Segment:
        
        
            Compact Sport Convertible
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiasts seeking performance and open-air driving, often appealing to younger demographics.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.
        
     
    
    
        
            Convertible Top:
        
        
            Fully automatic power-operated soft top with a glass rear window.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Available with a choice of two sporty four-cylinder engines.
        
     
    
        
            Styling:
        
        
            Distinctive, aggressive styling with a low-slung profile.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
             Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, exhaust, ignition, emissions control, engine management, transmission (manual and automatic).
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear disc, ABS), wheels, tires.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, safety systems (airbags), HVAC, power accessories.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power distribution, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), starting and charging system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, power window motor repair, convertible top motor replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring diagram interpretation, use of diagnostic scan tools.
        
     
    
    
        
            Scope:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete component overhauls and diagnostics, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Base:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific ratios by model/trim.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Features:
        
        
            Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (Consult manual for specific Mitsubishi P/N).
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III (Consult manual for specific P/N).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 177.7 inches (4513 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 53.3 inches (1354 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Track:
        
        
            Approx. 60.0 inches (1524 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Track:
        
        
            Approx. 59.8 inches (1519 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Base:
        
        
            Approx. 3100 lbs (1406 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight Turbo:
        
        
            Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Consult manual for specific ratings.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume:
        
        
            Small, typically around 5-6 cubic feet with the top up; significantly reduced with the top down.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            4-Star (as per NHTSA data for similar models of the era).
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            4-Star (as per NHTSA data for similar models of the era).
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Good (for models equipped with side airbags, if applicable and tested).
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available on some higher trim levels or optional.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags may be optional or standard on certain trims.
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bars behind the headrests (feature varies by specific sub-model/market).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM/CD player. Upgraded Infinity or Rockford Fosgate audio systems were often optional or part of higher trims.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard on most models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Accessories:
        
        
            Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry were common features.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - consult manual for specific recommendation.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (Platinum tipped plugs, consult manual for exact type and gap).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Crucial for 4G63T engine (if equipped). Typically 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Refer to manual for precise interval and procedure due to interference engine design.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity Base:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic (check manual for exact API service classification).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended for turbocharged applications.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            50/50 mix of de-ionized water and HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically P-HOAT/IAT type (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4. Consult manual for precise specification.
        
     
    
    
        
            Convertible Top Motor:
        
        
            Potential failure of the hydraulic pump or motor for the power convertible top.
        
     
    
        
            Cv Joints:
        
        
            Wear on front CV joints due to sporty driving.
        
     
    
        
            Catalytic Converter:
        
        
            Possible premature failure, especially on turbocharged models.
        
     
    
        
            ABS Sensors:
        
        
            ABS sensor failures leading to ABS warning light illumination.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Degradation of engine mounts, leading to increased vibration.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Brand Focus:
        
        
            Mitsubishi has a history of producing sporty, accessible vehicles, often with a focus on performance and distinctive styling.
        
     
    
    
        
            Eclipse Spyder Generations:
        
        
            The 2003 model is part of the third generation Eclipse (2000-2005), which moved to a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Mitsubishi Galant. The Spyder version offered a convertible body style.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Normal, Illinois, USA (for North American market models).
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2000-2005 (3rd Generation Eclipse/Spyder).