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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  eclipse gt - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By alex195 - June 2 - 2:16 am

  Ive had my eclipse for 3 months now and its been a bast to drive! Bought it used with 130 000km on it. Painted the front center black, fake diffuser black to make it look real, and the roof too, and put ralliart badges on. Had no problems with the engine, however... the cheap sh*t door handles did break and even the new ones make that bending plastic quealing noise, the cheap plastic key also broke, and so did the cheap plastic a/c control. But thats why it costs so little, you do get a great 3.8L v6 that could use a little more power if your used to driving high hp vehicles, but if your not its more then enough. It always pulls in any gear with no hesitation but road noise is horrendous!!

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  Phenomenal Car! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Poke - May 12 - 5:30 am

  Bought mine used with 17,000 miles on it. I was just looking for an everyday runner, and this car was available. Simply unbelievable. I never even looked at Mitsubishi before, but its true that theyve thought of everything. I have the convertible GT V6, and this baby is a runner, alright. Previous owner put a carbon fiber hood on her, 20-inch black spoke wheels, an air induction system to increase her horsepower, and all the options! Wow. Shes amazing! The ride is incredible, the look is amazing, and the officer who pulled up alongside of me to tell me I was going too fast even gave me a thumbs up and a wave! And my golf clubs fit in the trunk! You wont be disappointed!

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  Not a good car at all - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By appared1992 - May 3 - 1:23 pm

  I have had this car for over a year and I have experienced problem after problem with it. 1. The shocks went out. 2. The transmission went out. 3. The car wouldnt shift correctly. 4. The air conditioner went out. 5. The "Service Engine" light is constantly on. 6. The rim to the wheel cracked. 7. The headlights barely light up anything, even in the darkest part of the night. 8. It always leaks when it rains. I have spent over $12,000 fixing this car, and Im about to spend another $1,000 to fix the air conditioner. I only recommend this car for people who like to spend money on their cars.

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  Be cautious of 1.9% financing from MMCA - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jlarimer2002 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Mitsubishi Motor Credit of America (MMCA) reeled me in with the special 1.9% financing rate and then sold my loan to another company within 30 days of my purchase. I was never sent an initial monthly statement or notice that my loan had been sold prior to my first payment due date. I had to make my first payment over the phone which cost an additional $10.00 for the ACH fee.

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  Great value for money - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By beck_u - April 23 - 12:39 am

  Reliability: This is the third Mitsubishi in my family, and I knew this was going to be a very reliable vehicle as its predecessors were, we still own the 2002 Galant and totaled another Eclipse. Fuel economy: I average about 25 mpg on daily commutes and 30.5 mpg highway. Comfort: It is a great ride for two, especially on long journeys. Rear passenger needs to be less than average height to be ok. Practicality: The trunk is big enough to easily fit any shopping and with folding rear seats it is huge. Handling: It accelerates as fast as any other 4 cylinder, cruses effortlessly on highway speeds, and easily gets over 100+ mph. Elderly people may find suspension a bit stiff.

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  not a porsche but close enough - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dadive - April 14 - 10:00 am

  It gets up at any speed. I dhave no clue about the rear passengers, but the front is very comfortable and the shifting is very easy and the clutch is fast in response which makes it easy to shift fast. The sound system is good. Handling is ok but the suspension is not that great, but almost all sports cars are like that.

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  POOREST PERFORMANCE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ChristianGT - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The eclipses had a sharp exterior and interior design but the performance is not too good for me. Its a V6 engine 200hp but not really kicksin on the road. When i first drive the eclipse it gives me a little impressive but when i test drive the other sport coupes ive saw some more power to kicksin than my eclipse But its ok i still love this car of course!!!=)

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  Good Car Overall but had minor issues - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By luke12321 - April 3 - 1:01 am

  I bought this car in 2006, it had around 45k on it. I drove the car for about 100k miles when I owned it. First, the car says to run premium only but I never did. I ran regular in it the entire time and it never gave me any issues. Issues with car: Replaced 02 sensor, transmission was making a clicking noise, but never gave me any issues. Sunroof gave me trouble with jumping, jerking, really rough to open. I just stopped using it soon after buying it. Back hatch would not stay up when opened. Dash is cheap, it was cracked when I bought it. Wasnt starting well, I didnt want to deal with any longer so I sold it. Glad I owned it, good car and low maintenance.

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  Best car in the world... on a dry road - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By thehouseattheend - April 2 - 12:23 pm

  I absolutely loved my eclipse. I bought it brand new in June 2001. I have over 217,000 miles on it. Last summer I had to replace half an axle. The radio stopped coming in and the a/c stopped working at about 90,000. But nothing else major and I am rough on my vehicles. I hear if you put weight in the back it handles better in the snow. I recently crashed it. I am having a hard time finding another vehicle. I might just buy another eclipse. It is very comfortable to drive. I am 511" and not a stick girl either. Be careful with the black paint. It discolors and peels off and the dealers wont deal with it.

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  dont buy it... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By say-no-to-mitsu - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Because of this car, I will NEVER buy another Mitsubishi. This was the worse car Ive ever had - and thats compared to the one I paid $700 for when I was a teenager. Reasons I dont like this car: - Passenger seat wonÂ’t lock into place. - The buttons continually fall off the dashboard and the sunroof controls - The plastic cover over the back of the seat falls off. - The thing always sounds like it has a hole in the muffler. - It always stinks - its got a slight antifreeze smell. - The glove box wont stay closed. - too cramped inside. - school buses have a better turning radius. I had to terminate my lease 6 monthss early - I couldnt take it anymore!