing some tire and suspension noise and vibration.
So summer’s over, but fun with our Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible shines on.
Mileage: 12,100+A warm fall gave us extra time to really enjoy top down driving with our 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible.
From mile one, to the 12,121 now on its odometer, we’ve felt the Eclipse Spyder was a highly livable compromise between a pure sports car and a long legged convertible tourer.
It has head turning style, a robust 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, nimble handling, good ride, and an impressively roomy and racey interior, at least in the front seats.
Downsides include the large blind spots and small rear window that make it a very claustrophobic four-season ride. And, fuel economy. Our GT averaged 22 miles-per-gallon of premium. The base Spyder’s 2.4-liter 4 will do about 20% better.
After 13 months, except for some tire vibration that required a rotation, the Eclipse Spyder was trouble free.
And, now it’s over. Our Spyder is going back to mother Mitsubishi. And for us, that means an even longer, lonelier wait for spring.
