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Mitsubishi's Eclipse Sport Coupe Named 'Best Buy' by Consumers Digest

9 November 1999

Mitsubishi's Eclipse Sport Coupe Named a 'Best Buy' by Consumers Digest Magazine MITSUBISHI MOTORS 2000 ECLIPSE Mitsubishi Motors is unveiling its redesigned 2000 Eclipse with an edgy, visual advertising campaign that focuses on the "real" reasons people buy sports coupes -- for how the car makes them look and feel. Created by Deutsch, Inc. of Los Angeles, the campaign's broadcast ads premiere today with 15-second "teaser" spots on national and cable television. The Eclipse campaign continues Mitsubishi's "wake up and drive" theme, which has revitalized the brand in the U.S. market. (PRNewsFoto)[HD] CYPRESS, CA USA 08/31/1999    

          2000 Annual Buying Guide Recognizes All-New Sport Coupe's
                          Value, Refinement and Fun

    CYPRESS, Calif., Nov. 9 -- Consumers Digest Magazine has
named the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe a "Best Buy" in its expanded
2000 Annual Buying Guide issue for November/December, now hitting newsstands.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990831/LATU067 )
    According to the magazine, the new Eclipse met its criteria for
performance, comfort, styling and projected reliability relative to sticker
price.  Consumers Digest said that the car is more mature than its
predecessors while retaining most of its youthful appeal.  The editors found
particular appeal in the GT model's 205-horsepower V6 engine, which they said
makes the Eclipse a "smooth powerhouse," and a longer wheelbase that adds to
the sport coupe's interior room and overall comfort.  The magazine called the
net result "a more sophisticated car overall."

    Consumers Digest defines its criteria for evaluating an automotive "Best
Buy" based on:

    -- Independent testing and research studies
    -- Surveys of Consumers Digest readers or others
    -- Previously published evaluations in books, magazines, newspapers,
        newsletters, etc.
    -- Retail dealers, including their service departments
    -- Personal, hands-on evaluation by the authors and researchers

    "Eclipse is a hot-looking, streetwise sport coupe that is as exciting to
drive as to look at," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief
operating officer for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA.)
"Consumers Digest recognized that the redesigned Eclipse is also smarter, more
sophisticated and more substantial.  In a category that's very competitive,
we're very proud to have such a standout product."
    Featuring "geo-mechanical" styling that's turning a lot of heads, the
all-new Eclipse offers two powerful engine choices - a 154-horsepower 2.4-
liter 4-cylinder (147 horsepower with CA/NLEV emissions) or a 205-horsepower
3.0-liter V6 (200-horsepower with CA/NLEV emissions).  Both engines can be
mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.  In addition, a 4-speed Sportronic(TM)
automatic transmission offers both an intelligent "learned control" based on
driver habit and clutchless manual shifting.  With a suspension tuned for
precise handling, the Eclipse has the performance to back its sleek
appearance.  The M.S.R.P. for 2000 Eclipse models range from $17,697 for the
4-cylinder RS to $21,187 for the sporty, V6-equipped GT with Sportronic
transmission (including destination/handling).
    As a buyer's resource, Consumers Digest is committed to helping consumers
spend wisely and maximize their value by providing practical advice,
comprehensive product evaluations, and specific recommendations.  An Annual
Buying Guide has been offered for nearly four decades.  Based in Skokie,
Illinois, the parent company of Consumers Digest also publishes Your Money
magazine.  The magazine's website is http://www.consumersdigest.com.
    Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.  Their
website address is http://www.mitsubishicars.com.