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Toyota Celica VS Mitsubishi Eclipse
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Comments
The Diamond Star Motors relationship continues, just under a different name. Thus the new 2001 Dodge Stratus Coupe is born. With the exact same interior and engine components, the only difference between the Stratus and Eclipse models are exterior bodies. The two cars are even built in the same plant.
Check out this link for more details:
Dodge Stratus/Mitsu Eclipse
The car looks great, handling is super, and it has enough power for me. Scares the hell out of your passenger when you make a sharp turn at high speed and then accelerate. It felt surprisingly stable even at 110-120 mph, though not as stable as some big Grand Marquis.
If you wish to commute a lot on interstate - get something bigger, Cougar with 6 cylinders will be quieter and smoother, and it still has sporty feeling (though not as sporty) and back seat for a couple of cats. Never tried new Eclipse, simply because I don't like how it looks, the old version looked better to me (no offense here).
Reliability - Toyota is generally more reliable, there is no doubt, but Celica is still new and has no record. On the other hand most of the cars today are pretty reliable, the ratings are close and a lot depends on your luck. I have Grand Marquis which has ~60K nad 5 years on it, the only thing I had to do was replace tape player at the very beginning, and this year front brakes and tires, which sounds about time. And friend of mine has much younger Accord with which he had a lot of problems. So I would not base my decision on reliability numbers only.
for $850/year from Progressive. I'm 26 and have
a clean driving record, no claims, etc.
I didn't think that was too bad, considering I'm
paying $600/yr for my '96 Geo prizm.
I then asked him to how much my rate would be if I was 25 years of age. He quoted me $1400 a year.
YAHOO!! Just 11 more months to go!! :-D
He sys teh cahrges would be $200 odd for a $20 part !!!
First, i am a proud of a recently vandalized 2000 eclipse...yes i am very angry
I purchased my eclipse in dec of 99, my ford escort finally bit the bullet, no major problems until the last two weeks of its life, with 126k miles it wasnt that bad, especially for its supposed "reliabilty" problems. I was thinking of purchasing one of the two base models when i saw both of them, the celica struck me hard, and i loved it, and i thought the design of the eclipse was not what it should be, wasnt impressed. as time went on the eclipse body grew on me, and the celica grew old. to me it looks like its trying way too hard to be sporty, whereas the eclipse just flows. but thats my opinion. all my coworkers felt the same when the two cars hit the market....and the eclipse has grown on them also, as the celica has also died down some to there eye. I test drove both, and thats when i fell in love with the eclipse, much smoother, and in my opinion, much quieter. the engine was much more torquey, and i am easily able to pass someone and get out of the way of danger. one of two complaints i have about my car is the small wheels. yesterday i was making a long smooth turn, and the tires started going out on me, although there wasnt much body roll.....the suspension is great, but the wheels were just too small to hold up. i am sure the gt or even the gs is much better in this category.
now the second complaint, and its a REALLY big one....
the gas mileage is terrible, i get about 19 mpg with the 4cylinder and a manual transmission. i took it into the dealer twice, once around 500 miles, they told me to wait another thousand or so miles, and the next time around 8k miles....nothing had changed. when i came in the second time they told me nothing was wrong with it. the other day, a friend and i were looking at a sub i recently installed in my trunk. i had the engine on. there was a very strong gas odor coming from the car, and although he didnt say anything, until i did, he noticed also. i need to take it in again.
my dads neighbor purchased a eclipse about a year ago when the eclipse first came out. on the way home from purchasing it, the engine blew, the car had about 15 miles on it. the replaced the car for him, obviously.
both the 4 and 6 are mitsubishi made, as the old non-turbos were chrysler engines, although the non turbo spyders recieved the same engine as the current eclipse. although i do have a problem with my engine, there are bad apples in every bushel. both engines however have been out for three or four years, the six in the galant(which has no reliabilty problems) and the 4 in non-turbo eclipse spyders.
as for buying and eclipse gs, its not worth it, for another grand or so you can get a gt, and increase the resale value A LOT!! but at around 16k the rs is a great value, i would much rather have my car than a civic, focus, cavalier, etc...
a few things i love about the car besides the interior and exterior styling is the transmission, very sharp shifting, good clutch feel, i love the brakes also, they arent abs, but if you know what you are doing, it doesnt matter.
the rear seat is actually very useable, unlike the celicas. visibility is great without the spoiler.
in the new issue of super street, it talks about some of the weaknesses of the celica gts, everyone should read it. its a very hard engine to get the power out of, you have to shift at exactly the right points and rev the engine like crazy, and a normal driver in public conditions cannot do this as easily as a professional driver on a drag strip. thats why someone posted about his girlfriend prefering the eclipse when it comes to speed.
but your taste and opinions are not gonna be the same as mine....get what you want, dont settle for second best, or you wont be happy.....
and for all, put on a alarm with a shock sensor, there are jealous people out there.....
The GTS is a fun car on a track. But for real world driving..most people would much rather prefer the ride in a eclipse GT.
The performance issues with the poster before yours, are all do to him buying an RS model.
Mitsu does'nt have the best reliability record around, but the trade off comes in other things.
V6, roomier interior, exterior styling, to name a few. Plus with there current low financing deal, its one of the best bargains around..
the reason why mitsu is growing so fast is a great line-up and very reasonable financing....by they way to everyone i heard in my area that there is a 3000 rebate on the celica, and there is a 1500 rebate on the eclipse.....THIS IS THE TIME TO BUY!!
corey
1995 AWD GSX
"technology is the only suppliment for cubic inches"
Dodge Stratus/Mitsu Eclipse
I highly doubt a celica gt can come close to that without major mods.
Lets not get into a $%#&*$# contest over whos car is better here. I agree with judas in a sense, the turbo eclipses are gone and I don't think anyone would put themselves in a position trying to decide between a new GTS or used GSX.
Then again..I would maybe consider a low mileage 99 :-D
If so, how do you think it looks?
Thanks
Check Jennifer's car in Readers rides. She has the carbon dash.
as for the looks of the new celica, that it is "trying to hard" you have that all wrong. to me, the eclipse looks way to toned down and more like a luxury car. the celica is a sports car, for those of you who think it looks too sporty, buy a minivan.
as for the prices, there are numerous reasons that the celica costs more, the number one reason being the following: it is, by far a better car. (just so you know, i have had no problems and my sister has had 3, i bought my car two months before her)
I found that insurance is a little high, but nothing compared to the GSX model. I never looked at a Toyota Celica, I just can't get over the body style.............I can't say I hate it or like it, I just don't know about it yet.. I had a 95 Eagle Talon TSI and loved it; so that's why I went with a Eclipse! The stereo is AWESOME and the ride and handling is great! The interior is well layed out and not too busy, there is plenty of room inside and I'm averaging about 24mpg..
Mitsubishi also has a 5 year or 60,000 mile warranty on the powertrain/engine. And like someone else said you can't beat the financing available currently.. I wondering about how this car will be in the snow; The Talon was terrible in the snow.........
The GS-T, bone stock would take me out till 60, that is it though, it doesn not possess the handling capabilities of the Celica with its 0.89 skidpad, and its ability to stop from 60-0 in 111 feet, the Eclipse GT does it in 136 feet. Do not believe me, check out the Motor Trend car review list at the back, or even look at Road&Track, or Automobile.
Numbers (my torque, hp....yadayadayada) do not mean anything, real performance does. Which is why a 4.6ltr, 260bhp 1997 Rustang GT can only do 0-60 (not a true performance benchmark, I know, but that is the only area in which Muscle cars can compete in, they really can only go fast in a straight line) in 6.7 seconds, and the 1997 Eclipse GS-T (nice car, too many problems) with a 2.0ltr tb-chd engine will do it in 6.5 secs. The new eclipse has decent styling, horrible rims and a decent interior. It is basically a replacement for the old eclipse and 3000GT, thus it has inherited characteristics of both. Also, Mitsu is looking to market the car to a broader range of clients. On mileage, any of the new Eclipses will be terrible.
Now before you all jump down my throat, I just bought my Celica GT-S three weeks ago. I researched and test drove every car in it's price range (even a Rustang GT, just for the hell of it). The Celica delivers in every dept. It is assembled in Japan, has a nice interior, very supportive seats, good acceleration (okay you have to wind it up a bit, but the Prelude is the same way), kickass handling, Porsche quality brakes (cheack out afforementioned magazines) and a great racy look (The Eclipse also has a nice exterior, but I am not fond of the grooves on the side) to boot it all off. Of course, it is also a Toyota, a company that is known for standing behind the quality of it's products.
While the Eclipse GT has much more torque, it also dies down soon, and the ride is akin to a Ford Taurus, feels very vanilla. Also, 205hp from a 3.0 ltr engine these days, pathetic. The Celica GT-S has 100hp per ltr from a NA engine!
At the end of the day, in this price range, there are only two real choices, the Toyota Celica GT-S (I got mine for~$22,600, with all options) and the Honda Prelude, which while a kickass car, is growing old, and is soon to be discontinued (get your hands on one soon!). The Integra is too old, and I do not even consider Muscle cars worthey enough to be in this category.
Well here's my US$0.02, take them as you will. Cheers!
by reading your post, I know you don't know too much about cars..so I will just treat the stuff you said with ignorance. First of all, stang GT is NOT slow. And I doubt you "smoked" any of the cars you mentioned above (especially GSX.) But it all comes down to driver when the stats are this close. Unless they shift from 1st to third.. there is no way you can smoke them (I define "smoked" as in more than 6 car lengths.)
yep, mustang Gt is probably the best bang for the buck for both cornering and stright line. In the recent SCC, mustang GT manhandled type R.. sigh. I lost some respect for the type R after that (this is coming from a honda owner.)
Currently I am considering Celica GT-S, Prelude, Eclipse GT and the new Integra... which do you guys think?
I'm not going to waste much more time acting as childish as the rest of you with that whole "my car is better than you car" crap...Grow Up!
Second off, I still contend that it's not the car, it's the driver. The car is merely the tool in which the driver wins the race.
Third, someone made the comment that the Eclipse was trying too hard to be as sporty as the Celica. Friends, let me remind you that I have a girlfriend that HAD a Celica (she got rid of it because it was more money that it was worth)...the Eclipse is a superior car not because it can corner at MACH1.1...but because it has the properties of a sports car alongside the properties of a MORE luxurious ride. In other words (for you morons that persist on NOT understanding) it is a kick [non-permissible content removed] sports machine that won't leave your butt hurting from the bumpy ride.
'The Celica is a sportscar reconditioned for the street'...what the hell is that? How many of you actually manage to hit 7K RPM with that Celica of yours? I'll tell you that I couldn't. I live in an area that there are lots of large roads that are easily accessible and there were VERY few times that I could pull those kinds of RPM's off. Kids...track times don't mean crap when you're talking about driving your date to the movies, driving to work, taking the bikes on a rack to a mountain trail, etc, etc...
Don't be stupid. All these arguments are ludicrous.
MOST importantly you have to go with what you like. My girlfriend liked the Celica's sporty styling over my Eclipses. That's her preference and I wouldn't change that for the world. I don't happen to like the Celica because, as it's been pointed out, I think Toyota tried too hard with it.
That's just my $0.02 kids. You all keep dreaming and I'll keep enjoying your faulted ignorance.
I am glad however that there are some folks out there that can remain objective and can post here without the biases and stupidities that most seem to post here with.
Kudos to you folks.
So why did you then launch into a diabtribe against the GTS? I thought you were above that?
In the following rebuttal, I will attempt restrain myself to addressing your comments about the Celica. I will not 'attack' the Eclipse in any way.
1) your GF got rid of her Celica because it was 'more money than it was worth'. Define "worth". IMO, the GTS offers very good value. It has good performance, adequate room and comfort for me and my family, excellent reliability and economy. I hope that your GF didn't sell her car just because of your opinion.
2) You imply that the Celica ride is somehow more uncomfortable. You also state the Eclipse ride to be more luxurious. Some comments: these two cars are supposed to be sports coupes - not luxo barges. While the Eclipse ride may be more 'luxurious', the Celica ride is more performance oriented. Which is more important should be left up to the consumer. Neither makes the car "better". I'm 38 and haven't once thought the ride in the Celica too harsh, even after spending 8 hours behind the wheel. Maybe your butt is just sensitive.....
3)Agree with your comment about 'Celica is a sportscar reconditioned for the street'. IMHO, the Celica is NOT a sportscar (it is a sports coupe) and is not 'reconditioned' for anything.
4) I routinely hit 7k. I routinely hit 7800 (redline). I also occasionally bounce it off the rev limiter (8300). Maybe you just don't like high rpm engines. I do. High rpm power is simply a trait of the car. You either like or not. In everyday driving, the car has more than enough power without winding it out, but if you want the power, its there.
5) Styling is completely subjective. You obviously like the styling on the Eclipse (by the way, how many Eclipses have you owned?) Personally, I thought the 2g Eclipses were much better than the current 3g.
6) Why did you start your post telling people to "grow up" who act childish with the mines better than yours (which BTW is a Mitsu ad line) and then, at the end of your post, you end with "you all keep dreaming and I'll keep enjoying your faulted ignorance". Please tell me, in concrete terms, what my "faulted ignorance" is?
I once had a 88 honda crx si I bought with 100k miles. I redlined that car everyday for the next 40k miles and sold it without any engine problems.
The motor still sounded great and did'nt show 1 sign of oil leakage anywhere!
What a great little car. Just don't get into a collision with one!
The Celica is a higher quality car. Also, I've come to realize that i enjoy the torque in low RPMs more than the horsepower at 6 or 7K. So that would push me towards the Eclipse v6. Mitsu's however, tend to smoke...4 cyl eclipses, mirages, V6 Caravans and Voyagers (V6 is from Mitsu). Both are head turners, I'd have a tough time choosing. Good luck.
Concerning the other post of the person looking at the Prelude, Celica, Eclipse.......have you thought about the Maxima?
I was hoping to get an honest comparison between the Celica and the Eclipse, and of 90 posts, 80 are about how one car is faster than the other. Guys, if you really want speed, put your money where your mouths are and get a motorcycle. Anything else is just silliness...
So how about an honest opinion? It seems like the difference between the two cars is the image portrayed. Toyota and Mitsubishi seem to have traded places in the image department ... the old foggy turning boy-racer, and the bubble-racer turned luxo.
Toyota's reputation for quality has been unsurpassed, and almost ALL publications, including Consumer Reports, indicate that Toyota Motors is a vastly superior manufacturer than most of the rest of the known world. How do you really feel about that?
I've owned Toyotas most of my life but have been driving a 3000GT for the past few years. The only difference I can say is that the 3000GT is ALOT more expensive to repair. Otherwise, I don't really think it's that far lagging in quality behind the Toyota's I've owned.
I'm now in the market for another vehicle. I've narrowed my choices down to a few cars, and for $20K, I'm looking at a new Celica, a new Solara, or a used Lexus SC. What do you think?
From what I've been reading, many of the posters indicate that the Celica GT-S is a formidable street car. Others say that the GT offers more value. I've never purchased a new car before and hope I don't get raped in the process. Insurance costs here in NYC is nightmarish.
Anyway, I'm in no rush to buy another vehicle. I have to sell my old one first. I was just hoping some of you could give an honest opinion on the likes and dislikes of the cars you've purchased.
Be careful of all that street racing. It's no good for you. Take it to a track.
Eddie
You hardly ever see people in their new vettes, porsches, bmws, merecedes vehicles drive the way we do though.
Because the majority of those owners are older and more mature than we are.
Your right about the street bike. I happen to own a 95 honda cbr900rr and it will blow away any modified/exotic car on the road today in raw acceleration. If your looking for cheap speed, this is the way to go.
Anyway, what I'm looking for is a reliable car with an image that portrays who I am. The motorcycle takes care of my adrenaline thrills and gets the chickies, the car is something more practical as well as for fun.
I really like the Celica but I think the Solara may be more civil for me. I'm sure maintenance on the Solara is much easier and less costly. I've seen the compactness of the Celica engines and I can't even get my hand in there.
A used Lexus SC is a possibility also, but I'm worried that I'm going to run into some major $$$ for repairs. I've never purchased a new car, and I think I'd rather pay for the piece of mind than have to constantly worry about repairs.
I still wouldn't mind some input on the Solar and Celica. Both cars are different, but still similar.
Eddie
A Celica GT will not out run the Eclipse GT, but will be a very good match against the eclipse rs and gs.
eddie, how about the honda accord coupe? you can't get a stick with that tho.
The more I think about it, the more attracted I am to the Celica GT. You just can't beat the price on it .... $17K base, and maybe $20K with a few options. There aren't too many cars in this class with this kind of price.
It seems like the more feedback I get off of these boards, the less I'm inclined to the Solara. For most of us enthusiasts, the thrill and joy of driving is part of the reason why we buy cars. All indications show that the Solara isn't a very exciting car to drive. That dampens my enthusiasm for the vehicle. If I wanted a boat, I'd get a 4 door.
Any thoughts on the Miata? Almost all sources say that it's the most fun for the dollar. Talk about impractical. Though, I'll tell you, I'd love a convertible one day.
Eddie
Celica GT. Have you considered the Cougar
at all? For a bit more than the Celica GT,
you could get a V6 Cougar (actually, here in
Portland OR, the 2000 models are being sold
at VERY attractive prices). I know it's not
an import, but perhaps it's still worth a
look. The Cougar seems to offer a lot of
bang for your buck.
result: 0-60 = 6.6 seconds
for those who're stuck with an automatic tranny (which is considerably slower than the manual version), check out www.levelten.com for some performance upgrades for your auto.
I bet you have no problem getting that front wheel off the ground eh? :-D
People thought I was crazy for jumping on a 900 as my first bike. But I got a great deal on it with only 13k miles. For a honda, mileage like this is nothing. It was also the first year of the redesign. It took me a month before I had the stones to redline this baby! I still can't believe the power after 6-7k rpm.
It definitely helps satisfy my craving for a rush. To bads its almost winter here though :-(
Oh yeah...the chicks love it too :-D
As far as a car, If you could scrounge up a few more grand, I would definitely look into a base prelude (21,600) or eclipse gt with sun and sound for around 21,000.
Both these cars are "much" more fun to drive than a plain celica "gt". They require less effort and have a much more spacious interior.
I had alot of fun with the v6 in the eclipse. I loved the torque!
But you're right, riding a motorcycle is the closest thing to flying we can get. I love the thrill of driving a sports car, but hell, nothing comes close to that of a sports bike.
Have you seen the new CBR990? Fantastic. I tend to like the V-twins, but hell, the 4's are insane ... and cheap as hell.
But for me, my first issue is to sell my current car. Then I'll have the loot to put down for the downpayment on a new one.
Actually, esto, I looked into the Cougar. Mercury did a nice job with it. I was hoping that I could save some money, figuring that American cars will be abit cheaper, but they're still quite abit of loot. Considering all the repair issues I'm dealing with now, I'd like something where I won't have to worry about repairs for about 10 years.
I agree that the Prelude and Eclipse GT have more gusto than the Celica. Man, there are so many options these days. It's like going into a strip club and having any hot chick you want ... damn, what to do??? Ha, ha.
The only other problem I have to worry about with financing a new car is the nightmarish cost of comprehensive insurance in NYC. I can possibly be looking at $3000 a year. I think I'm gonna faint.
OK guys ... remember. Get yourselves a nice used Ninja and you'll "smoke" anybody on the road. Now that's a rush. But no wheelies ... too dangerous.
Eddie
Insane!!! Something to think about guys...
Eddie
I agree with the wheelies. I don't do them either, too scared and still have so much more to live for in life.
Bikes are fun and exciting. But you always have to keep your eyes open. Chances are you won't hit anyone, but if someone was to clip you, I would much rather have 3000lbs of steel surrounding me compared to nothing on a bike.
Dude...you gotta stop blowing all your money at scores!!! LOL :-D
take care..
carlady/host
Although, it would be pretty cool if edmunds did have motorcycle value information. After all, the competitors at the kelly blue book do.
Just an idea thats all..
carlady/host