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Few cars match the advertised image and lifestyle they portray. But the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS that I picked up from Overland Park Mitsubishi at 87th and Metcalf really did make me feel younger. Located next door to Overland Park Jeep this is the newest Mitsubishi dealer in Kansas City. They provided me a top of the line Eclipse for my experience. The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in four trim levels the RS, GS, GT and GTS with manufacturer suggested retail pricing from slightly over $18,000 to my GTS automatic, topping the scale at $26,132. So complete is the GTS that my car had no other options. This is a vehicle that just makes you feel young. Sliding behind the wheel instantly took 10 years off of my age and fed my fantasy that I could hang with the hip guys in the commercial. Of course I know that's just an illusion but with the stress of daily life we need our ego fed from time to time. The sleek lines and low swung profile is just the vehicle to feed your ego. While this is no Corvette or Porsche, it's not priced like one either. Last redesigned in 2000 the Mitsubishi Eclipse actually has major sex appeal per buck. My GTS had the 3.0L V6 engine pumping 210 hp through the Sportronic(tm) Transmission with enough power to reach 60 MPH in 7.0 seconds from a dead stop. Leather seats in the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS were so supportive and comfortable I simply parked the car, reclined in the 12 way adjustable power drivers seat, cranked up the 210-Watt, seven speaker, Mitsubishi/Infinity(r) stereo system and gazed out the power moon-roof. Unique burl wood and brushed aluminum interior complemented the tasteful interior and large round air vents pushed ventilation right where I wanted. Everything about the interior enhanced the experience so that I enjoyed my time both driving as well as parked. Now this is a sport coupe with two doors and a hatchback. If you need four doors this is not your car. There are several sporty four-door sedans on the market that will fill that need. While the back seat is comfortable and you have enough legroom as long as the front seats are not pushed all the way back, the rear seats are not for regular adult use. But for an affordable sport coupe with styling and performance this car stands out in a limited field of competitors. While the styling and emotion that this vehicle evokes is substantial, safety has not been overlooked. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration blessed this sporty looking vehicle with a front collision safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars and 5 of 5 in side impact tests. So while I enjoy a car that evokes reckless feelings my good judgment demands a car that is as safe as it is fun. Traction control and Antilock Braking Systems help keep this driving machine under control and makes this a logical choice for safety as well as an ego enhancer. Let's get back to the image. For basic transportation your choices are endless. There are dozens of economical, reliable vehicles that will take you to and from work. But if you demand more than just an ordinary four door sedan. If you want a car that you can really drive and connect with the road you need something special. If you understand that a car defines who you want to be and is a reflection of your lifestyle, you need something different. If you want world class styling that makes you feel young and alive you may need to take a look at the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS.
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If we ever had a doubt about the effect that emotion and image play in our choice for automobiles, we need only look at Mitsubishi and the driving music of it's television advertising. Hip, hot, driving sounds with images of young urban fun seekers overshadow automobile images in the current highly successful Mitsubishi television advertising. Creating an image of a young, fun and successful lifestyle is this message.
©2003 - Stan Risener