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 171 through 180 of 775.00-
Driving Delight - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By PRC - November 21 - 10:00 amAn outsatnding value... bought it for $20,400 and worth every penny. It has plenty of giddyup, corners extremely well and has the best body style of any car in its class. I drive 110 miles (round trip) to work each day and this car makes the trip enjoyable. Caution.... everyone wants to race you at every red light... and the car can creep up in speed without you noticing...
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Bad Rear window glass! It will Blow out! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By 1 Unhappy Customer - November 21 - 10:00 amBuyer Beware! The back glass in my 2003 Eclipse blew out due to a defected glass. The dealer and the manufacturer both refuses to replace it. The wonderful bumper to bumper warrenty is worthless!I had three experts all declare in writing the glass was defective from the factory and yet the dealer and manufacturer refuses to help me.I WILL NOT consider another purchase from them. Also before another person doesnt make the same mistake, I hope they will do a search on "MITSUBITSHI COMPLAINTS"and save themselves a lot of grief!
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I love this CAR!!!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By BaddBradd - November 19 - 5:30 amEver since I bought my Eclipse it has been nothing but FUN... I love this car and the experience Ive had since owning it. If youre looking for a Mitsubishi i recommend taking a look at the Eclipse. Trust me you will enjoy it.
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Love it so far - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By B Tator - November 18 - 7:03 ami purchased this car about a month and a half ago and i love just about everything about it and theres so many things you can customize on it with aftermarket parts, i would recommend it to anyone thinking about getting this car
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EXCELLENT sport coupe - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By eclipseGTS - November 15 - 2:00 amlove the power of this car as well as the low end torque
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Wind Noise, Wind Noise, Wind Noise!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By kswnfrd - November 1 - 10:00 amThe wind noise on both door seals as well as the hatchback is TERRIBLE!! The seals are poorly constructed and placed, and the overall door and hatchback seal is extremely poor. Also leaks water above the door windows when washed. Have been to dealer 3 times in 4 weeks, and was finall told it was a "design thing" and was normal for the 2002 and 03 Eclipses. Have also talked to other Eclipse owners with the same problem.
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An ok car... - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By KC - October 29 - 6:23 amI have had quite a few problems with this car (most early on), mainly due to cheap parts. The headlights actually burned up the electrical wiring & had to be replaced & theyre still terrible. The oil pump (bad part) caused severe engine damage. After a month of work, I had to get a new engine. The interior is the cheapest. It gets scratched up easily & snap on parts have all come off (& wont go back on). The hooks on the trunk for the back cover broke off. My windsheild wiper fluid doesnt work bc the clip that holds the tubing broke off from heat. Transmission is ab to go out w 112,000 miles. Sun roof went out long time ago. Been hit a bunch & the exterior is like a tank (except 4 low front end).
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EXCELLENT CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Sparky - October 9 - 6:00 pmAwsome Car. I was a little skeptical about buying a 4 cyl but it proved me wrong. The amount of perk that the engine has just satisfies me enough! I got the Automatic/Tiptronic with the sun and sound package. Excellent car, excellent design, excellent....EVERYTHING!
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Perfect Sports Car for the Money - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By INDIANA - October 6 - 2:56 pmGreat little car. No complaints. The interior is a lot nicer than the last three Chevys I owned. Limited view when looking over your shoulder, but not a big problem. After all, this is a sports car. Seems to be easy to get in and out of. Well laid out dash and controls. VERY comfortable seating.
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2007 Eclipse GS - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Sylvain Giguere - October 1 - 11:06 amI bought the Eclipse GS model last week and it is a fun to drive car. Its Sportronic transmission it makes you feel in control of the car. Its acceleration is good for a 4-cylinder and it is a good looking car inside and out. The road handling is very good and makes tring to get more out of the car. So far, it is a very good choice.
