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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Best Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Kady - July 16 - 10:00 amThis car is perfect!! I Love it!! Its so fun to drive, resembles a maserati (spelling?) I get looks EVERYWHERE I go! My friends Love IT! YOu zip in and out, u get places faster not by driving faster, but by being able to move in and out wherever you want! I test drove a lot of cars and with this one i fell in love!! Its the perfect car for teenager,(me) or midlife crisis!!(Dad) haha!
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2003 GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By wildcatome - July 16 - 10:00 amThis car is fun to drive, so far very reliable, and looks great! The stereo is awesome for stock! I get about 32 MPG and do mostly highway driving. I do need to be careful, as the car likes to creep up in speed. It corners very well.
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Eclipse is no.1! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By CurlyKd03 - July 16 - 10:00 amperfect for teenagers! Nice acceloration for a 40 cyl. FUN to drive! Runs great!
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One Sleeper Of A Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By randmanx - July 6 - 5:36 amI bought the car used for 14k. I wouldnt pay the price for it new as its a loaded gt v6, but its a solid choice for the price. Its very quick and puts a grin on my face every time I mash the accelerator! I had a 98 gsx that was totaled by a deer in December and never thought another car could top that one. But Im sold, the 06 gt is way nicer.
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Good first Car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By chewetson825 - July 1 - 12:45 amThis was the car I bought when I was 16. I got it with 119,000 miles on the clock and it now has 152,000. Overall, it has been a pretty good first car. Ill be sad to part ways with it when i get a new car.
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Love It - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Fink - June 18 - 10:26 amI went through a major transition getting my Eclipse. I had an 01 Grand AM SE before this. Needless to say, I like the Eclipse much much better. I have not even tested it fully, but the handling is great, and it doesnt take much to get it moving.
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Great Car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Newbie - June 11 - 7:43 pmThis car is a blast to drive. Not only is it a head turner because of its wonderful exterior design, but its very responsive and has excellent handling. When I got behind the wheel for the first time, I was surprised, although it is a 4-cylinder, it truly is a sports car.
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Good Car but way overpriced new. - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Intellifox - June 8 - 10:00 amI cannot complain about performance the car gets me to where I am going has a great sound system and is definitely fun to drive. The original sticker price was about 26,000 dollars which is way out of the market for what it is worth. If you can get it for around 12,000 dollars your getting a good deal. My particular car was built at the Bloomington Illinois facility. I have learned a hard lesson on this car and about purchasing things overpriced. As far as the car itself goes it is reasonable in costs to repair needs little maintenance and is great to drive on the open road.
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Awesome Compromise - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By TxFemme - June 7 - 1:40 amI bought my Eclipse used with 17K miles on it. I now have 29K and it has not so much as hiccuped. Its powerful, fun to drive, and I get compliments almost daily. The RF system is AWESOME, best stock system Ive ever owned (and there have been many). Its a relatively comfortable ride for a sports car and Ive taken it on several long road trips. The backseat is best suited for those under 54" but at least it has one. The curb weight gives the car a substantial, safe feel. The stock tires are not as sticky as Id like in slippery conditions. Probably the main negative point for me is the turning radius. Also, the powerful engine combined with FWD equals major torque steer at times.
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2childhood - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By 2childhood - June 4 - 10:00 amLove this car! Good performance. Great looks. Really turns heads. Wouldnt trade it for anything in this price range.