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 101 through 110 of 775.00-
Would never buy again - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By moonbeem - November 23 - 5:33 amWheel base is poor compared to my Celica. I thought buying a 6 cylinder car would increase my power speed at take off, but my 4 cylinder Celica had much better power. I do like the looks and the comfort, but it has a long way to go to beat Toyotas quality.
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Fun to drive. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Rick - October 31 - 1:40 amThis is my commuter mobile. It has plenty of power and torque despite its a 4 cylinder engine. Plenty of interior room for front seats but the rear seats are not for people - just extra storage space. You get a lot of car for its price - style and performance compared to its competitors.
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MY GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By StacyMarie - October 25 - 10:00 amI love my Car. It looks great drives great. Out of many compact imports this is a very powerful car. I LOVE IT. =)
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Fun Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Ruben - October 25 - 2:50 amMy Eclipse GS has 105,000 miles (got it with 35,000). It has been pretty reliable, besides doing some maintenance which isnt cheap. Other than that, it is an extremely fun car to drive. Moon roof open, windows down, it makes you feel good. Acceleration sounds awesome, even on the highway. When you sit in the drivers seat, you know youre in a sports car. Its OK in New England winter, but AWESOME in the summer!
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2000 Eclipse GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Oliver - October 8 - 10:00 amAfter a shaky first year the car has been trouble free. Two problems that I took the car in for: AC stopped cooling shortly after use (factory overfilled refrigerent) and remote lock failed (receiver). Factory issued 5 recalls in first year but I did not experience the problems. This Eclipse has the Sportronic tranny which is convenient in the metro area and fun in the country.
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2000 Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By pjjackson - October 8 - 10:00 amThis car lacks the power of the previous turbo-charged Eclipse/ Plymouth Laser but the styling is nicer. The 3 L six uses premium fuel but averages 32-34 mph on the highway and about 28 overall. The suspension is a bit soft but, with good, well balanced tires, the ride is very good.
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All around great car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By chris - October 5 - 5:50 pmI am very happy with my purchase, car has been flawless so far. Great performance for the money and awesome styling. Visibility is a major problem though. Car also likes to get silly when pushed hard in corners when flooring it. Car should have at least came with a LSD or AWD. Interior also should have higher quality. Although nice enough for most people the interior materials dont belong on a 30K car. All around Great buy with a lot of potential. Just with a CAI performance and engine sound is night and day. In the end you get a little more than what you pay before.
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great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By NS - September 14 - 2:00 amTHIS IS MY SECOND ECLIPSE, I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTLY NO PROBLEMS WITH EITHER CARS, AND I DRIVE ALOT OF MILES, I HAVE ALMOST 30K MILES ON THIS CAR AND IT IS A YEAR OLD. IT JUST RUNS AND RUNS
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Its OK, but not my Acura - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By nothappy2003 - September 8 - 10:00 amMan I must be spoiled by my Acura RL which turns on a dime. This GTS has a very poor turn radius. Also, the gearing needs revamped. A lot of wasted gears. I usually just use 1,3 and 5. Thats all that is needed. Also my wife almost killed herself because she reached down to the console tray for something, and when she pulled back and the parking brake got caught on her sleeve. going down the highway at 80 miles an hour and pulling the brake is a recipe for disaster. After a 360 degree slide she was OK, no thanks to the designers at Mitsubishi. I think the interior needs a major redesign!!!
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Impressive, but not a fan at 1st - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Fraws - August 28 - 10:30 amI never cared for this body style at 1st, but since I had credit problems in the past I wasnt able to get into a newer Eclipse. I have owned this car since Feb 29th 2008 and let it be known that this car is pretty sweet. The drive is nice, power for a 4 cylinder is tight. Its no 6, but gas prices these days makes this a more a advantage. I love to mod cars and the aftermarket has plenty to go with this car. Eat your heart out boy and girls this car is for REAL.
