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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 775.00-
Mitsubishi 2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Dumplnbut - December 15 - 10:00 amBefore buying a 2003 GS, I had a 2000 RS model. Although I traded up in features, both cars drive exceptionally well, especially on ice. I love the Eclipse and would recommend it to anyone. The only downfall of the car is that it is not made for backseat passengers, small kids fit comfortable, but not adults. Overall, I would rate the car an A+.
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The Little Car That Could - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By DiggerTX - December 9 - 2:00 amThe Eclipse in reality is a small car. Get behind the wheel, push the pedal, and zoooom!! I felt like I was in a race car. At night with the street lights or the moon coming through the moon roof is a great touch. This is my first moon roof; I never wanted one. I can only say I missed a great experience for too long. If you want quality, want that "good feeling," then try the V6 with a moon roof (black inside and out)!! Youll probably love it. I do.
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Form over substance - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By barrow - December 7 - 2:00 amI do quite a bit of renting (for business) and therefore get a chance to try out quite a few cars. I was quite excited when I saw this car available. It is quite attractive. The shiftable automatic was quite fun at first. But after the novelty wore off, I pretty much just stuck to the automatic mode. The 4 cylinder model was not very quick. The quality of the car also left something to be desired... as both latches for the trunk cover broke after only a couple week. The ergonomic also was not a high point. Conclusion: if you want a sexy car for not a lot of money, this is it. If you want a reliable everyday car, look to something else.
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3rd gen not the way to go - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By strong bad - December 3 - 2:00 amGrant it I think this car, looks beautiful, but being the last "sports" coupe mitsubishi made they really should have put a little more effort into it. The quality of materials that have been used are very dissapointing, the glove box that doesnt properly latch, 6 spoke GT rims bending, and 5 spd transmission problems. These items were the most of my troubles some others being acceptable; rear spoiler blocking to much rear view, cup holder not allowing to shift, hatch to heavy for release to function properly.
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eclipse wow - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By bakmaneta - December 3 - 2:00 amI purchased a new eclipse this Jan. I love the GT and went from a 2002 malibu to this. Almost bought a 2004 malibu and glad I got this instead. I blew a mustang off the road the other day! Not even close to winning!
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Sporty & Powerful (V6) - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Ray - December 2 - 5:46 pmMy 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS is fun to drive, especially during warm weather with the sunroof open. It is as powerful as many of the V8s were several years ago. Its price wasnt too bad for a sports car. The cost of insurance is kind of high though.
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Cool Car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Mikey27 - December 1 - 10:00 amI have had nothing but fun driving this car. It has a great look and ride. Very cool.
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Good value - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Nick - November 27 - 12:26 amI havent seen a better combination of performance, looks, and price than the 09 Eclipse GT. It has more hp than the other cars in its class, looks better (in my opinion), and in many cases is less expensive than other cars that less to offer.
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Love the eclipse! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By godzilla87 - November 24 - 10:54 pmThis is my second eclipse. My first one was a 2006 four cylinder. Unfortunately it was totaled in an accident. I missed it so much I went and got a 2007 GT. LOVE IT! The power and handling is amazing. People are always surprised with my takeoff speed. The Rockford fosgate stock system sounds amazing. Fun car to drive and always gets compliments!
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Almost perfect - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By cmartino - October 30 - 9:40 pmI have had this car approx. 18 months and it has been a great car. The V6 engine has an incredible power band. No 4 cylinder out there (Honda, Toyota, Nissan) no matter what type of valve tricks they do, can compare to the smooth power delivery of this engine. The only area that the Eclipse could be improved is handling. It handles well, and is tuned to satisfy most, but I would prefer a little more aggressive suspension.
