Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
21 MPG The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2012 run it averages 20.8 MPG, essentially flat across 11 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $3375 | 427 | 2 |
| 2011 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $3375 | 427 | 2 |
| 2010 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25 | $3450 | 436 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25.3 | $3450 | 436 | 4 |
| 2008 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25.3 | $3450 | 436 | 4 |
| 2007 | 20.3 MPG | 17.5 | 25 | $3513 | 442 | 4 |
| 2005 | 21 MPG | 18.3 | 25.7 | $3433 | 424 | 6 |
| 2004 | 21.2 MPG | 18.3 | 25.7 | $3400 | 421 | 6 |
| 2003 | 21.2 MPG | 18.7 | 25.8 | $3183 | 422 | 6 |
| 2002 | 20.8 MPG | 17.8 | 25.5 | $3363 | 429 | 4 |
| 2001 | 20.8 MPG | 18 | 25.3 | $3388 | 430 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder ranks 24 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Nissan 240SX (21.5), Porsche Carrera 2 Cabriolet (21.5), Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe (21.5), Porsche Carrera 2 S Cabriolet (21.5), Porsche Carrera 2 S Coupe (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 427 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder get?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 20.8 MPG, ranging from 18 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2012 model is $3375.
Has the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 21 MPG today against 20.8 in 2001 — essentially flat across 11 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder efficient for its class?
It ranks 24 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 1.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.