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:

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  This thing is amazing - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By eclipseboi4u - December 30 - 5:33 pm

  This is an amazing ride. It handles great and has one of the best safety ratings. Stock, its component sound system is great. I have completely redone new speakers all the way around plus 2 subs which improved the sound, which is great still using the factory head unit. The 4 wheel ABS with front wheel drive is great especially for those tight turns. As for a 2.4L 4 cyl with 162 horses under the hood isnt bad for a stock 4 cyl. Hey the gas mileage is great if you use premium gas. If you use low grade, you will burn gas faster and probably reduce your mpg by 5%. If you want to greatly improve your mpg horsepower and torque do what i did... add a cold air intake & full exhaust.

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  not quite as good as the 1995-1999 turbo - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GENE - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The first thing Mitsubishi needs to do is rethink the quality of materials in the interior. The leather feels cheap, i lotion it at least once a month and the passenger seat is drying and cracking already.The interior design however is a big step up from the 2nd generation. The black paint sucks! It looks like crap already, despite getting waxed once a month.The sunroof motor wont open and close the sunroof all the way sometimes. The glove box door pops open when the car is jolted.

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  2000 Eclipse GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jose Rosado - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any of the problems other people seem to be having with this car. I own one of the earlier 2000 models with 205 horses instead of 200 and a different manifold and exhaust (all factory) but strangely enough the engine seems to actually have more power now than when I bought it. This car does everything very well. Handling is good (not stellar), comfort is very good for this or any other type of car as long as you only carry two people, and the engine is the smoothest V6 Ive ever driven in my life. I havent had any mechanical problems except for a power window switch that was repaired under warranty.

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  Kevins Review - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mcstout - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, but too much road noise. The number of recalls is concerning forma reliabilty standpoint.

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  Not so cheap, but cheerful - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GCW - December 26 - 10:00 am

  A great drive,always reliable (so far!). Good interior, feel, and stable handling and handles well over irregular surfaces. Had no trouble with internal electrics. I do a 75 mile daily commute and this car makes it feels really worth it - accompanied, of course, by a good quality sound system.

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  wimpy car - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tommy - December 25 - 2:00 am

  the previous model has more fun and power than this Eclipse. Totally boring

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  Fun Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By CJ914 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive and yes like others have said everyone wants to race you at red lights. The cup holders do suck! I shouldve got the manual trans but I like the auto stick. I dont use the auto much because it overshifts too much....you could be going 35mph and its in 4th gear. Overall its fun to drive and the speed does creep up on you. Sound system is really nice and love the six disc changer in the dash.

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  2001Elipse GS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By amacy - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 Honda products previous to my Eclipse. Ihave found the quality of the Eclipse to equal or better in all areas. The financing and incentives offered by Mitsubishi made this a much more attractive purchase than another Honda. I was able to get much more car for my money with Mitsubishi than Honda. Hondas are excellent cars, but they are far too proud of them and unwilling to deal on the price.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dorrace - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I was very suprised at the comfort and driving manuverablity of this car. Very happy with my purchase.

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  Poor Black Paint and cracking dashboard - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durbolie - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Oxidized paint and 3 cracks in the dashboard. Black eclipse with oxidized paint. been painted now a few times by the dealership ( contracted out ). Paint is not oxidized, but still looks bad. dashboard still has 3 cracks, but the dealership states the heat from the southeastern US caused it. anyone else with these problems...contact Mitsubishi and complain.