Christian Wardlaw’s 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Driving Impressions:
Don’t expect a sports car if you plant your butt behind the wheel of the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder. This car is a cruiser, a quick cruiser, an athletic cruiser, but a cruiser nonetheless. It’s got a good ride, the structure is stiff enough to resist bending and flex, and the V6 is strong with a pleasing burble of an exhaust note. The car can handle mid-speed corners nicely, the steering’s got decent heft, the gearbox is crisp and refined, and the brakes are responsive and easy to modulate. What keeps it from being a sports car is its weight, its girth, and the seats’ inability to hold you still while carving turns. The Eclipse Spyder is a pleasing car to drive, but not a fun car.

Thom Blackett’s 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Driving Impressions:
Though admittedly not a huge fan of the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe for a variety of reasons, I have to say that the convertible, or Spyder, is a thoroughly enjoyable ride, provided one doesn’t get saddled in the so-called rear seat, doesn’t mind an interior wrought with hard shiny plastics, and doesn’t expect an Evolution under the curvaceous skin. More on those points later. In terms of driving, Mitsubishi deserves some praise for the Eclipse Spyder, a model accented by tight steering; responsive and easily-modulated brakes; lively performance from its V6 engine; a six-speed manual tranny working with a light-effort clutch to make rowing fun; and handling that’s acceptable, if not outstanding. Like the coupe, there’s too much torque-steer, but unlike the hardtop version, the Eclipse Spyder allows its occupants to enjoy its symphonic exhaust note, possibly the most alluring aspect of the vehicle. It’s one of those cars that makes you want to goose it at red lights just to bathe in that audible delight.

Interestingly, I harped on the coupe we drove last year for brakes that were hard to gauge and an interior that was too quiet. Top up or top down, the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder does little to keep noise out, so that’s a non-issue. But the brakes on our soft-top tester were noticeably better than those on the coupe, a fact worth applauding.

Visibility, on the other hand, just plain stinks. The front view is ok, and thanks to the absence of a B-pillar, over-the-shoulder peeks are easy. But with the top raised, the rear view is seriously lacking. There’s a tiny slit for a back window and wide swathes of fabric comprise the C-pillars. Signal early and use those mirrors for all they’re worth.

Ron Perry’s 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Driving Impressions:
The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder surprised me. The engine is smooth and pulls hard, though you have to fight the torque steer if you get on the go-pedal a bit too hard. The six-speed transmission works through the gates with no issues and keeps the engine revs low at freeway speeds, which makes the Eclipse Spyder a joy to drive. A well-tuned exhaust note adds to the enjoyment, and though the Spyder does feel heavy the V6 does a good job of keeping the drive spirited. I found no issues with the steering or the brakes. Both were right on target and gave me the necessary feedback and feel I desire.

Inside, the seats are comfortable with enough bolstering to keep me planted in tight turns and finding a comfortable driving position was no problem. Visibility with the top down was, as expected, excellent, but driving with the top up means dealing with blind spots. I found the gauges difficult to read and would prefer larger numbers and more contrasting colors, though the layout works great. Buffeting is minimal but there still is some cowl shake that comes through over rough roadways.