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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  190,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By guitar_guy - December 5 - 5:34 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004. It was February, and the salesman was discouraged as he walked me to the lot, and the car was under a pile of snow. He said all he had was a 4 cylinder with standard transmission... I didnt let on, but thats EXACTLY what I wanted. The car has been a dream to own. I have performed regular maintenance with my own mechanics. I never went back to the dealer, and never needed to. Oil changes every 3000, and regular timing belt changes were the bulk of maintenance. Also plugs every 60k. I replaced two tie rods, and recently an axle (after 189,000). Two sets of brake pads. Thats about it. I love this car, and I dont want to part with it.

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  POOR MANS FERRARI - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By desertsoldier22 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used w/18,900 mi Previous car was a Dodge Neon, so this was a bit of an upgrade. Gotta love Mitsubishi for all the features they pack in for the price($15998). A Honda Prelude pulled up to me last night thinking it was a badass and when all was said and done I was about 100 ft away from it before I reached 45mph. The tranny takes a little while to get used to because of the short throw but once you do you wont go back. This car hugs the road like slot car and winding country roads are a thrill.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Nancy Bevis - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car at the end of February and it was my dream vehicle. Its an incredible ride and the sun and sound make it that much better. Great purchase experience at Circle GMC, the salesman Adam did an outstanding job along with the finance team. When I priced the same vehicle at Shaffer Mitsubishi, they couldnt come close to the price.

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  Good, solid car & looks and drives great - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By TonyM - November 30 - 7:03 am

  I just got the GTS, 5-speed about 2 months ago. A little late maybe. But its what I could afford. I think this car is very solid and runs great. As long as you keep up on your oil changes, and put premium in it like the owners manual suggests. The first thing I noticed because I immediately drove it on the highway was it takes a while to find a comfortable adjustment on your seat in conjunction with using the clutch as well as sitting for prolonged periods of times. My back hurt for about a week in beginning to drive it. Its fast though, for sure. This car packs a punch! I havent had it long enough to really even encounter mechanical problems... *knock on wood*.

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  2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (3.0L V6) - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Matt4991 - November 28 - 3:40 pm

  This is a good performance car. I recommend modifications a.s.a.p. otherwise by the time your ready to modify it the car will require heavy maintenance. I love this car, Ive had it nearly 2 years. It started with 68000+ miles, and is now at 86000+. Just this summer the transmission died on me, and I continuously have problems with the brakes. I drive a 4- speed automatic, tiptronic. However, I recommend not using the tiptronic feature, because my friends and I believe that using that may have contributed to the transmission going. In the next 2-3 years I intend to place nearly $13000 on the car (incl. supercharger).

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  Great Car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseRacer - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Got this Eclipse for 16th birthday...was look in at Integra but this car gets way more looks...this car is also more fun to drive handles well..for a heavy car...could use more acceleration power..so ive added a catback exhaust, and Aem cold air intake...and the Infinity System kicks

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  Super, Super Touring Coupe - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Senior Citizen : ) - November 15 - 8:20 pm

  Best Sports/Touring Coupe 4 the $. Not a Performance Car, but it does have decent performance/economy for a 4 cyl 162 HP Engine & the 5speed transmission is smooth. Average 25 city & highest MPG was 34 Hwy w/o using A/C. I usually trade once a year, but Im keeping this one. It has a few limitations, but for your $ investment, you cant go wrong if you are looking for a great touring coupe with a super warranty & features. Ive owned a Honda Si, Nissans, Toyotas, Corvettes, and for the money spent, this is the one I enjoy the most. Test drive one, & you will want one also. Enjoy your highways of life more, in an Eclipse. : ) You get more then you pay for in a Eclipse.

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  Runs great after 3 years - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By donutello - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 3 years now and have yet to have anything break down or quit working on me. So far the only times Ive had to take it to the shop has been for oil changes and new tires after I had a bad blowout.

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  Amazing car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Scott Jacob - November 8 - 5:16 am

  I looked for a very long time to get this car. I bought it with the Rockford stereo, which was a must, and complete with all the options. I was reluctant at first to buy any car with a 4 cylinder, but was very satisfied after driving mine. It did not take long to figure out that it has an amazing ride, as well as, all the power and handling anyone could ask for. This will not be my last Mitsubishi I promise you that.

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  Good, but not great - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Zakko - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now. I didnt buy this car to race it and my driving style is actually pretty conservative. Problems Ive had in the past year: Clutch was completely replaced at 14,000 miles at MY expense; the sunroof is CRAP, it has a mind of its own and will open and close depending on its mood; the factory tires are CRAP... I had to have mine replaced at 12,000 miles because two of them had large bubbles in the sidewalls; the brakes are crap. At 10,000 miles, I had to have the rotors turned. If youre considering buying this car, I HIGHLY recommend you go to www.neweclipse.org and www.deadeclipse.com to read up on it.