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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  Not As Fun As It Looks - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chacha - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought new from dealer. Besides all 4 tires blowing out, no major problems until now. Things in/on dash are starting to wiggle & jiggle, and a $1000.00 clutch problem has developed at 50,000 mi. Is this the beginning of the end? Fun to drive & turns heads, but has also been the target of 2 acts of vandalism and hit & runs. Awful commuting car, guzzles gas, carries high insurance, and has no resale value. Sportronic tranny is boring & annoying to use(downshifts automatically).Don’t open hatchback after rain, H2O drains directly into trunk (mold). I’m getting rid of mine before it falls to pieces. It’s not as fun as it looks.

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  Eclipse Rules the Road - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By vonlang - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is, by far, the best car I have ever owned. The GT V6 has plenty of pickup, while maintaining a very comfortable ride. After driving this car for about a month, I drove from L.A. to Phoenix. At one point during the drive I looked down to notice that I had just passed 90 mph, and I didnt even know it - thats how smooth the Eclipse rides. I love this car!

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  Well worth the moolah - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Tsquared80 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but fun in my 2003 silver GT since I picked it up over a year ago. The handling is nice and the comfort is incredible. I did a little shopping around and I knew when I test drove the Eclipse that that is what I wanted in a car. Everyone Ive spoken to likes the way it looks and the way it performs, including me, of course. It doesnt do too bad in the snow either. Winters in New England can be horrible, but the V-6 handles decently and has never been stuck in the snow.

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  Tire Wear - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Misty P. Toole - August 15 - 12:13 am

  I really love this car! I am on my second Eclipse-just love the RF music system, and the way you just want to drive this car constantly! The downside of the 2006 Eclipse GT is that the tires need to be replaced much too soon in comparison to other "Low Pro" enhanced vehicles.What ever happened to 36,000 miles for tire life expectancy? I have 11,000 miles on my car, and at $309 per tire? I hope that the new Chevy Camaro is out for my next purchase!

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  Stunning Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By azkid - August 12 - 1:00 pm

  This is an extremely beautiful car. This would be my first car and i am very surprised by what this car has to offer. Sure the back seat is practically useless, but hey, its a sports coupe! Go get a sedan if youre looking to haul around family and friends. This car gives pretty decent mileage and the turning radius is not as bad as everyone claims it to be. This car is an amazing value. Lots to offer for the price. The Gt has PLENTY of power and the sportronic transmission works very smoothly. Also, interior is stunning at night time. Wouldnt want any other car for a first car than the eclipse.

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  my car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chevytrk - August 10 - 2:00 am

  this little car is pretty comfortable, fast!, little rough going around curves. but better tires probley fix this. the sterio system is really good. also getting comments about the cars looks & style. i have the off white color. it still looking good. it does have a little road noise but nothing to gripe about. it even put a grand prix it its place " in the back"!

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  Love this car!! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rockchick12290 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car and the world and i would recomend it to anyone!

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  This car changed my outlook - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lil dunaway - August 1 - 3:36 am

  I was never a cports car fan until i was blessed with this car. I always wanted an suv but when i got this car i INSTANTLY fell in love. Its no Honda but its ok on gas, I love the blue lights on the inside its quick and very reliable as i have not had any problems with it AND its a HEAD TURNER TO THE MAX. I love the attention i get from the girlies lol. Im a sports car owner til the day i die and its all cuz of the Mitsubishi Eclipse

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  This car may very well save Mitsubishi! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Seadofan - July 25 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased in mid-June. I just love this car! It reminds me of my 95 Eclipse GSX. This is the fourth Eclipse Ive owned. Interior style updated with driver ergonomics in mind. Spacious interior (salesman says car is wider than Ford Explorer) with sexy body lines make this one a real looker. Ride is firm with only a touch of torque steer. 350Z & G35 both exceed price of the Eclipse. Living in the midwest, I have to consider performance in winter conditions. FWD Eclipse handling in adverse conditions trumps RWD 350Z & G35s handling. Dealer called me to advise of recall on master cylinder, offered a free loaner so I could do errands during repair. Kudos on customer service!

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  Minor Issues, but Still Amazingly Fun - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pcmodem - July 23 - 1:10 pm

  Everywhere I go, people ask about my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, but thats not the only reason I bought it. Its fast, more reliable in bad weather due to its FWD, large enough to actually fit people in the back (although not large people), and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. My only complaints would be some minor cosmetic defects that the dealer promptly fixed, and a lack of a comfortable place to put my left elbow while driving.