Mitsubishi has yet again produced a pretty impressive car for the 2009 model year. The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse has a powerful V6, superior sound system, and two trim levels to choose from. The Eclipse is a great pick for buyers looking for contemporary exterior design and an exciting ride. Also, with 20 city MPG and 28 highway MPG, this car is hard to pass up.

The Eclipse is streamlined and sporty. However, the exterior stylings fall a bit short. The 2009 Eclipse has some questionable design choices. The front and rear of the car seem to be from two different vehicles. There is not a lot of continuity in the Eclipse's exterior. The rest of the design is quite appealing, but is hard to notice because of the disconnection. The GT trim features dual exhaust. Mitsubishi markets the vehicle as making a visual impact and worthy of being a showcar straight from the factory.

The interior of the 2009 Eclipse is nothing to scoff at. A 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system gives buyers an incredible audio experience, something that is not found in most factory vehicles. Power windows and locks are standard on both the GS and GT trims. Also standard is a leather-wrapped shifter knob and even remote keyless entry. A power sliding sunroof is available for buyers who want to let a little light in.

A 2.4L MIVEC V6 engine is under the hood of the GS trim. The GT gets a boost with a 3.8L MIVEC V6. While the GS only reaches 162 horsepower, the GT maxes out at a whopping 265 horsepower. The GT also has two transmission options. The 6-speed manual gives drivers the power to control acceleration, but the 5-speed Sportronic transmission provides the ease of an automatic with the power of a manual. The six interior airbags provide superior protection in the 4-seater. With power assisted rack and pinion steering, drivers will notice that the Eclipse has immediate response. Also, the front-wheel drive car handles great in inclement weather.

Overall, the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse ranks high on the list of compact sporty cars. However, buyers may be turned off by the risky exterior design choices. Nevertheless, with a base MSRP of $20,090, buyers might start flocking to this Mitsubishi. Also, if buyers want to be the big spender on their blocks, the Eclipse Spider - a more powerful, convertible version - is listed for around $25,799. Cars.com says that the new Eclipse makes an impact, and they could not be more right.