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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  You must get one! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Melvin - September 23 - 11:13 am

  Love the car. Sexy style, fun to drive, hot sound system, whats not to like? If you are thinking about getting one just do it! I am 6 feet tall and theres enough room.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dcedte - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Eclipse GT with Sportronic (automatic) transmission. I bought the car new, and now have nearly 53,000 miles on it. The car has been completely reliable thus far. I average about 25+ MPG. Power is good and smooth. Handling is excellent, and still comfortable. The car looks great. I enjoy the "auto- stick" style transmission very much. I compared the Eclipse GT, Accord V6 Coupe, and the Celica GTS when car shopping. My second choice was the Accord, but I liked the Eclipse appearance, handling, and engine performance better. The Accord seemed to have a better quality interior.

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  Never recd this many complements - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MerleB - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle partially based on the rather negative review by the Edmunds staff. Basically the stuff they didnt like is what drew me to the vehicle. We dont do much "canyon carving" in Michigan. My dealer had to go to Ohio to find a bright red GT for me, but it was well worth the wait as Ive never had a new car that received more raves from the onlookers. I do miss the 40 miles per gallon that our 98 Eclipse achieved, but that was a 4 cylinder.

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  Amazing! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Nicole - September 18 - 6:36 pm

  Although I havent bought the car yet, I have to say the two days I test drove it, I was so impressed. I currently own a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and have always loved the sportier cars and have to say the Eclipse is pretty amazing. The get up and go is awesome, def. more torque than my grand am and the sound system is pretty awesome too. Im getting the green/silver/blue color and think its a very classy choice.

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  The way the Eclipse was meant to be! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason From Jersey - September 17 - 9:50 pm

  This car is a pure and powerful head turner. The perfect blend of style, performance, and personality. This is a car that tuners can appreciate due to its 263hp and 260 torque. This car rivals the likes of the Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350z, Infiniti G35, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica, and the Ford Mustang 2005. More spacious backseat then the Generation 1 & 2 but still maintains head clearance issues in the back seat. Overall however its a perfect car for a tuner or someone who just cant afford that new BMW. So go out and take a test drive today and you can be sure to see the value.

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  Eclipse RS - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Holls - September 4 - 7:10 am

  This is the first and only car I have ever owned; weve been through a lot together. (It took a few years for me to finally stop scraping the front end, for example.) I was admittedly pretty hard on it the first year or 2, so the work done is even more remarkable considering that. Ive had to get a new fuel pump, radiator hose, timing chain, and brake pads. Its still fun to drive although the pick up has declined, and it seems like some piece of plastic falls off the interior all the time. The paint job hasnt proven hardy, either, and rain occasionally leaks through the hatch opening. Its hard for older people to sit down, but once they do its pretty comfortable.

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  Fun & Sporty - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Dan - August 30 - 11:20 am

  I traded my 07 Spyder GT for this black 07 GT coupe back in April and have no regrets. I have the sun & sound pkg so I still have some open air. The hatchback has come in handy with our recent move, you can fit a lot in there. Love the exhaust note, comfort & all the looks I get. I have averaged 23 MPG for city driving which is the same as my wifes 04 Spyder so no complaints there. I dont "get on it" much because then you will see the needle fall. I find it funny that the critics hate this car and all of the consumers love it. Ill believe an actual owner over a magazine any day. I expect it will do well in our Ohio snow as did my spyder. Great car and highly recommend!!!

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  Fun, Fast, and Turns Heads - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BRIAN - August 30 - 11:10 am

  The 2007 Eclispe is the best car I have ever driven, at the ripe old age of 45. I love the handling, the sylish look, as well as the speed of a 4-banger! I feel young and get the young ladies looking!

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  almost satisfied - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chuck - August 30 - 4:03 am

  Great car to own, well worth the investment. I have 45,000 miles on my 98 have experienced no major problems, and I dont baby my car either. I do drive it hard and fast, in excess of over 100mph at least 5 days a week,and a few miles at a time. I can honestly say it handles great at hi speeds in breaking and cornering. Ive had only minor things go out: motor in power mirror while under warrenty, and drivers side door handle break twice also while under warrenty. I like my eclipse so much I want to trade it in for the 99 GSX - all wheel drive turbo virson which I wish I could have afforded in the begining.

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  What a car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mitsubishimot88 - August 28 - 10:10 pm

  Some people dont like this car because its a V6 and front wheel drive, but it doesnt matter what they think when Im passing Mustangs with their V8s. This car doesnt only look fast, it can back it up. If you dont regularly drive more than 1 person you should be fine, otherwise it might be an issue with the back legroom being absent. But the interior is great, displays all blue at night, has sunroof, 6 disc rockford phosgate system, displays the temp, cd track and time. Im very pleased with this car.