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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  Hershers like GTs - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By doobesq - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It took me about 3 months to settle on my car, short by my standards. Ive never owned a Mitsubishi, so I was a bit leery of trying them out. So far, Im very pleased. I change oil, but thats about it. The car hums and absolutely loves to run. It has great mid-range power and acceptable low-end torque thanks to the V6. This is a great compromise between a sports-car and a daily driver.

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  Better try something else... - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SAAVY - December 28 - 2:43 am

  It says it all: built in USA with "some" Japanese parts... Used to have a 1997 and besides absolutely gorgeous, way much better in every way (of course totally manufactured in Japan!) I had to add lots of aftermarket parts to get decent engine performance (even having 0.4 liters more than the 97 model), and is a gas guzzler! Front is very roomy, but back is a pain for guest riders. The dashboard is made of the thinnest and cheapest plastic they found, so every other owner has it cracked, electric problems everywhere, struts and tires wont last more than 60k miles.

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  2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (Got Torque) - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By neogeo - December 26 - 5:46 pm

  This car is just awesome. It is the best Eclipse ever. I put it in first, second, third, fourth, fifth, six gear and it just wants more power. The initial takeoff is amazing and it is an eye catcher if youre single. It has great response, a great sound, and amazing control. I just wish I can find ground effects for this car soon, before everyone has one.

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  2002 Silver Eclipse GS 2002 - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jenna - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Eclipse GS. I love the new body style of the Eclipse because the back seat is bigger and the trunk is a little bigger. My Eclipse has the new sportronic transmission and it is awesome! This car drives so smooth and it hugs the road GREAT! IT also gets great fuel acconomy. The only problem i have had with my car was the clips that hold the trunk cover on breaking and making noise.

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  For the money spent, Im satisfied. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SteveO - December 6 - 6:40 pm

  I bought a GS model and though I do have a couple minor complaints Im pretty well satisfied. I wanted a Celica but couldnt fit in one comfortably. The Eclipse is very comfy and easy on the back for anyone sitting in the front. Definitely not a 4 seater. Avoid 4 adult occupancy at all costs. The acceleration leaves something to be desired but is decent for a 4 cylinder. For the price I found this to be real good buy, styling and comfort were big for me and this car met those easily. I dont know why everyone rips on the interior. I personally like it. Beware of the blindspots! The rear left one can be quite a problem during the busy morning commute.

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  Fun to drive when it runs. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By R Harry - December 4 - 12:53 pm

  I love my 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It is fun to drive and very versitile. I only wish this car was more dependable. I have become good friends with my mechanic and the process of towing.

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  My Review...The Real Deal - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mr. Eclipse - November 27 - 7:16 am

  Im 17 years old and we purchased my 06 Eclipse back in July. I love this car so much. Plus, it helps me feel better about myself. All my friends like the car too. I love driving the 6-speed manual. I wouldnt have settled for the automatic. This is deffinitely a car that holds its own on the streets. And it turns plenty of heads as you drive by in style. Just dont plan on taking a few friends out for the night. Maybe one in the back, but thats all the backseat is going to fit comfortably. And thats if they recline in the whole seat with their legs up in the seat. Its tiny back there. But if you want to take that nice young lady out for the night alone, it is awesome.

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  My First Import - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Linda Jones - November 13 - 7:06 am

  I have never bought a non-American car before. I have been driving Cryslers Sebrings and Dodge Avengers since the Avenger first came out. I do like the previous cars, but they no longer make a Sebring with a manual transmission and I couldnt find a used one. The Eclipse caught my eye with its stying. I LOVE it. Its very fun to drive! I love the looks and feel. Well see about the reliability. Time will tell. I sure hope it holds up as well as the Cryslers, as I have very good luck with them. This car is quieter as well. It does not have as much road noise. It handles like a dream and is very comfortable to drive. The lumbar feature is wonderful on the back on long drives!

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  great for the cost - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jimbo567 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent drive and value for the money. The car handles well and is very quick when needed. Excellent chick magnet

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  eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bloc - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The car itself is good. But its does not have that sporty feeling that your looking for in a car, it feels to soft and has body roll. The power of the car does not impress me at all, should be made abit faster. It is the nicest car out there.