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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  mitsubishi 98 eclispse RS - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jay bird - July 21 - 10:00 am

  good reliable car, keep the oil change going, spark plugs go out real fast when it gets old, turning angle is not good

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  Mixed bag - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PTS - July 15 - 2:10 am

  I bought mine in 2003. I was torn between the Eclipse GT and the Acura RSX Type S. I chose the Eclipse because money was an issue as I was fresh out of college and Mitsubishi was offering zero payments for a year and a lower APR than Acura thereafter. Plus the RSX was in its first run while this model of Eclipse was in its second. I figured Mitsubishi would have worked out some kinks by the second generation of that model. Overall I have been pretty pleased by the performance and mechanical build of the engine and drivetrain. I have issues however with the shoddy plastic quality of the dash, doors, trunk lining, etc. The interior is a synch to scratch with keys, luggage & other cargo.

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  Not the Greatest, Not the Worst - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By okeedokee - July 4 - 6:00 pm

  This is not the best nor the worst car I have ever owned. I have had many issues with rattles one in the rear suspension. Also, the check engine light came on with a misfire. The dealer is still trying to find one more rattle (possibly in the tail light). I love driving it and its nice to look at, but I hate having to take it in every few 1,000 miles. The dealership has been helpful in resolving the issues.

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  sad but true - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mamiya - July 3 - 10:46 am

  Had the car since Feb 08 and finding too many little things that bother me every time I drive it! Should have rented one first for a week before purchase.

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  Eh... - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By DV - June 6 - 9:23 am

  Came from Hondas and Acuras so this was somewhat of a let down as far as build quality goes - interior has some rattles - brakes squeaked at first - paint quality is terrible - clear coat is coming off already on my bumper. Exterior design is great except for the hideous wheel well gap you can fit a small body into - whats the deal with Mitsu and their big wheel wells on eclipses?? As of right now, so long as I dont have any major issues and she doesnt leave me stranded, Im happy. Going forward though, Im gonna stick with what I know and thats Honda.

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  Fun to drive, great on gas, looks good!! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ninjafish158 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a really fun car to drive. Looks really nice and fun to modify. The engine has some kick after massaged a bit with intake and exhaust. The interior is great, has a cockpit like feel. The shelves...I mean seats in the back have very little practicality. Three passengers means you will be hugging the steering wheel. Decent trunk space for such a tiny car. Handles well but horrible in snow. Spectacular gas mileage especially on the highway. On my drive home from school I can go 250 miles on a little more than half tank. Have had couple problems here and there. Nothing too expensive to fix though. Overall a fun car to drive and looks great.

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  Wicked Awesome Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By garyf2132 - May 2 - 11:22 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Eclipse GS Automatic with only 60,000 miles on it just last week. It came equipped with the Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system with subwoofer. Im in love with this car literally. Its a real head turner. Acceleration is fantastic especially when pulling onto the highway or changing lanes, plenty of power to zoom around. The blue colored dash lights are a wicked cool feature. The bucket seats give it that extra sporty feel. The stereo system doesnt come with an AUX input jack unfortunately but I purchased an OEM Mitsubishi cable online so I will install it myself into the rear of the stereo system. Overall I love this car & wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  not bad at all so far - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tyree9 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for about 7 months so far and have had one minor problem with it and that was with the check engine light. it was just a simple replacement of the gas cap. the car moves for a a heavy 4 cyc but i wish it had a little more pep (and i have the manual). since ive lowered it and added 18" rims and tires with a strut bar it handles WAY BETTER. I would would recommend this car. the car is definately a head turner.

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  Unhappy consumer - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Unhappy comsumer - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Not long after I purchased the vehicle, I noticed that 5th gear, my window, my brakes, and my a/c were giving me problems. I took my car back to the dealer where they repaired fifth gear, my window, and attempted to eliminate the awful smell from the a/c. After receiving my car back, 2nd gear began to grind and I noticed my cigarette lighter was defective. So I returned the car to again have them work with the transmission, to clean the a/c, and replace the cigarette lighter. The dealer repaired the a/c, the lighter, but said they could not confirm the problem with 2nd gear. Ive now been back 2 more times and am currently seeking an attorney.

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  Good for A While - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Midwest Kid - February 23 - 3:10 am

  My 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse ran excellent for the first 50,000 miles. Then it started to have a few little problems - the front tire kept going flat, brakes were bad, a water leak. Nothing major, but annoying. Mine has 75,000 miles on it and still has no major issues. It gets great gas mileage and is actually quite pleasant on a long road trips, as long as there is only two people. However, it surprisingly can carry a lot. The ground clearance is minimal so I have bumper damage.