In fact, now that Mitsu unveiled its new Spyder version of the second-generation Eclipse, I don't know what I saw in the previous model. Actually, the Eclipse has always been one of my favorite sports cars, and the new generation Eclipses just about eclipse its predecessors.

I drove the 2001 Eclipse Spyder GT for a week, and I fell in love all over again. Engage the brake, release two levers over the windshield and push the button. The whirr of the motor that folds away the three-layer soft-top with a glass rear window is so sweet. It takes about 15 seconds, and afterward, you're ready for some serious open-highway driving. Putting the top up is just as easy, of course. And I've never experienced levers that are easier to pop back into place.

I cruised to Nags Head for the weekend to catch up with my buddy Gene, and there's nothing like driving a new ragtop among the bikini-clad beauties along the Outer Banks. Stares and double takes were commonplace as I cruised along the beach roads in Nags Head.

But it's more than just a redesign in the outer sheetmetal. The Eclipse has an all-new safety cage, chassis and front suspension that make its more rigid and less rattley. This cuts down on road noises, which are usually loud in a convertible. I used my phone with the top down, and I had no trouble hearing. No need for an air shield in this car.

Bigger tires on the GT and a 2-inch longer wheelbase than the previous Eclipse provide tight cornering. I didn't push it like a Le Mans driver might, but it handled well enough through the corners around Benvenue Country Club.

The wind blowing in my face apparently allowed me to forgive a slight shake while taking the curves at high speeds. But the Eclipse performs almost flawlessly when you are easygoing behind the wheel. With a convertible, why get stressed? Why push harder than you have to? Take it easy, and the car is yours.

Inside, the cockpit is bigger and well laid out. Changing radio stations and temperature controls, and even reaching the vents for the air conditioner is fairly easy while driving. As in most convertibles, there's not a cavernous trunk. But the Eclipse Spyder offers 7.2 cubic feet of cargo area. That's 2.1 more cubic feet than the previous Eclipse and mounds more space than the new Toyota MR2 Spyder.

Of course, the Eclipse Spyder is a 2+2, meaning it does have a back seat. Pushing the front seats back to a comfortable driving position leaves little leg room in the back. But this car is built for one – two at the most. Anyone is the back seat should consider themselves lucky that they're even sitting inside this awesome car.

Optional side airbags for the front seat passengers are new this year. Good. Anti-lock brakes also are optional. Bad. ABS should be standard on all cars nowadays. Until that happens, I will continue to criticize this over sight. Everyone wants more whoosh from the airbags, but safety features like anti-lock brakes are the real life-savers.

Mitsu offers a new five-speed manual, which I tested, and a new four-speed Sportronic automatic, which offers the best of both worlds of manual and automatic transmission. I've driven cars with these hybrid trannys before, and I think I'll stick with the five-speeds or six-speeds, whatever the case may be.

I don't believe I've ever driven a ragtop that I didn't write glowing reviews about. But I have to admit that some are better than others. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder falls into the better than most category. Easy to drive. Rigid frame. Top goes down effortlessly. What more could you ask for? How about a starting price of $25,000. Add a few options, and it’s up to $28,000. But come on, it's a convertible, and your worth it. By J. Eric Eckard © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco

Byline:  By J. Eric Eckard © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
Column Name:   "Come on, it's a convertible, and your worth it"
Topic:  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible
Word Count:   772
Photo Caption:  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT
Photo Credits:  Mitsubishi Internet Media
Series #:   2000 - 35

Download the Microsoft Word version here:   2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Download the original image file here:  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 29k