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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  Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kenny7118 - January 14 - 5:53 pm

  Love the car. Needs more power. Too much in insurance.

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  Excellent - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kevin Perkins - January 6 - 5:30 pm

  The car handles beutifully and is very powerful. The accelleration is overwhelming and it looks phenominal. I have had this car for two months and notice a difference from my last car.

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  Great Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mitsubishiGTdriver - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 years and bought it with 73,000 miles on it. It now has 148,000 miles on it. The v6 is torquey but still good on fuel. The manual transmission shifts smooth but has a direct feel. It leans a bit more than Id like in sharper turns but never feels unsafe. Ive never had to do any major repairs to this car. Only thing that broke was the EGR solenoid. A $40 part from the dealer. Very fun to drive and easy to to long trips in. I drive it 100 miles round trip everyday. I average about 28.5 mpg.

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  2007 GS Automatic, sun and sound package - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By justinr321 - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  Bought the car back in November. Traded in a 07 Mustang for it and Im glad I did. The car is pretty peppy for an inline 4 and gets great gas mileage (I usually averaged about 30 mpg). It has a cool design and interesting interior. Its also pretty comfortable as well. I did, however, wreck mine about 3 weeks ago and totaled it. It held up very well but the airbags didnt deploy, strangely enough. Overall, I liked the car and would recommend it for someone who is looking for an affordable, sporty car that gets good gas mileage.

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  Still love it! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Temple - November 9 - 5:06 am

  After two years of ownership, I still look at my 2000 Eclipse the same way I did when I got it. "Buyers Remorse" has yet to set in. Although its considered a bit older design now, it still looks pretty on the road and can proudly be displayed right up front in any parking lot. With proper care and maintenance Ive had no problems. She rides smoothly on the highway and has the power when I need it. North American car makers shouldve taken note...the Eclipse is a sweet looking car thats fun to drive at a very reasonalble price. This is a winning combination. Given the choice over again I would have NO hesitation on purchasing the same vehicle.

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  Could be better, but okay for now! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By identity01 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Hello everyone! Hope all is well, my name is Patrick, a college student at the Arts Instutite of Boston. I bought my Mitsubishi GTS this past May. Over all I think its okay. It does need some things....

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  Love the looks, but some design flaws - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By andymick32 - October 14 - 4:01 pm

  Bought this car with 60k miles and put 30k miles on the car in 2.5 years before selling. All in all, the car was pretty darn reliable. I didnt have any mechanical issues besides the sun roof which is a known problem. Went to get the car inspected this summer and was told the bottom of the car was rusting out. The mechanic showed me the apple sized hole right underneath the drivers side floorboard and another spot below the gas tank and the fuel filler neck and the trunk lid! The car has some major issues here as certain areas are prone to collect water. Make sure you check these areas before you buy!

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  Cheap thrills - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By willy d - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a good looking sport coupe. Looked at them all but for the price and fuel ecom. this was the best for the the price--no question. Have had many from Corvettes to Cobalt SSs but for a 12 month car I think this was a good choice with front wheel drive. Just remember its more show than go, but it does handle real well.

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  Jeffs Jiggetdy Review - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jiggy Jeff - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2001 GT Eclipse for nearly two years now. I love driving this car. The 5-speed transmission is very smooth and easy to shift on the fly. The throaty V6 exhaust sounds spectacular-people can hear you from a mile away). The headlights look nice, but the outer coverings are some type of hard plastic and scratch up easily. The bad things about this car are the brakes squeal at low speeds (since day 1),the sunroof jitters when going back (Ive taken it to the dealer twice & it still happens). The rear hatchback doesnt really rise on its own. You have to literally PULL it up (the gas struts arent strong enough)

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  2002 eclipse gs 5spd - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By shelbyli - August 23 - 10:00 am

  i bought the car as my first true car out of high school. wanted it for a commuter car to college and was perfect for it. every time my friend get in the car they are amazed to how comfortable it rides i even had one offer to buy my seats for his car. the stereo is great for stock better than most after market. the 5 speed is sporty and shifts the best out of all the manuals i have driven. although a little low in hp the car is still fun to drive and can still smoke a civic. the gas mileage is decent as long as you dont keep the throttle to the floor. i have had no major problems from this car and it still shines like its brand new, makes friends jealous. 96000 and still strong.