The Mitsubishi Eclipse has always been an exciting and youthful car that dared to be different. It's now bigger and safer than ever--but it's still packed full of the same 'affordable exotic' DNA that's made it a hot commodity throughout many circles.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse has always been an exciting and youthful car.

Four- or six-cylinder power is available, as is an automatic or manual transmission and coupe or convertible body styles. Whether it's a miserly ragtop or a rip-roaring coupe you're after, there's an Eclipse that's right for the job. This level of selection is a key success factor for many great sports cars.

Killer looks
Mitsubishi's hot-wheels model brings together a selection of boy-racer styling elements with some old-school charm. There's no xenon lighting, no dual exhaust and no jagged edges like many comparable coupes--but the Eclipse's overall appearance makes it look the part of a youthful, road-legal toy.

The mirror-finish lip spoiler completes the rear end, and the body rides a set of 18-inch wheels. If you want a sports car that visually reminds you of your favorites like the 300ZX, RX-7, Audi TT and even the Porsche Carrera GT, then this is your ride.

Boy-racer cabin
Inside, a low driving position is required to maximize headroom, and visibility to the rear is limited. The interior packaging sees the center console mounted low, so there's plenty of arm room between the leather bucket seats--though room above the knees is at a premium. If you want to heel-and-toe shift, you'll probably have to pull the seat back.

It's hard to put a finger on, but due to the awkward placement of the window switches, door handles and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, you may find it difficult to become completely at home in the Eclipse's cockpit. It looks killer and feels reasonably well made, though some may find it a touch on the cold side where ergonomics are concerned.

The cockpit looks killer and feels reasonably well made.