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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  Its Awesome - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By aburke80 - October 10 - 8:26 am

  The sales consultant was very knowledgable and treated me with respect even though I wasnt dressed in my everyday business suit. Other than that, the car pretty much sold itself. Must get the 650W Rockford Fosgate upgraded audio system. It absolutely knocks your socks off. Its been the best purchase Ive made in a long time. Its a serious reason to rubberneck.

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  2000 Eclipse GT - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Oliver - October 8 - 10:00 am

  After a shaky first year the car has been trouble free. Two problems that I took the car in for: AC stopped cooling shortly after use (factory overfilled refrigerent) and remote lock failed (receiver). Factory issued 5 recalls in first year but I did not experience the problems. This Eclipse has the Sportronic tranny which is convenient in the metro area and fun in the country.

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  2000 Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By pjjackson - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This car lacks the power of the previous turbo-charged Eclipse/ Plymouth Laser but the styling is nicer. The 3 L six uses premium fuel but averages 32-34 mph on the highway and about 28 overall. The suspension is a bit soft but, with good, well balanced tires, the ride is very good.

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  All around great car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chris - October 5 - 5:50 pm

  I am very happy with my purchase, car has been flawless so far. Great performance for the money and awesome styling. Visibility is a major problem though. Car also likes to get silly when pushed hard in corners when flooring it. Car should have at least came with a LSD or AWD. Interior also should have higher quality. Although nice enough for most people the interior materials dont belong on a 30K car. All around Great buy with a lot of potential. Just with a CAI performance and engine sound is night and day. In the end you get a little more than what you pay before.

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  awsome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cody Brand - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is really reliable and is as cool inside as it is out. This is the best car I have ever had. I am sure if you buy this car youll love it.

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  best for the money - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bryan v. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i drove toyota and all the rest in its class. Nothing handles or drives better or even close to this car. Toyotas celica was sloppy, honda no fun to drive,susbaru corniners like a camry got flown all over the place. was rear ended by a full size ford 250 and he was towed away, i had 2 lil holes from his licence plate bolts.this car handles and drives like a dream. we love it.

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  Best power for the price - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mark V - September 17 - 2:56 am

  This car is a very fun car to drive. For $ 20000, you get more than 200 HP with an unmatched exterior styling which looks like a concept sports car. Also, the standard acessories are numerous. With the added leather and sunroof options you can get anything you have ever wanted in a sports car. Two thumbs up!!!

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  Hear ye - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Aarlewis3 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my car

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By NS - September 14 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND ECLIPSE, I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTLY NO PROBLEMS WITH EITHER CARS, AND I DRIVE ALOT OF MILES, I HAVE ALMOST 30K MILES ON THIS CAR AND IT IS A YEAR OLD. IT JUST RUNS AND RUNS

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  Its OK, but not my Acura - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By nothappy2003 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Man I must be spoiled by my Acura RL which turns on a dime. This GTS has a very poor turn radius. Also, the gearing needs revamped. A lot of wasted gears. I usually just use 1,3 and 5. Thats all that is needed. Also my wife almost killed herself because she reached down to the console tray for something, and when she pulled back and the parking brake got caught on her sleeve. going down the highway at 80 miles an hour and pulling the brake is a recipe for disaster. After a 360 degree slide she was OK, no thanks to the designers at Mitsubishi. I think the interior needs a major redesign!!!