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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  Nice Ride - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jackson Murphy - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for close to two years now and Ive got nothing but praise to say. Ive never had to take it into the shop for anything but an oil change, and it still drives smooth as the day I purchased it. If youre after a sporty car with some punch then I highly reccomend it.

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  Good buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By leopard - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in 2000 with sunroof and rear spoiler, and ahd a low interest loan on it. I drove 100 miles a day for the first a year and half, it never gave me any problem, just regular maintenance. It made my 2 hour commute a fun instead of a boring long driving. Now I have 50K on this car and still runs like new.

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  Nice GT Ride - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By XYZ - August 22 - 2:46 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a nice ride. I have only done city driving, I cant wait for a mountain ride this weekend. It has lots of low end torque, and it pulls it to the right when pressing the acceleration. The sporty ride is comfortable for long jaunts and the 6-speed manual transmission is very very fun to drive. The interiors, are clean, minimalistic, and functional, including the back seat. You can only fit two adults comfortably, however you can fold the split rear seats for cargo space. Its a little wide, however its a Galant with a different body, and sportier suspension, which is not a bad thing. The body style is modern, its an American sized GT coupe. I am looking forward to a road trip to try it out.

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  Not bad but parts can be expensive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By capitan_ed - August 6 - 2:42 pm

  The overall car isnt bad. I got the car used from a dealed about 7 years ago and put 90k miles of my own for a total of 150k (actual mileage). I gave all it maintenance and regular oil changes. The engine is not as strong as I would like to. I had to reapir it and change multiple valves, gaskets and resolve loss of pressure inside the engine. I live in CA and the smog regulations are strict here I had to get rid off the car for not passing the smog check because the catalytic converter worth more than the car itself. Not for tall people defenitly!

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  Update from 06/27/2003 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 3000v6 - July 23 - 11:03 am

  Eclipse GTS 5-speed/man. This is an updated from my last post, (06/27/2003). Current miles 48k. So far so good. No major problems to report. Have not repaired or fixed anything on the car expect, normal secluded maintenance. From time to time this car is driven hard. Few burn outs, head to head speed race, ect... Lastly, this is not a perfect car nor is it the worst car. My Final score is 85%

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  Good fun car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Baltfan - July 19 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car I wanted something fun to drive. I wasnt concerned with cargo space or rear seat comfort. (As I will never be in the rear seats) The acceleration, handling, and transmission are all great. As good as this car is... aftermarket parts will make it even better.

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  Great used car over100K - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By The 3g Man - July 11 - 9:10 pm

  2003 Mitsubishi eclipse Gt, v6, Sportronic shifter. Great Exterior look, except the fake vents in the front.v6 engine good power for automatic shifty, not good for turbo boosting.Alloy wheels great touch and clean. Inside, Cheap plastic interior (which is good If you ever need to replace it). I like it. No leg room for people over 511. Very small in the back, good for newborns- preteens and adults, no. Seats are very comfortable for long driving. Gas mileage is good, 22 ct/27 Hw. $30 to fill. Slow start@shifting through 1st gear but gets better at 2nd. Expensive 6 cyl tuneup ($550). Timing belt+labor $640. Maintenance regular. Premium gas only. Mits is having a recall, dont get black.

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  Almost 7 years and going strong - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rick - July 7 - 6:16 am

  We bought this car as a dealer demo in late 01 with about 5,000 miles on it. We have really enjoyed every year we owned it. Im over 6 feet tall and fit comfortably. We now have about 85,000 and have no plans on getting rid of it. We have not had any major problems- just regular maintenance. The work done so far is: at 80,000, we replaced the motor mounts and now it runs as smooth as it did when new. At about 70,000, we replaced the radiator and some hoses. We had to replace the brake pads a few times but that pretty much was it. The A/C in the AZ 120 summers. The auto trans is great. Even in the AZ heat, the convertible top is still in great shape. The new Eagle tires are great.

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  Love my car - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kim - July 4 - 5:23 pm

  Im a women in my late 40s and this is the first car I ever got to pick out brand new and buy just because I liked it. Ive had it now over two years and I love it. I still smile every time I see it in the driveway. It runs great and is very fun to drive. My only complaint is that shortly after I bought it, I bumped into a pole (too low to see at my sons baseball field) and it creased the bumper. I thought for a hit that light, it should have not shown any damage but it did. So I think the body is not very forgiving. Still wouldnt want anything else, its a fun car.

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  OK Overall - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bit - May 19 - 11:03 pm

  When I first drove my 2000 Eclipse GT off the lot I loved it. I loved the power of the torque pushing me back in the seat and the looks of the car. I even like the sound of the exaust note. A couple of years later, I still drive it and like the power. The engine is as reliable as when I drove it off the lot. The rest of the car has had minor wear and tear issues. But, the car has been the best new car I have owned. I have not had major issues. I like the storage space in the back which shrinks away with the newer models. I can fit my whole mountain bike in the back without disassembling it and just go. I do think the car could be lighter and be tighter on cornering.