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:

• 

  this is the best Eclipse ever - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By scott - July 6 - 4:00 am

  The new engine puts out about 270 horsepower about the same torque. The Eclipse handles excellently for a car that weighs more than the pervious versions. The exhaust is sweet to hear growl when I start it up. The interior is great as well, with everything within reach

• 

  wow - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Billy Bob Jackson - June 28 - 10:00 am

  this car is grest

• 

  Last Hurrah - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mulberrygal - June 27 - 10:06 am

  I have had 9 Nissans in a row, mainly Sentras. I was not happy with the new look they came out with so I checked Mitsubishi. One look at the 2009 Eclipse and I was in love. I am a grandma but not ready for the rocker. This car is fast becoming my favorite ever. Hot looking, (rave red) fun driving, didnt empty my trust fund to buy it and has one of the best warranties going. I am finding reasons to go out and drive it. My car insurance only went up $60 a year from my 2006 Sentra. How could you not love this car?

• 

  So So of a car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By DrWankel - June 20 - 12:00 am

  Bought the new gen GT with sun & sound pkg when it first came out and was enjoying it for awhile till just after 2 months the front brake rotors warped. Brought it in to the dealer and after threats I got the rotors warrantied. 2 months later again warped, replaced with aftermarket never again had a problem. The Radio? whats up with the display? my girls saturn has a much better read out, I mean top of the line fact Rockford come on, bad design. NOT EVEN AN IPOD JACK (dealer offers an ipod setup for a cheap $230?!) For a car with its decent performance, the fact tires suck in every way I had to upgrade those too! Overall not impressed, I would never ever buy another.

• 

  UNDER RATED CAR - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike Pitts - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is in one word FUN! And in the small engine import field "Honda/Accura." Stock vrs Stock the Eclipse GT will Dust most of this competition. Its a great open Highway cruise car. It only sits at 3000rpm at 80mph. Unlike the Hondas and Acruras. It has that bigger 6 torque pull. The inside is a tad different, and works. It handles good. In fact it can handle some nice curvy roads prety well. The style of this car is one of it finest points. It looks great. But it defiantly dont look like a bubble car that you see everywhere. And it still looks a tad sleeker than say a Mustang.

• 

  "Fun Car" - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By peanut1jp - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun and looks good too! I have very few complaints about this vehicle except that the interior is a bit "cheap" looking and there is limited space in the rear. Overall, I am very pleased with my decision to purchase this vehicle.

• 

  Found my tuner - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By godfather6385 - April 21 - 11:36 pm

  The car has excellent acceleration for a 4 cylinder. The suspension is stiff but yet smooth. There is plenty of room in the trunk for many items. The back seat is a bit cramped, but there is plenty of room up front.

• 

  Mitzubishi Rocks!!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By lynzee - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my car. I love driving it and turning heads. I love the short shifter and the pick up of this car. I decided that I wanted an Eclipse because I knew that they were dependable. My boyfriend had a 1995 Eclipse which he had for 3 years and loved. He only sold it because he needed a truck for work. When he sold it, it had 180.000 miles on it and never had any problems. Only regular matinence. I have put 20,000 miles on my car in just 7 months. Have had NO problems with it and I love driving it long distance to work and back. Reliable, head turning car, with great gas milage, what more could you ask for?

• 

  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bgirl - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 03 Eclipse GS in august of 2002, and i love it. It is sooo much fun to drive, and i get lots of looks while on the road. I would recommend it to anyone, and it is one of the best cars I have ever owned.

• 

  What a car! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sandy57 - April 9 - 8:03 am

  I bought the Sunset Pearl GT V6 with terra cotta interior. What a beautiful car! I got every option available and also got the Fosgate speaker package with sub in rear. This car is solid and I get lots of compliments. So far the gas mileage isnt that bad. I am just getting used to the car. Overall this is a great car for the money. It is really fun to drive.