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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  I love my new Eclipse! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Michelle Luciuk - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I dont think there is anything that I dont like about this car. From the beautiful and sporty body to the sleek and modern interior. It has a smooth powerful ride...enough get up and go even though mine is a 4 cyl. The power shiftron was handy for the snowy winter here. I love the sunroof/moonroof, the excellent stero system. Yes, I am in love with my car!

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  Eclipse GSX - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Spooln - July 13 - 12:33 am

  I bought this car from a lady I worked with. I bought it from her with 150,000 miles on it. I knew she was nice to it so I got it. I had a few minor issues with the car. The struts just went, the master cylinder just went and my truck opens sometimes. I dont mind because it is an old car. It is fast with the turbo at 9 PSI. I like the design of the exterior and the nice GSX rims. It has amazing handling and makes everyone look at it because of the nice design. Good car to mod if you plan on it. Has quick acceleration. Girls love it and I would for sure buy another one if they come out with another GSX version.

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  Hot Cha Cha - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Howie Gustafson - July 11 - 10:53 am

  This is a great and fun car to drive. I set up a high performance air filter and love the sound. It really can push you back in the seat.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD~ - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By smartautoguy - July 7 - 5:31 am

  dove to 78k, bought around 56k still runs strong and 3.8V6 pulls like a muscle car traction control works very nice on rainy day!

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  About My Eclipse - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By David - June 27 - 9:36 am

  Drives very well, especially if have driven a manual before. Gas mileage is good 20-21 mpg in the city so far, havent taken it out on a long drive. If you know how to shift properly youll get better gas mileage and also know how to down shift to extend life on your brakes. I also have a motorcycle and that has helped me drive a manual transmission better. If youre complaining about your gas mileage its because youre probably not shifting at the right RPMs. It could have used a few more compartments to place items maybe behind the seats etc.; other then that a very good vehicle. I love my car!!!!!

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  MY NEW CAR - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SUPRBABE2000 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I WAS LOOKING FOR A CAR AND I WANTED A SPORTS CAR. I NEVER WANTED AN ECLIPSE BUT THE SALES MAN TALKED ME INTO A TEST DRIVE. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. IT SHARP IT LOOKS NICE AND IT RIDES GREAT. WITH GAS PRICES AS HIGH AS THE ARE NOW ITS GOOD TO KNOW I CAN GO A WHILE ON A FULL TANK. AND THE PRICE ON IT AMAZED ME.

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  Reliable but not as fast as it looks - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrod - June 21 - 3:26 pm

  Just recently bought my 03 gs eclipse, its a 4 cylinder so less power, better gas mileage. I thought with slight mods it would be a lot faster than what it is. Hasnt stalled or broken down on me once, and it is still fun to drive, and just by painting the rims and spoiler you WILL be completely satisfied with the look. I give it 80% outta a hundred.

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  Whats the deal? - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JHope - June 13 - 10:00 am

  So far I havent found any reviews online of the 2003 GTS, and the old reviews seem to find the eclipse inadequate and "not fun to drive" compared to other cars in its class. I test drove a handful and found the eclipse GTS the only car to put a smile on my face. The pickup is excellent and it maintains speed easily - the car hits 100 like its no big deal, no excess noise or vibrations. Ride is very smooth and I love it for my long highway co

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  To buy, or Not to buy - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 3000V6 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  This cars MSPR was $24842.00 for 03 GTS 5-speed manual. Bought it for $22500.00 at Puente Hill, CA. Before I had a 97 GT-S 5-speed manual and this new car (also built in: Normal, IL) has improved ALOT, from ride, drivetrain, clutch, interior, Everything. Do not expect a soft smooth ride, tire profile is 50 series (215/50/17). Fit and finish is not to great. I have rattling sound comming from glove compartment latch locking unit. If I leave it open there is NO sound. My gear trim moldings (plastic) is tilted up on passanger side. There is alot of road noise at freeway speeds (65-85 mph). Power and speed gets A++.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By cyntax713 - May 23 - 6:26 pm

  Fun to drive, great on gas (especially the 5 speed), Everyone and I mean Everyone looks. Its a really fun sports car. You will definitely get bang for your buck! Just remember, keep up with maintenance!! Really really important. The engine can take a real beating in these cars, but you have got to do the timing belt and oil changes and you should be fine.