Best Car Reviews - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

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Introduction

The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a four-seat, front-wheel-drive convertible aimed at buyers who wanted distinctive styling and open-air motoring without moving to a more expensive sports car. Redesigned for 2000 and refined for 2001, it traded the earlier turbocharged Eclipse formula for a more mainstream character, with GS four-cylinder and GT V6 versions. This review focuses on the V6 automatic configuration: a 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower GT Spyder with Mitsubishi’s four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission.

Design and Exterior Features

The Eclipse Spyder has a low, rounded profile with a long 100.8-inch wheelbase, a 175.4-inch overall length, and a power convertible roof. Its “geo-mechanical” styling combined swollen fenders, a sculpted hood, ribbed body contours, and a pronounced side character line. Compared with the previous-generation Spyder, the 2001 model was a complete redesign with a more modern, less angular appearance, a longer wheelbase, and a more substantial road presence.

Power-operated convertible roof for quick open-air driving.
Distinctive sculpted hood, flared fenders, and ribbed exterior detailing.
GT models received wider tires, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded braking hardware.
Standard automatic-off headlights, power mirrors, and available front fog lamps.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin uses a twin-cockpit-inspired dashboard with a driver-focused layout, clear instruments, and practical controls. Front-seat space is respectable for a compact convertible, and the driver benefits from height adjustment and lumbar support. The rear bench is best treated as occasional seating because legroom is tight. Materials were contemporary for the early 2000s, though some silver-toned trim pieces can feel less premium today. Standard convenience equipment was generous for the era, while the available Premium Package added leather seating and a power driver’s seat.

Four-seat 2+2 layout with supportive front bucket seats.
Air conditioning with an interior microfilter, cruise control, and tilt steering wheel.
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and dual accessory outlets.
Available leather front seating surfaces and power driver’s seat.

Performance and Handling

The GT Spyder uses a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 producing 200 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through a four-speed Sportronic automatic that allows manual gear selection without a clutch pedal. Period testing recorded a GT Spyder with the five-speed manual at about 7.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph; the automatic is typically less urgent. The revised chassis brought a stiffer subframe, strut-tower bracing, large-diameter front struts, and a multilink rear suspension, giving the Spyder more composure than earlier models. The supplied consumption figure is 15.7 L/100 km, while period EPA estimates for the GT varied by transmission and test source, generally placing it around 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the manual; real-world automatic economy can be notably worse in city use.

3.0-liter V6 with 200 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive and four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission.
Independent front and multilink rear suspension.
Four-wheel disc brakes on GT models.
Premium unleaded gasoline recommended for the V6.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology reflects the 2001 model year, so modern Bluetooth, touchscreen navigation, smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance features are absent. Still, the Eclipse Spyder was well equipped for its time, with a CD stereo, power accessories, engine immobilizer, and anti-theft system. The optional Infinity audio package brought a more powerful seven-speaker setup and an in-dash CD changer.

Standard AM/FM CD audio system.
Available Infinity seven-speaker premium audio system.
Available in-dash multi-disc CD changer.
Engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm system.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, three-point front seatbelts with force limiters, and a rigidified body structure. Four-wheel ABS and front seat-mounted side airbags were available through GT equipment packages rather than universally standard, so buyers should verify the individual car’s specification. Traction control was offered on automatic GT models. A definitive, directly comparable crash-test rating for this specific Spyder configuration should not be assumed without checking the vehicle identification number and the relevant test database.

Dual front airbags.
Front-seat force-limiter seatbelts.
Available four-channel anti-lock braking system.
Available front seat-mounted side airbags.
Available traction control on automatic GT models.

Pricing and Variants

The 2001 Eclipse Spyder was sold in GS and GT trims. The GS Spyder started at approximately $23,407 with a manual transmission and $24,407 with the automatic, while the V6 GT Spyder started at approximately $25,407 manual and $26,407 with the Sportronic automatic, before destination and options. The GT justified its premium with the V6, larger wheels, wider tires, and stronger brakes. Rivals included the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Volkswagen Cabrio, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, and Ford Mustang Convertible, though each offered a different balance of seating capacity, power, and open-top practicality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Distinctive early-2000s convertible styling.
Strong 200-horsepower V6 performance in GT form.
Power roof and useful standard convenience equipment.
Comfortable front seats and a usable four-seat layout for a convertible.
More refined and stable chassis than earlier Eclipse Spyders.

Cons

Front-wheel drive limits the sporting feel compared with rear-wheel-drive roadsters.
Four-speed automatic feels dated and reduces performance.
Fuel consumption can be high, especially in city driving.
Rear-seat room is very limited for adults.
ABS, side airbags, and premium features were not standard on every example.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable yearly maintenance-cost figure specific to the 2001 Eclipse Spyder is not consistently documented, so owners should budget according to vehicle condition, service history, insurance, tires, convertible-roof care, and local labor costs rather than rely on a single estimate. Common owner-reported concerns for this generation include automatic-transmission shifting problems, aging convertible-top seals or hydraulic and latch faults, suspension wear and clunks, electrical faults affecting power accessories or door locks, and engine oil leaks or sensor-related check-engine lights. A pre-purchase inspection should include the roof operation, drainage channels, transmission behavior, cooling system, timing-belt service history, and recall completion.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.0/10. Design: 8/10 for its memorable convertible shape. Comfort: 7/10 thanks to accommodating front seats and useful equipment. Performance: 7/10 for the smooth V6, although the automatic and front-wheel-drive layout temper enthusiasm. Technology: 5/10 because its audio and convenience features are now basic. Safety: 6/10, reflecting respectable available equipment but the lack of modern active safety systems.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the Eclipse Spyder’s looks, V6 soundtrack, and accessible convertible experience, while criticism tends to focus on age-related maintenance and limited rear-seat practicality. Condition and service history make a major difference on surviving examples.

Owners often enjoy the dramatic styling and top-down driving experience.
GT buyers generally value the V6’s smoother, stronger acceleration.
Many appreciate the standard power features for a convertible of this age.
Automatic-transmission condition is a frequent concern on higher-mileage cars.
Roof weather sealing and interior wear deserve close inspection before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
2001 Volkswagen Cabrio
2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
2001 Ford Mustang Convertible

Summary

The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is best suited to buyers seeking an affordable used four-seat convertible with bold styling, a smooth V6, and period-correct comfort features. It is not the sharpest sports car or the most economical choice, but a well-maintained example offers an appealing blend of everyday usability and open-air character. Thorough mechanical and roof inspections are essential, particularly for automatic cars, but the Spyder remains an interesting alternative to more common early-2000s convertibles.