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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  Most fun I ever had - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BBusnardo - May 2 - 2:00 am

  When I was buying my car it was between the RSX and my GT that I got. Im so glad I got the Eclipse GT. I have a 5-speed manual and I love opening that door every morning and sitting in the drivers seat. The ride is a thrill and the engine roars as you take off.

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  Mistu Eclipse 03 GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike Danes - April 29 - 4:03 pm

  I got a great deal on this car, with Mitsus 3000 rebate and 3000 customer loyalty last year and my 1992 Eclipse had 160K miles on it, so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I have no gripes at all with this car. It has great acceleration, has great handling and excellent performance. I enjoy the sun and sound package and the interior midnight blue leather combo looks great. If you can afford a few extra grand, definitely go for the GTS model. In my opinion, Eclipses blow Mustangs away; they are much better looking, more reliable and just made with better materials (Mustang is mostly fiberglass). The only drawback is gas mileage, but we dont buy sports cars for mileage.

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  2001 eclipse GT - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sp - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car brand new and so far reliability rating is a 10. Brakes sqeal and always have since I bought the car. Constant problems with sunroof getting stuck and not opening when it does its very jittery. Despite taking it in to dealer several times. Fun car to drive, performance and handling are superb. I get continuous compliments on the sporty appearance.

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  ??? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By terry24 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  95k in 3yrs. Fun car with hot design qualities. However alot of rattleing noises.Questionable about how solid this car is built. Replaced a motor mount. All other components ok. Still have yet to prove itself in the long haul as the miles rack up.

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  2002 Eclipse GT Never Lets Me Down - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Joe Hussar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Eclipse. Previously I owned a 1st gen GS. After 245,000 miles I finally traded for the 2002 GT. The vehicle is a smoother and quieter ride but has more muscle than even a non turbo 3000GT. It remains a head turner even though some of the girls are younger than permissible by law. The black leather interior with silver exterior is beyond awesome. For the money, nothing beats an Eclipse. Mitsu builds cars with integrity and of course, unique trend setting style. Why spend more? You wont get more!

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  I love it!!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sherellem - April 12 - 9:43 am

  I love the car. I am a small person so it fits me well. I get compliments everywhere I go syaing how nice the car it and how its perfect for me. Itys has great speed on the highway which I love, but the pick-up is a little slow. Its excellent on gas (which is a plus at these prices). Its warms up fast in cold weather, but fishtails a little in the snow (which I do not like). Overall, for the price, its worth it. I love it a great deal. A few little adjustments and it would be perfect!!!!! I recommend it.

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  Addicted to driving it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wattage3 - April 8 - 9:43 pm

  Its been three months now and I still am looking for excuses to drive my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS. I get compliments everywhere I go. I do not way regret in anyway choosing this car.

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  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

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  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

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  Its a good sports coupe - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MYA - April 4 - 12:30 am

  Its a solid built car and very enjoyable to drive. So far I had one problem with power seat but fixed under warranty no problem. The handling is not as agile as Calica or RSX. You should rather cross shop V6 GT to V6 Accord or Solara.