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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  Gsx Power - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TurboGsx10 - July 1 - 5:43 pm

  This is a great car to own. With a stock quarter mile in the upper 14s this car is a performance monster. With better fuel economy then the big V8 american powerhouses and similar performance i would say this is the best bang for the buck. This also is in my opinion one of the best looking cars on the street.

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  Awesome Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sexie 06 - June 29 - 12:33 am

  This is my 3rd Mitsubishi Eclipse in 10 years, and it is by far the best one I have ever owned. The design is on the money. It is HOT! It is sporty, sleek, and just glides on the road. It also is easy to handle (and easy to get a ticket in if you arent careful). I just tinted the windows and had a set of hook up rims on it. The Eclipse has always been my favorite car. It is comfortable to ride in. I would recommend to any single lady or guy (it is a great pick-up car).

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  Like my Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JMRO - June 19 - 5:00 pm

  I had been interested in an Eclipse for several years. Now that Mitsubishi has built a serious sports coupe, I decided to purchase. And, I am glad that I did!

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  Great GT - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pierre - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The GT is fun to drive and everyone looks at the car.I admit it is not a sport car.But it was not built for that.For the money you get a lot and i would buy another one.

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  Nice Machine - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Blue06Eclipse - June 9 - 8:00 pm

  Well Its been six months now, and my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse still continues to amaze me. It gets looks everywhere, and compliments like you wouldnt believe. I love just driving it to work, its so comfortable. it is a n nice redesign compared to the 2001 model that I had previously. It really is an amazing difference.

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  Entry level toy - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Buddanos - June 7 - 10:00 am

  In my review to buy an entry level "toy" a sports coupe the Eclipse, Celica and Cougar were in my list. To olish my driving skills after several years of driving minivans! I picked the Eclipse GT mainly for the payment facilities, 2)head room, 3)sportronic-I prefer manual but that was a compromise for my wife, 4) shoulder room, 5) trunk capacity, 6) reasonable engine performance.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By averyjenn - June 7 - 12:10 am

  The body style says it all. This car is fun to drive! I got the sport and accessory package and couldnt be happier. One drive of this car and it was like it was meant for me - the seat just cradles you. Great on long drives.

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  Amazing Car. - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ømar Chafee - June 4 - 8:42 pm

  I had a dark red 06 Eclipse GT with that "rare" black strip going down the front bumper. It was a beautiful car I bought a nice spoiler for it too. It really drove great, I had it from 75 K miles to 115 K miles until it was hit by a drunk driver, totaling it. It gave me small minor problems throughout the time Ive had it but thats almost whats to expect from any used car near or over 100 K. My car door sometimes wouldnt close, I had to get it a new battery because the battery I had was very weak.. ect. The sound quality is absolutely magnificent. That speaker in the trunk really gives the overall sound an extra punch. Acceleration is great. I liked nearly everything about this car.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jason - June 3 - 10:10 am

  I bought my 2001 Eclipse gt at the beginning of summer and ive loved it all. it has a body kit, k and n cold air intake, stage 2 clutch custom paint tinted windows subs and an invadia exhaust system with bigger piping from the cat to the muffler. I love driving the car around and it gets good gas mileage especially with the cold air. Insurance on them is a little high but it is a sports car. in the end if you plan on having some fun with the car and adding on some things its great and i say go for it.

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  2009 Eclipse V6 GT - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kenneth - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  Runs smooth, good price with great power. 20 average MPG is reasonable with its horse power. The 650W audio w/ subwoofer is really amazing! Good audio. The truck is hard to close. Have to bang it real hard.