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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  Still fun, but Im giving it up - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kent Rebman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car a lot; its the first car Ive had in awhile with "punch," but it has been troubled with oddball problems. The windshield washer sprayers quit periodically; the passengers power window switch; the LCD panel. Its also invisible to other drivers and Ive felt like Ive had a target on me since day one, so, Im giving it up at lease end.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MEL - January 10 - 1:40 am

  This car is a head turner, fun to drive, has a great sound system, front seats roomy but back seat has no leg room and good trunk room. The GS is peepy for a 4 cylinder, does corners well.

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  2005 Eclipse GTS Coupe - 5 Speed - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Adam - January 6 - 1:53 am

  I am very pleased with my Eclipse. Though, this is the second one Ive owned since 2001. The car extremey fun to drive and not something that becomes burdensome after a short while. The leather seating is comfortable, and the interior is roomy enough for the driver and passenger. I dont consider this car a true "Sports Car" by definition, but I would call it a "Sporty" vehicle. It has enough power and torque to get you where youre going as fast as you want, but dont expect to race your neighbors flashy Nissan 350Z. Mitsubishi has definately upped their build quality since the 90s. This Eclipse feels solid and is extremely reliable. The clutch on the 5-speed models is very forgiving and easy to drive.

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  Transmission Problems at 4,200 Miles - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By c130crewchief79 - January 5 - 1:33 pm

  OK, I love the cars design and its fun to drive, but I got the manual transmission for the fun of the drive. I know how to drive a stick as I grew up doing so. At 4,200 miles my clutch decided to go out along with all the components associated. Mitsubishi decided that it was aparrently my fault, not that it might be the design (which I had a Nascar tech tell me was going to be a problem three days after I got it, during an interview for school). Anyway I forked out almost $1,000 and thats after I got a price break because I knew a maintenace person at the dealer. Any way they fixed it. Two days later it was back in the shop. The flywheel was making a loud noise and in neutral my clutch is burning. I rate the transmission pack a 2.

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  Fun but comfortable. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rmob - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The GS is probably the best deal at around 19K plus change. I got mine with the sun roof and the upgraded Infinty CD and it was worth it. (They also upgrade the wheels with the package) I drives and handles well but dont expect to get whiplash. Overall I am very happy and would recommend it. Other than the bucket seats, the interior leaves a little to be desired.

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  WassuP! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MrX - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most fun and reliable car I ever owned. I didnt think I would have bought the car until I test drove it. Once I test drove the car I knew I had to buy it. What a great investment. Two words... Test Drive!

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  Where did my paint go?? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By happyinIA - December 17 - 2:06 pm

  Ive had my GT for just over four years now, and I absolutely love it! Its SOO much fun to drive and definitely turns heads. The only thing is, mines turning heads for all the wrong reasons. Within a year of buying my black GT the paint started to fade, and is now almost completely gone. Ive called dealers to check about paint recalls and there arent any, but since buying my car Ive seen many many other black ones with the same paint loss as mine. Other than the vanishing paint Ive never had to do a single thing other than routine maintenance (oil changes etc). This is a very fun car, looks great inside and out and gets surprisingly decent gas mileage. I cant wait to buy the new model!

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  I Love my New Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Roachie - December 17 - 10:40 am

  I was trying to decide between etting a new Honda Civic Si and the Eclipse. They both have about the same specs, although, the Eclipse is a much sexier car, much more of a "sports" car then a "Honda." I love the Eclipse and I am so glad that I bought the it over the Honda. I have enjoyed driving it, staring at it and owning it! I made a great choice!

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  Exceptional value for the money. Awesome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wingedliberty - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I am somewhat biased, since this is my fourth Mitsubishi and I am very brand loyal, and this is for a reason, since these are great cars for the money in styling, performance,and reliability. I like to stick with a good thing, and this is a great car.

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  The Best! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Smarttttt - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car because it is sleek and CUTE!