Overview & Reviews

For nearly 20 years, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has been one of America's more popular sport coupes. Reasons for its success include sleek styling, powerful engines, a decent amount of comfort and affordability. As these traits also describe traditional domestic rear-drive sport coupes, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has been called the Japanese version of a pony car. And like those seeming influences, the Eclipse is known more for its straight-line performance than outright cornering prowess. The Eclipse has also always been designed solely for the U.S. market and is a rarity in other parts of the world.

The original Eclipse was the result of a joint venture started in the mid-'80s between Mitsubishi and Chrysler, known as Diamond Star Motors (DSM). For model-year 1990, at a plant in central Illinois, the Diamond Star triplets bowed -- similar versions of the same Mitsubishi-engineered car, including the Eclipse, the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser. With the subsequent demise of the Eagle and Plymouth brands, only the Eclipse remains in production.

In total, there have been four generations of the Eclipse. Measured in terms of all-around performance and design, the latest one is certainly no slouch. But an earlier Eclipse, assuming it has been cared for properly, would make an affordable and enjoyable purchase for the budding sport coupe enthusiast.

Current Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi's sport coupe is offered in base GS, GS Sport, the sporty-looking SE and more athletic GT trim levels. All are front-wheel drive and share their basic platform with the Galant sedan. The base level Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is reasonably well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and full power features along with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 162 horsepower. The GS Sport uses the same drivetrain, but adds many of the GT's styling elements and extra features like heated leather front seats and a power driver seat. The SE essentially gets some special wheels and styling elements. In addition to its burly 265-hp, 3.8-liter V6, the GT has a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes. Stability control is standard across the entire line.

The GS comes with a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic transmission with a sequential-shift Sportronic mode is available as an option. The GS Sport has the automatic as standard. The GT is only available with a five-speed Sportronic automatic.

In reviews, the Mitsubishi Eclipse earned favorable commentary for its powerful V6 engine, comfortable front seating and stylish interior. Noted downsides include a hefty curb weight that dulls handling, sluggish acceleration on four-cylinder models, subpar V6 fuel economy, a large turning radius and mediocre interior construction.

Used Mitsubishi Eclipse Models
The latest generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse debuted for the 2006 model year. There were initially four trim levels: GS, SE, SE-V6 and GT. Not much changed until 2009, when the SE trims were dropped, stability control was added for the GT (and later became standard for all Eclipses for 2010), and the car received a mild face-lift that included a more aggressive, Lancer Evo-like front fascia. The SE returned for 2012.

A six-speed manual was standard on the GT until 2011, but otherwise, powertrains are the same as the current Eclipse line. The GS Sport arrived for 2010 and for '11, 18-inch alloy wheels became standard for the base GS, the GS Sport received heated leather front seats and a power driver seat. That year saw blacked-out roofs on all Eclipses.

Many consumers shopping for a used Mitsubishi Eclipse will likely encounter the previous, third-generation model, which was sold from 2000-'05. It has a hatchback body style, front-wheel drive and four-cylinder or V6 power. It's smaller and less refined than the generation that succeeded it. The RS and GS trims of this generation were powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 154 hp. The GT had a smooth-revving 205-hp 3.0-liter V6. All could be had with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.

Although this Eclipse was fairly popular with consumers, it attracted little critical acclaim. In Edmunds.com tests, editors noted that the Eclipse was not as sporting as previous versions and had a low-quality interior. Nor did the car change much during its run, though in 2003 Mitsubishi added a GTS trim that had a slightly more powerful V6 (210 hp) and more standard equipment.

When new, the first- and second-generation Eclipses were considered some of the best affordable sport coupes available. The original debuted in 1990. This Eclipse was also a hatchback, and these early models can be identified by their pop-up headlights. There were four different trim levels, each offering its own mix of powertrains. The top-of-the line model was the desirable Eclipse GSX, which boasted a 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. In 1992, minor updates were made, including the addition of fixed headlights.

Compared to the foreshortened, almost stubby first Mitsubishi Eclipse, the second generation (1995-'99) seemed long, sleek and gorgeous. It was a bit bigger than the earlier car but in many ways very similar mechanically. As before, normally aspirated or turbocharged engines were offered, and AWD was available on turbocharged models. The first- and second-generation turbocharged engines were already quite powerful in factory trim, but extensive aftermarket support enabled tuners to boost power output considerably.

With any of these early models, poor resale values translate into very attractive purchase prices. But reliability has never been a strong point for the Eclipse, and finding a well-maintained one (especially a turbocharged model) that hasn't been modified and/or abused is imperative for the smart shopper.

User Reviews:

• 

  sex appeal - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eric Boring - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My GT Eclipse fulfills all my expectations even though I traded a toyota supra. The looks cant be beat, it handdles well and is really fun to drive.

• 

  2003 GTS has potential - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CabindaJoe - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This new form of eclipse is rather impresive. Just dont try and race redlight to redlight with the A.C. on. The 6 cyl. engine does have some pep and if you dont mind sweating when it is hot outside it is very fun to drive. There is a severe blind spot. Aftermarket parts are hard to find right now, but I am sure they will come soon. Gas mileage is good for a sportscar. Insurance is relatively low. It is not considered a sports car. Same mitsubishi low rent interior condiments, but they look good. Overall this is a very nice car.

• 

  VERY Impressed - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By travisfieldcop - July 18 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first Mitsubishi and my first sports coupe. I was attracted to the new Eclipse as soon as I saw it. Its incredibly fun to drive and turns many heads. I enjoy driving and watching people turn to look and admire the car. I have received several compliments on the exterior styling. All and all I am VERY pleased and excited to own this car. I selected the GS model because of the price and do not regret it at all. Its a blast to drive!

• 

  Its OK! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fra - July 17 - 6:10 am

  I got my 01 Eclipse because my previous car broke down and I needed a car quickly. I love the body shape, but I am really disappointed with the engine. This car is all appearance and no substance.

• 

  Sheep in Wolves Clothing - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dtone - July 16 - 7:23 am

  Had a Galant for two years. Traded it in for the Eclipse. Has the same 2.4l engine as the Galant. Comfortable seats, good gas milage, pleasant handling characteristics, surprising amount of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Looks sporty, but is more a Mom and Pop 2-door coupe. Sensible Midlife chrisis car for relatively short money.

• 

  Fanciful, Fast, and Fun - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Campoly - July 13 - 12:16 pm

  Looked at many competitors in this price range (Sky, GTI, Speed3, M-X5, etc.). All were nice cars if you are 54 and weigh 98 pounds. At 61" I found the Eclipse the easiest to get in and out of. The exterior styling of this cars is sleek and sexy. Back seat room is non existent but honestly, who really cares. Seats are comfortable enough. The non turbo V6 is strong with lots of torque and surprising little torque steer which makes for lots of acceleration fun. It doesnt have road rally/oval track curve hugging ability that the Evo or Vette has but for everyday around town and nimble freeway driving it is great fun and hard to beat.

• 

  Very nice for the money - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jspin77 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2000. Overall the car is great (for the price). I have not had a single problem yet and have almost 60k miles on it. I was very impressed when I slid in to a curb and hit one of my tires (very hard) and the alignment was still rock solid. I have one minor glich with the stereo. Sometimes the display goes blank but if you just turn it on and off, it comes back on. Also, when the hatchback opens and it has water on it, the water goes into the trunk. Make sure you get the aluminum gas cap, I just laugh at all you and your plastic ones.

• 

  Suprised by an eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rjmorgan - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This was not the first car I drove. I used to be an Acura man but the GTS won me over. Most of the downfalls of the Gt have been addressed in the GTS. Better interior materials, slightly more horsepower at 210, A cold air intake and geared to be more of a sports car and an exahst that turns heads with its mean sound.

• 

  Beautiful Vehicle - What a Looker! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Paul - July 7 - 11:36 am

  This is the second Eclipse that I have owned. This one is a true looker! Performance is a big plus. Fair gas mileage. Fun to drive, corners well, 4 cylinder is plenty fast. Excellent sound system, leather seating is a bit stiff but overall comfort is fine. Very quiet interior, which reminds me of a cockpit of a race car! Must know how to drive this vehicle as there are plenty of blind spots. Pricing is modest, the warranty is one of the best out there, period! Not to mention the safety features are incredible, what with 6 air bags and steel- reinforced doors. Overall, what a beautiful vehicle at a very affordable price! Mitsubishi and Toyota are one in the same as far as value vehicles.

• 

  Naaa - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Miguel - July 6 - 7:23 pm

  This car is a new model yes, but dont let the looks fool you. I rather perfer the 99 model, in all ways except for the stereo system, but as of now with all new cars, the stereo systems are at their supreme sound quality.