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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  AIRBAGS???? - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Culebrita - August 14 - 10:00 am

  When I hit a guard rail at 65 MPH head on, no airbags came out. I searched and found out that other people had had the same problem, because even tho the car has airbagsm there were no sensors. Wont buy a mitsubishi again.

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  Fun Race Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Joe McGrew - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car less than a year, and after owning several imports... this is by far my fav. Ive just started on the minor race mods getting it ready for SCCA Autocross next summer... The motor is a challenge to get out through the top but everything else has been fun to work on. The interior strips out with so much ease. Exhaust is easy to replace. I hear ppl say this car isnt fast w/o turbo but if u dont mind having a sucky street car, strip the interior, drop the power steering and a/c, add an intake, drop the car bout two inches, strut bars, and total straight pipe will help greatly (sounds and looks like crap after all this but runs great).

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  Eclipse GT 2002 - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By photolab1921 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Owning the car for one year, I have had several problems. The sun roof wouldnt close properly, and had to be fixed several times. Then the transmission messed up and the car spent a month in the shop so they could replace the whole transmission and the main computer for the car. Also, The sunvisor clip broke, the seatbelt cover at the top broke, and the tires constantly get low on air. Im so ready to get rid of it! Its beautiful and fun, but not worth the hassle of being poorly built.

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  2006 Eclipse GT Gas a Holic - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Piano Man - July 15 - 4:10 pm

  This is my third Eclipse and its flair seemed to fade less than two months after purchase. Its fuel economy rating is not even close to its EPA estimates though. I enjoyed my 1994 and 2002 models much more and am look to trade this gas guzzler before the end of the year. The styling is truly unique, so unique that it will be out of style faster than ever. The special "aero" kit required three adjustments and because it is difficult to see the front and back end, scraping curbs are unavoidable. The steering and brakes are great, and so is the acceleration, but like an amusement park ride it is time to leave for something else.

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  Incredibly fun to drive coupe! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By screwy - July 11 - 6:03 pm

  From the first day I got this car until now I have loved driving it and watching heads turn. I have gotten so many compliments my only complaint would be that I cant look at how sexy it looks while sitting inside. It is a little pricey but when you consider those sleek curves and form fitting sporty seats its hardly anything to complain about. I recommend a test drive at night so you can fully appreciate the cool blue lighting within the simple and sporty cockpit. I just took this car on a weekend getaway and it fit both of our dufflebags in the cargo area even with the subwoofer in there. One thing is for sure this is a sporty car which is not meant for long trips yet is packed with thrills!

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  Love this car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lilgabri03 - July 11 - 4:13 pm

  I bought these car about a month ago and I have enjoyed it greatly. I am 22 and right out of college and I was looking for something sporty and nice, but at the same time that wouldnt cost me an arm and a leg.

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  A Tiger in Disguise - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ChrisGT - July 2 - 4:46 am

  Like a Tiger waiting to pounce, the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, matches the same poise and agility. Cool and calm, it meanders through traffic, maintaining a firm grip on virtually any surface, but when the moment arises, can leap into the forefront, leaving others wondering ... what was that???? A head turner, its exterior is quite unique to the market, and heralds the same design quality that made the Porsche 911 back in 1962. Interior wise, all the ameneties point to the driver, assuring a comfort level that is always within arms reach. To date, Mitsubishi has remained true to it committment in support of their products. For a re-design, it is quite impressively put together.

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  If you are looking for a fast ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Screenburn - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for 3 days, and i still cant get enough of it i love just driving. The best features of the car are the leather interior, and the massive amounts of torque. I love the tan leather but realy dont like the two tone black on blueish black leather. The two tone takes away from the sex appeal of the car. The torque is great you dont have to be a race car driver to get into the engines sweet spot. This car wil take most sport compacts off the line. Even though the car weight in just over 3400 lbs with a 5 spd it still handels well for a car of its girth.

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  Bad Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By cccrop2323 - June 26 - 8:00 pm

  I have had this car for about a year now. At first it was a great car. It has a great look and style. Then it started having problems. The fuel injection wasnt working correctly. At first I though that the warranty would cover the problem, but it ended being caused by a bad tank of fuel. It caused a lot of damage to different parts of the car. It shows the car is not reliable at all. And when I talked with a Mitsubishi rep. she said that the car needs to run a middle grade fuel or premium fuel, otherwise it will have problems again in the future and not be covered by the warranty.

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  Fun to drive if you like slow cars - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Andy - June 24 - 12:43 pm

  Ever get behind the wheel of a 99 GTP? No? Okay then you dont know where Im coming from. This car is fun to drive yet unresponsive if you didnt break it in right. Great car, Id recommend it to anyone. Reliability is top notch!