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What a Woman Wants Behind the Wheel - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Review


2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (select to view enlarged photo)
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

By Donna Vissing
Louisville Bureau

SEE ALSO: New Car Buyer's Guide for Mitsubishi

Driving the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT can be summed up in one word – FUN. This is not a family car; this is not even a practical car. This is the reward you give yourself for reaching a crowning achievement – professional or personal. It was Cyndi Lauper who sang Girls Just Wanna Have Fun; she must have been thinking about driving a convertible with the top down on a sunny day, the radio blaring and the feeling of freedom behind the wheel! I’ve just described the driving experience of a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT.

With a powered convertible top, the car transforms electronically from a closed vehicle into an open-aired exhilarating ride. Sporting a cloth top, versus the vinyl most often equipped in this price range, the top fits flushed and snugly inside a tonneau, giving the car a first-class, sporty look. Totally powered and automatic, by unlocking the release handles located inside and pushing the “open” switch located on the dash, the transformation completes itself in just 19 seconds. This includes the audio system automatically readjusting to the open air setting.

Returning the car to a closed vehicle is equally easy; place the car in “park” and then just push the “close” button. The top is specifically designed to eliminate ballooning at highway speed. The defroster system is located in the rear window.

The car seats four but most comfortably, it is a ride for two. Driver side is power and manually controlled, while the passenger side is manual. With lumbar support, premium sport fabric and leather heated front seating, driving comfort can be customized in a variety of ways.

Another great feature enhancing the driving experience is the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio with Digital Signal Processing. The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT comes fully equipped with a 6-CD in-dash changer and is MP3 compatible. Nine speakers, including an integrated 8” rear subwoofer, will keep your driving atmosphere lively and entertaining.

The interior features do not stop there. The dash hosts a center display providing compass readings, audio modes, outside temperature and time. Also located in the center dash are the audio selections, CD-Changer, seat warming and automatic climate control system; all within convenient and safe arm-reach. Some of the models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including an advanced airbag safety system, adding security to the ride. The SRS system has front air bags, side air bags and a curtain air bag, which is designed to only deploy on the side receiving the impact.

There is extra storage sections located throughout the front seat area. A spacious glove compartment, an extra compartment between the driver and passenger seats, and a two-cup holder all provide space for storing the little things that are important for having in your car. With a split fold-down rear seat, the trunk opens up providing space for the bigger items requiring transportation.

The car is good looking on the outside too, and definitely gets its share of second glances from others! Sporting a sleek look including 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, auto-off halogen headlights, LED tail lamps and monocle-lens head lamps, the coupe promotes an expensive first impression. The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT offers all the special features a sports-car enthusiast seeks, but at an affordable price starting at $25,000.

With a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine, the car has an impressive “get up and go”. Available in a five-speed automatic or standard six-speed manual transmission, with the standard, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in approximately seven seconds. Armed with an anti-theft alarm system and remote keyless entry, these features greatly increase a woman’s sense of security.

The coupe is a fun ride and could be “just what the doctor orders”, when it comes to a prescription for stress-relief! One piece of advice - leave it in the garage when it rains; the convertible top drips into the car when you open the door. But when the sun comes out, there is no better way to get around town than in the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT and listening to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.