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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  bad paint and cracking dash - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durby - October 16 - 10:00 am

  have had the car since 1999 and the paint has oxidized more than once and the dahboard has 3 major cracks from the cheap plastic used. it is out of warranty, but we all know that the paint ahould not oxidize in this time frame. the dashboard cracks are getting bigger each day and they wont touch that due to the warranty issue. Mitsubishi...stand by your product and dont be so cheap with the materials.

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  FUN CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ALiasname - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Fun car for everyday drivers, superb car for tuner culture, and im 32 and say this. One word underrated. Although its not quite built maybe as well as sturdy as some of the other front wheel drive semi sport cars out their, that people like to fix up now a-days. This is the closest thin stock that comes to a real sports car in its class. It looks awesome And has 200+hp stock you can work with in a 6 right off the bat. It plays the role of a sleek Italian look, instead of trying to be just another modern sedan. And beats all most of your local noise maker junkies out their stock.

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  A good sporty car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dacarson - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The car has generally been quite good, except I am concerned that the clutch is not wearing well. The interior is a little short for tall people (I am 62"). The mileage has been excellent getting 24-25 mpg around town and 30-33 mpg on the highway.

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  Love at first drive ... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike in StLouis - October 1 - 9:20 pm

  I have owned this 2000 Eclipse GT since it was new. Okay, it was a dealer demo, so it had 3k on it when I bought it but Ive enjoyed every mile since. The silver bullet was a good choice for me. From the moment that I sat in the scooped out drivers seat, I knew that this was the car for me. I am happy to report that Ive had to do VERY LITTLE unexpected work and Im at 127,000 miles. Ive done the typical routine stuff, such as timing belts (important), tires, accessory belts, etc, but the really only unexpected repair came a few weeks ago in the form of a bad fuel pump. Let me say it again, 127k and this was my first unexpected repair. Im still on my original clutch!

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  Give this car more credit. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Gonzo - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Most car buying guides recommend a Celica over the Eclipse, and I have no idea why. I test drove both, and while the Celica has a little bit more get up and go at lower speeds, once you pass 55 it starts acting like its being tortured. The sun, sound and leather package is well worth the money, and the car remains comfortable even over long road trips (there wasnt enough room for my legs in the Celicas front passenger seat). The engine is well presented compared to the reservoir-covered Celica, and feels more like a sports car. The steering is very responsive, and the transmission is easy to manipulate. Im very happy with it.

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  Wow...you were owned - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BreakNeckSpeed - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Let me tell you. After buying the car new what has impressed me most is the cost to maintain the vehicle. This was my first Mitsubishi, and after owning several Toyota products, what a welcome relief at the parts counter. This car is fast stock, but its fun to add something new now and then to liven up the atmosphere out on the highway. 120k miles on the clock, and still strong.

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  First Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Swimster144 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car -- performance, looks, and reliability. The V6 w/ 5 spd is awesome. The tranny is very smooth. The infinity sound system is sweet! The suspension handles well, although I wish it were a little stiffer. I have aftermarket wheels on it, since the stock wheels were not my favorite, but other than that the exterior design of this car is awesome. The modern look of the interior and dashboard makes it a fun car to be in.

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  Hot car! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vionlizzie - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car. Its actually the only car i enjoy driving. I have driven a lot of other cars and i like the eclipse best.

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  Why is it falling apart ? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By GTRick - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My car was one of the first to be produced and I think they were still working out the bugs. Fit & finish is slightly below average. Generally the car was holding its own (just a transmission issue early on).Since the car reached 30,000 mi. & just after the 36 mo. warranty was up, its been really crumbling.Battery has been replaced, front struts are noisy, brakes are vibrating, hatch wont stay open anymore, alignment is off, rough shifting transmission, moonroof gremlins,paint oxidation,millions of rattles, whats next ?

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  No Brainer - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By D. Sun - September 15 - 5:00 am

  I was in the process of purchasing a Chevy Cobalt when I saw the new Eclipse at the auto show. Mitsubishi saved me from a costly mistake. While driving the vehicle, cant believe what you get for the price. The amenities, including the amazing 650 watt sound system, are incredible. Its ride is smooth and comfortable, allowing for enjoyable long trips. The design is amazing, it definitely catches the attention of others when sitting at a light.