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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  My First Coupe - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lisa-Marie Arpaia - November 26 - 4:53 pm

  This is a classy car. Eclipse SE 2.4ltr automatic (black). The 18" alloy wheels on this beautifully wide coupe make a driver feel secure, especially in bad driving conditions, as well as make you look good while driving... lol! Very smooth ride. Ive only had this vehicle for a few days. Although I researched my options with other makes and models prior to this decision, I must admit, Im very pleased!

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  Would never buy again - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By moonbeem - November 23 - 5:33 am

  Wheel base is poor compared to my Celica. I thought buying a 6 cylinder car would increase my power speed at take off, but my 4 cylinder Celica had much better power. I do like the looks and the comfort, but it has a long way to go to beat Toyotas quality.

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  I love this car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kurtis Kelley - November 3 - 11:19 am

  i absolutely love this cari an a die hard chevrolet fan but I saw this little spieys car had to have it I own newer monte carlo with the big v-6 and this little 4banger will leave it in the dust Im a retired 40 year old military vet and Id buy another eclipse today

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  Great Looks! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Fenixfire077 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Although there are many of these on the road, they still manage to turn heads! I love the car, I have it in Black. I would definetly recommend the sun & sound package, it features an upgraded sound system (7-speaker infinity setup w/ 210 watts) and a sunroof. Ive rated comfort as the lowest because getting in and out can be a pain after a long day, and while wearing a coat its a battle just to get the seatbelt on (although that prevails in most cars, not a big deal) The styling is distinct on the car, alot of people put body kits on their cars, but in my eyes - mitsubishi did a great enough job on this exterior, im not going to change it!

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  107,000 miles and its a beast! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jonathan - October 31 - 4:56 pm

  The eclipse is my favorite car. At first I wanted the gts but since it was a 6 cyl I held off but I tuned this baby up I got a full cat back exhaust and cold air intake on it which makes it fly like the wind. The car is really fun to drive and handles great. My only problem was that I had to replace the slave cylinder maybe the guy who had it before me did not know how to drive but I had it for almost 2 years and I love it.

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  Fun to drive. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rick - October 31 - 1:40 am

  This is my commuter mobile. It has plenty of power and torque despite its a 4 cylinder engine. Plenty of interior room for front seats but the rear seats are not for people - just extra storage space. You get a lot of car for its price - style and performance compared to its competitors.

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  Oh yeah! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By adamcky90 - October 30 - 4:58 pm

  I decided it was time for a new car when my 93 Subaru Legacy crapped out. I had intentions on buying a Subaru WRX, but time was an issue so I picked up a 2007 eclipse on the spot. Of course me being a young kid (20) I had to tint the windows and put on a cold air intake (which really does make a difference). But I have had this car for 3 months and have not had an issue at 29,xxx miles. I highly recommend this car, Its a fun car to drive, and its pretty quick for a single over head cam. these cars run a 14.8 in the 1/4 mile and 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. Forget the American gas guzzling pieces of crap, get an import. The variable valve timing (MIVEC) is a great thing.

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  Love My Eclipse! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Williams - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my eclipse. It is fun to drive, and the fuel economy is great. The only maintenance that I have had to do over the last 2 years and after 56K miles, is oil changes and tire rotations. I have had to replace the tires, but not due to any front end problems or anything like that. The downfall is that is sits so low to the ground that sometimes other drivers dont see you - I have almost been broad sided a few times - but thats what comes with the territory of owning a sports car I guess.

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  MY GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By StacyMarie - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Car. It looks great drives great. Out of many compact imports this is a very powerful car. I LOVE IT. =)

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  Fun Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ruben - October 25 - 2:50 am

  My Eclipse GS has 105,000 miles (got it with 35,000). It has been pretty reliable, besides doing some maintenance which isnt cheap. Other than that, it is an extremely fun car to drive. Moon roof open, windows down, it makes you feel good. Acceleration sounds awesome, even on the highway. When you sit in the drivers seat, you know youre in a sports car. Its OK in New England winter, but AWESOME in the summer!