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:

• 

  Engine is a disaster, but fun to drive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By D-Ro - September 11 - 6:20 am

  I bought this car used in 2007 with about 65k. Ive had to replace the timing belt (needs it every 75k). Had some issues with the CPU, idle control unit, and gasket seals. It is a blast to drive, and so much fun. I love the look, the sound system, everything. All 210 horse power under me is just incredible. With the manual transmission downshifting at 60 or even 70 mph is such a rush. The thing accelerates in 5th gear, what more could you ask for? I accelerate and Im at 60 before I know it! New tires December 2007 in the midst of a week long snow storm, and the improvement in the snow has been amazing. I only skid in about 2-3 inches of snow- anything else is a breeze to get through

• 

  Happy with my 2nd Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ronnys - September 1 - 10:00 am

  No problems to speak of yet with 19,000 miles on my 01

• 

  Overall a good vehicle - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sportbiker3 - August 25 - 11:20 am

  Had the vehicle for about 3 weeks now and overall I am very happy with it. V6 engine is powerful. Exterior styling is unique and gets lots of attention, especially with the SE package. Also love the interior "ice blue" dash lights. Only have a few small complaints. The satellite radio does not display artist/song information like it does in my other vehicles!! And the little blue light that comes on when you turn the highbeams on is way too bright and is annoying to the driver... no way to dim that light with the dash controls.

• 

  Fun Race Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Joe McGrew - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car less than a year, and after owning several imports... this is by far my fav. Ive just started on the minor race mods getting it ready for SCCA Autocross next summer... The motor is a challenge to get out through the top but everything else has been fun to work on. The interior strips out with so much ease. Exhaust is easy to replace. I hear ppl say this car isnt fast w/o turbo but if u dont mind having a sucky street car, strip the interior, drop the power steering and a/c, add an intake, drop the car bout two inches, strut bars, and total straight pipe will help greatly (sounds and looks like crap after all this but runs great).

• 

  Eclipse GT 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By photolab1921 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Owning the car for one year, I have had several problems. The sun roof wouldnt close properly, and had to be fixed several times. Then the transmission messed up and the car spent a month in the shop so they could replace the whole transmission and the main computer for the car. Also, The sunvisor clip broke, the seatbelt cover at the top broke, and the tires constantly get low on air. Im so ready to get rid of it! Its beautiful and fun, but not worth the hassle of being poorly built.

• 

  Fun to drive if you like slow cars - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Andy - June 24 - 12:43 pm

  Ever get behind the wheel of a 99 GTP? No? Okay then you dont know where Im coming from. This car is fun to drive yet unresponsive if you didnt break it in right. Great car, Id recommend it to anyone. Reliability is top notch!

• 

  Good car, only for gas mileage - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By laukc7085 - June 19 - 11:46 pm

  this car has been a pain in my rear since i got it. I am going to school to be an automotive tech and i can tell you that this car breaks a lot and is hard to work on. the engine is crammed under the hood so there is no room to work. Ive only had the car for about 2 months now and i really hate it. ive had to replace a belt, had a bearing go bad, i have an oil leak from somewhere, an anti freeze leak, my release bearing in the clutch is going bad, had an electrical short, and just other things that irritate me

• 

  Unreliable Transmission - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Santha Perian - June 9 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car brand new on 2001 valentines day. Drove 80K and sold it in 2007. Positive: fun to drive, stylish, V6 is really powerful. Negative: after 10K miles the heat wont work immediately (take 30 mins. This is bad during winter, especially living in NY), transmission problem after 75K (Costs $1200-$3500 depending upon the type of mechanic and new/old part used), there are minor electrical problems, mainly the headlight wont work every 6 months. The power steering takes larger curve. I could never make a smooth U turn in the last 7 years - it was always broken U turn.

• 

  Some Trouble, but Overall Happiness - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eric - May 3 - 2:46 am

  I love the car - the way it drives and looks, but a few problems are souring me. Water immediately got in the doors during rain and caused a moldy smell. Now the power windows are failing at 90,000 miles. The A/C went out at 80,000 miles. The brakes are of moderate quality and durability. The window tint started peeling within 50,000 miles. The hatchback is tough to open and wont stay up in cold weather. The interior poorly designed - I reach too far for many things. The plastic interior takes a beating. The plastic hooks for the floor mats break easily. Also, the blind spot is a major issue and the A/C (when working) saps much engine power. On small bumps, I bottom out the nose. But man, at 60 mph, the acceleration is great.

• 

  My lil blue eclipse - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Babygirl3482 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I definately like this car but when I first got it, it had alot of problems such as my spark plugs going every week and needing to get them replaced, the battery went after 18 months along with the brakes and my two front tires. Besides that its pretty reliable, it hasnt broken down on me yet...