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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  Love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kina k - April 2 - 7:03 am

  I bought the 06 6 speed Eclipse GT, and this car can move! I really like the fact that the car can accelerate to a high rate of speed so quickly. I have the aero kit, and it sets the car apart from the others out there, all of the ones Ive seen did not have the kit. The Eclipse is a lot of car for the money. It is a better value than Nissans Z; it is faster overall than Hondas Accord; and has a much better warranty than Fords Mustang. What else needs to be said?

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  I fell in love - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jendel - March 27 - 10:00 am

  When I first went out looking for a new car I had no interest in the Eclipse at all. Then I drove it....and fell in love! Everyting about this car is great from the sleek exterior to the sunroof.

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  Just got it! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rolwesj - March 11 - 10:26 am

  I have been researching this car for about a month now and just purchased it yesterday. I expected a car that would be fun to drive (and it is), but I was pleasantly suprised at all of the safety advancements made such as a 6 airbag system, advanced frame design intended to absorb most of the shock in an impact, etc.. Ergonomically, sitting in the drivers seat is like sitting in a cockpit of a fighter jet (very comfortable and the car seems built around you). The ice blue backlighting for the instruments looks VERY cool especially at night! I would recommend staying away from the base model, as most of the really cool things are only on the GT with the acc. packages.

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  Great used sports car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jane0283 - March 11 - 3:53 am

  I love my GTS. I bought it with 23,000 miles and have had it for a year and a half now and already have over 50,000. I havent had any problems with the engine and it handles well. Its the best used fwd sports car you can get for the money. Its a good looking car, great features, lots of cargo space, great gas mileage, plenty of power, comfortable seats, and great sounding stereo. There are only a few negatives. I had one blow out on the highway and then an air leakage, and the tires probably had another 10,000 miles left on them. Another issue is how low the car sits. Be prepared to ruin your bumper going into bad parking lots, and it has a horrible turning radius.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mecks one - March 9 - 12:36 am

  The 4-cyl. version of this car isnt so bad, but it does have its problems. The fuel economy for one is garbage and I dont know when it will get to the actually mpg the sticker states. The exterior of course is great and unique. The engine is noisy when up to about 3,500 rpm and then worse when shifting. I need to change the exhaust and the intake to atleast make the sound somewhat better. The brakes already scream and this was at about 2,000 miles. The fwd on this car may cause the steering to stick if you punch too hard on a turn. Also, it is hard to start at times. In all honesty this is a great car and with a few mods (which they need to come out with faster) things should be great..

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  Great car, Great price - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrfagan68 - March 8 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car used with only 15,000 miles on it. Used to be a rental. I absolutely love the body. The interior is great, mostly at night with the blue interior lights. The car draws lots of attention, thank God this comes standard with security. Surprised to find such power in a 4 cylinder. I test drove a 6 cylinder, the extra pick up was better but not enough to make me want it. The 6 also requires premium gas and when purchasing this, gas was definitely an issue. The gas mileage is okay if youre not running and gunning. I love the way the engine sounds and the handling is pretty good. I like the fact that there is more room than in the older models.

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  Pure Adrenaline - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By cpk - March 8 - 7:46 pm

  So far this has been an incredible experience. The dealership was great, the car is a blast to drive both on winding back roads or the high speed interstates. The sport shift automatic transmission works great. The seats are comfortable on long trips and the controls are well placed. The fit and finish is perfect. The 06 Eclipse is the perfect combo of great looks and performance. To top it all off you cant beat the warrenty and the price for a car in this performanc catagory.

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  23 years later and it is a whole new Mitsubishi - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By David M. L. - March 7 - 2:03 am

  I swore I would never buy another Mitsubishi after a disaster with an 83 Cordia; but, I was seduced by the looks of the brand new 2006 Eclipse. I put aside my misgivings and bought a 4 cyl. GS -- And, I am blown away by the power, feel, quality, and so far reliability of this wonderful car. Dont believe the reviews that say a 4 cyl. auto. has no power. This car has plenty and with $3.00 + gas it is very thrifty. I got the fog lights installed along with the very reasonably priced optional power & sun package and I have a car that is HOT! People cant believe it only cost in the low $20s. I love it and think I really scored! It is sporty enough and my wife agrees!

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  Horrible Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Tim Harrison - February 28 - 4:30 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT couldnt be any uglier or cheaply made! Mitsubishi has out done itself again by creating an even uglier car than the last. I bought this car for my wife and it has to be a sign of the end for Mitsubishi. We have had problem after problem with it. The interior is a step up from a Dodge Neon, good luck with this junk.

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  2000 Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MMTH4 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply awesome! The new body style is absolutely great. Although it is a V4, dont hold that against it. It is quick, peppy, and fun to drive. Whenever you get ready to go somewhere, you get a rush of excitment! If you are looking for a reliable and fast sport compact import, this is the way to go! There is also a wide range of after-market parts available for those street racers out there!