2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible
fANTASTIC DEAL ON THIS SPORTY CONVERTIBLE!
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 Mitsubishi was very
successful during the heyday of the Japanese high-tech sports car. Its
3000 GT was the company performance flagship, with an array of
technological wonders including all-wheel drive, twin-turbocharged power,
and, in a limited edition, a trick disappearing metal convertible top. The
smaller Eclipse, built for the American market in Normal, Illinois, proved
to be a benchmark at the affordable end of the sports car spectrum. With
available turbo power and all-wheel drive, it was impressive. And the
Eclipse Spyder, offered from 1996 on, proved to be a popular addition
to the line.
But times change. The 3000 GT outlasted its contemporaries, but age,
price, and changing consumer tastes doomed it. The original Eclipse sold
well, but the expensive high- performance versions had a minimal impact on
sales. The 2000 Eclipse debuted last year, and combined the virtues of
both previous
Mitsubishi sports cars. It was larger than the original Eclipse, for
more real-world usability, and could be seen as a replacement for the 3000
GT as well. And it was less expensive than the old Eclipse, with a new
3.0-liter V6 replacing the more complex turbo engine with little loss of
power. Most importantly, the new-generation Eclipse was built on an
all-new and much more rigid chassis platform, for improved handling and
comfort.
A Spyder was planned for the new Eclipse from the beginning, and so its
chassis was designed with open-top rigidity in mind. Modifications to the
Spyder's chassis include stronger side structures and door sills, and
extensive cross-ways reinforcement. The power-operated three-layer top is
made by convertible specialist company ASC in a new factory close to the
Spyder's Normal, IL home.
I was recently able to enjoy a top-of-the-line Eclipse Spyder GT for a
week of summer weather. It was fun and comfortable with the top up or
down, a process that takes 15 seconds. Although it's larger than the old
Eclipse Spyder, it compares well to the old
turbo in performance and is far better in comfort and civility. Its
combination of style and substance is hard to beat.
APPEARANCE: Mitsubishi's Eclipse Spyder looks even better than
its coupe sibling with the top down. It shares the coupe's
"geo-mechanical" combination of rounded form and angular edges, with
prominent wheel arches and side strakes. It has a very sporty look despite
the relatively short hood and rear deck and long passenger area. As is
often the case with convertibles, the Spyder looks less handsome with the
top up. Visibility is less, too, but the rear window is glass for
long-lasting visibility, with a heater element for winter use.
COMFORT: Like the Eclipse coupe, the Spyder is not just a
weekend toy. It's roomy enough and comfortable enough to be an only car
thanks to a relatively long wheelbase and its increased size. Long doors
aid access to the rear seat, which is comparable to that of a compact
sedan, with adequate space for two medium-sized people. The interior
styling has the same high-tech, space-age look as the exterior. The
instrument panel looks right out of a video game or spaceship with a
multi-pod motif. But function is not sacrificed to style. The instruments
are readable, the controls are easy to use, and five
interestingly-designed, easy-to-use climate- control vents help keep
everyone at optimum temperature. The front seats are comfortable and
supportive, and leather-covered with the Premium Package, which also
includes power operation for the driver's seat. Useful storage spaces, a
reasonable trunk, and a locking glove box show the Eclipse's real world
intentions. Because of the seating position and windshield design, wind
buffeting is minimal for front-seat occupants. You can leave your hat on.
SAFETY: The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has all of the
expected standard safety equipment. Antilock brakes, traction control, and
side air bags are available.
ROADABILITY: As is the case with the newest iteration of the
Eclipse coupe, torque steer has been banished from the Spyder. Step on the
gas pedal, and the car accelerates smartly without trying to yank the
steering wheel out of the driver's hands. The new chassis is also much
more rigid than that of the old Spyder, for fewer squeaks and rattles, and
more precise handling. The independent MacPherson strut front, multilink
rear suspension balances comfort with sporty handling ability...MORE |
 Mitsubishi
Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible |
2001 |
Silver |
$13,988 |
42,376 M |
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| Mitsubishi
Eclipse:
Eclipse Spyder 2dr Convertible GT |
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Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Engines
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200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 |
Standard |
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2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Transmissions
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5-speed manual w/OD |
Standard |
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4-speed automatic w/OD |
Optional |
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Used Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Available Body Colors
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Sterling Silver Metallic |
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Sherwood Green Pearl |
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Saronno Red |
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Patriot Red Pearl |
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Kalapana Black |
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Dover White Pearl |
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder:
Available Interior Colors
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Tan |
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Black |
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Mitsubishi Eclipse body
kit: Powertrain
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90-amp. alternator |
Standard |
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Low emission vehicle |
Standard |
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Single stainless steel exhaust |
Standard |
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Chrome tailpipe |
Standard |
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Mitsubishi 3000 GT:
5-spd manual w/OD
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Overdrive |
Standard |
Mitsubishi Spyder:
4-spd automatic w/OD
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Overdrive |
Optional |
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Transmission electronic control
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Optional |
2000 Mitsubishi
Eclipse: Powertrain
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Axle ratio |
3.74 |
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Front-wheel drive |
Standard |
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Mitsubishi Eclipse part:
Suspension/Handling
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Independent front strut suspension
w/anti-roll bar |
Standard |
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Front coil springs |
Standard |
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Independent rear multi-link suspension
w/anti-roll bar |
Standard |
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Rear coil springs |
Standard |
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Speed-sensing hydraulic power-assist
rack-pinion steering |
Standard |
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P215/50VR17.0 BSW AS tires |
Standard |
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Steel spare wheel |
Standard |
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17" wheels |
Standard |
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Eclipse Mitsubishi pimp:
Body Exterior Features
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2 doors |
Standard |
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Power remote side-view door mirrors
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Standard |
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Power convertible roof with lining
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Standard |
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Rear wing spoiler |
Standard |
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Body-colored door handles |
Standard |
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Body-colored front and rear bumpers
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Standard |
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Fully galvanized steel body material
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Standard |
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Rocker panel extensions |
Standard |
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Chrome tip exhaust |
Standard |
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2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Convenience Features
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Manual air conditioning with air
filter |
Standard |
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Cruise control with steering wheel
controls |
Standard |
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Mechanical trunk/hatch/door remote
release |
Standard |
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Power windows with driver 1-touch down
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Standard |
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Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless
entry |
Standard |
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Steering wheel with manual tilting
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Standard |
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Day-night rearview mirror |
Standard |
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Driver and passenger-side visor
mirrors |
Standard |
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Front cupholder |
Standard |
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Full floor console with covered box
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Standard |
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Locking glove box |
Standard |
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Driver and passenger door bins |
Standard |
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Bin instrument-panel storage |
Standard |
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Driver's footrest |
Standard |
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Retained accessory power |
Standard |
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2 12V DC power outlets |
Standard |
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Ashtray |
Standard |
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Front lighter element(s) location |
Standard |
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1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Seats and Trim
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Max. seating capacity of 4 |
Standard |
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Front sports seats |
Standard |
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6-way driver seat adjustment |
Standard |
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8-way driver seat adjustment |
Optional |
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Manual reclining driver and passenger
seats |
Standard |
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Power reclining driver seat |
Optional |
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Manual driver lumbar support |
Standard |
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Manual height-adjustable driver seat
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Standard |
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Power height-adjustable driver seat
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Optional |
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Manual driver and passenger fore/aft
adjustment |
Standard |
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Power driver fore/aft adjustment |
Optional |
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Power driver cushion tilt |
Optional |
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4-way passenger seat adjustment |
Standard |
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Front center armrest |
Standard |
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Rear bench seat |
Standard |
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Premium cloth front and rear seat
upholstery |
Standard |
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Leather front seat upholstery |
Optional |
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Leatherette rear seat upholstery |
Optional |
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Leatherette door panel trim |
Optional |
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Full cloth headliner |
Standard |
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Carpet floor covering |
Standard |
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Leather shift knob |
Standard |
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Leather steering wheel |
Standard |
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Carpet front and rear floor mats |
Standard |
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Carpet cargo space |
Standard |
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Rigid cargo cover |
Standard |
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Cargo light |
Standard |
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Cargo net |
Standard |
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Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX:
Entertainment Features
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AM/FM stereo with seek-scan, single
interior CD player |
Standard |
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AM/FM stereo with seek-scan,
auto-reverse cassette, 4-disc interior CD player |
Optional |
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Audio theft deterrent |
Standard |
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7 speakers |
Standard |
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Power retractable activation antenna
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Standard |
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1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation Features
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Aero-composite halogen headlamps |
Standard |
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Front fog lights |
Standard |
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Variable intermittent wipers |
Standard |
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Front windshield visor strip |
Standard |
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Rear window defroster |
Standard |
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Light-tinted windows |
Standard |
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Dome light with fade |
Standard |
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Front reading lights |
Standard |
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Ignition switch light |
Standard |
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Variable instrument panel lighting
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Standard |
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Analog display |
Standard |
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Tachometer |
Standard |
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Trip odometer |
Standard |
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Oil pressure gauge |
Standard |
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Water temp. gauge |
Standard |
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In-dash clock |
Standard |
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Oil-pressure warning |
Standard |
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Battery warning |
Standard |
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Lights-on warning |
Standard |
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Low-fuel warning |
Standard |
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Door-ajar warning |
Standard |
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Trunk-ajar warning |
Standard |
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Brake-fluid warning |
Standard |
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2006 Eclipse Mitsubishi
picture: Safety and Security
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Four-wheel ABS brakes |
Optional |
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3 ABS channels |
Optional |
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Four-wheel disc brakes |
Standard |
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Front ventilated disc brakes |
Standard |
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Compact spare tire |
Standard |
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Spare tire mounted inside under cargo
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Standard |
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Driver and passenger front-impact
airbags |
Standard |
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Seat-mounted driver and passenger
side-impact airbags |
Optional |
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Height adjustable front seatbelts |
Standard |
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Side-impact bars |
Standard |
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Ignition disable |
Standard |
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Security system |
Standard |
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Panic alarm |
Standard |
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ABS traction control |
Optional |
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Manual adjustable front head
restraints |
Standard |
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1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse:
Standard Specs and Dimensions
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Engine type |
V-6 |
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Engine displacement |
181 cu.in. |
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Engine horsepower |
200-hp @ 5,500 rpm |
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Engine torque |
205 lbs.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm |
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Valvetrain |
SOHC |
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Valves |
24 |
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Engine bore x stroke |
3.6" x 3.0" |
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Compression ratio |
9.00 to 1 |
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Fuel tank capacity |
16 gal. |
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Fuel economy city |
20 mpg |
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Fuel economy highway |
27 mpg |
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Drag coefficient |
.34 |
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Curb weight |
3,241 lbs. |
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GVWR |
4,057 lbs. |
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Front GAWR |
2,370 lbs. |
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Rear GAWR |
1,797 lbs. |
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Exterior length |
175.4" |
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Exterior body width |
68.9" |
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Exterior height |
52.8" |
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Wheelbase |
100.8" |
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Front tread |
59.4" |
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Rear tread |
59.4" |
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Turning radius |
20.0' |
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Ground clearance (min.) |
6.4" |
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Front legroom |
42.3" |
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Rear legroom |
29.4" |
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Front headroom |
39.4" |
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Rear headroom |
34.5" |
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Front hiproom |
51.9" |
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Rear hiproom |
41.5" |
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Front shoulder room |
52.2" |
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Rear shoulder room |
42.2" |
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Passenger volume |
75.1 cu.ft. |
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Interior cargo volume |
7.2 cu.ft. |
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Maximum interior cargo volume |
7.2 cu.ft. |
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