Here's why:
* Sporty Styling: The Eclipse featured a sleek, low-slung design with distinctive styling elements, including a sloping roofline and aggressive front end.
* Performance Focus: It was available with various engine options, including turbocharged engines that offered respectable power and acceleration for its time.
* Two-Door Coupe Body Style: The Eclipse was primarily offered as a two-door coupe, further emphasizing its sports car identity.
* Handling and Driving Dynamics: While not as track-focused as dedicated sports cars, the Eclipse had a balanced handling and driving experience.
However, it's important to note that:
* Some Critics: Some critics argued that the Eclipse lacked the true "sports car feel" of dedicated performance vehicles. It was often considered more of a "sporty coupe" than a true sports car.
* Later Generations: The later generations of the Eclipse, particularly the 2006-2012 models, moved further away from the traditional sports car formula by adopting a more generic and comfortable design.
* Focus on Practicality: Over time, the Eclipse started to prioritize practicality and comfort, with features like larger interiors and more passenger space, which are not typical of dedicated sports cars.
Overall, the Mitsubishi Eclipse was a sports car in its own right, but it didn't necessarily possess the same level of pure performance and driving focus as some other sports cars in its class.
