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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  2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By japanesewerkz - July 26 - 1:27 am

  Bought this car with 130k as a second owner. If your paint is black, it has been recalled. Luckily mine was well taken care off so I was able to use a clay bar and some ultra compund. The rims are also made by chrysler so they will rust. Other than that, this car is mechanically in great shape. It runs perfect, sounds good and just looks sexy. Mine has 152k and has just needed regualar maintainence. If you keep it up to date, then it will run. Ive seen many of these 4 cylinders hit 250k and still run great. Engine mounts and tranny are common things to replace a bit earlier than usual, other than though it runs and wont leave you with an empty pocket. Fuel econ. is decent though.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jennifer - July 22 - 1:46 am

  I purchased this car a few weeks ago, and my only regret is that I didnt get it sooner. This is the first new car I have ever purchased and it has been great. I am a designer, so having a car that is well designed was very important to me. I get compliments all the time. I have the sunset pearl color so it stands out among the other sports cars. For a 4-cylinder engine, it drives very well. Living in a big city you need to be able to zip in and out of traffic, and this car is perfect for that if you are on a budget. But I had a hard time finding it. I traveled about 300 miles to go pick it up. Great car and I highly recommend it.

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  My Precious - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ben - July 21 - 1:10 pm

  This is the first car I have ever loved to drive. The performance on this car is outstanding, and the gas mileage is great out on the highway. It is heavier than my friends RSX Type S, so it doesnt have the get up and go, but has smooth torque curve from the start. The shifter is placed perfectly, and the engine revs easily. Some design cues are hot, but the ugly plastic gas cover is horrible.

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  2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse gs 5speed - 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tbeirlair - July 16 - 6:59 pm

  I bought this 2011 Eclipse when they came out in August 2010. I own a 2003 and 2005 eclipse also. I think theyre great cars. Very reliable. The 2011 I bought handles great and shifts smooth. Its fun yet practical. I do have a problem with Mitsubishi and how theyre packages are set up. You cant have any options with the manual. It must be an automatic to have anything in it. And you cant have a manual v6? It doesnt make sense to me and I think theyre going to lose alot of business doing this. Other than that. I highly recommend this eclipse. Its a great car. Mitsubishi has great deals and awesome warranties. Lets just hope we can have luxury and a manual in the next generation eclipse

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  I will not buy another Mitsubishi - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By deb - July 14 - 8:13 am

  The 2007 eclipse has 2 problems: some of the models sunroofs do not open all the way (mine does not) and my air conditioner has not worked properly and the dealership does not resolve my issue, only makes excuses. I will not buy another Mitsubishi; their engineers do a poor job in my opinion and that of the service rep I spoke with. BEWARE!

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  A lot of car for a little less money - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mark m - July 14 - 12:00 am

  I walked into showroom after seeing the car I wanted, sat down and the Eclipse caught my eye. I had to have fun looking car for little money. I took it for test rive and knew right away it was me. It gets good gas mileage, pretty good giddy up and go for a 4 cylinder. I am very happy and feel like a kid again.

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  Not quite sure yet - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wpederson - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2003 Eclipse GT, it definitely is fun to drive and ZOOM ZOOM (wait, this isnt a Mazda) ANYWAY, it has been a fun car so far, nothing to complain about as of yet... EXCEPT, what car does not come with ABS these days? SHEESH! My last 4 cars have had ABS standard, and I assumed this one did too, but when I got it home from the dealership I noticed NO ABS!

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  Dependability - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jayme - June 27 - 5:46 pm

  This was the 1st 2006 sold in the Middle TN area and my 2nd Eclipse. I now have 57,000 miles and is still going strong. The original brakes squealed and had to replace with ceramic brakes. It is extremely quick and fun to drive. The sound system is top notch but the display could be a little more sophisticated. The original tires have lasted 57,000 miles and just now need to be replaced. If only the resale value was better.

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  Eclipse GS - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By branta335 - June 17 - 7:03 am

  My 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is tight, reliable, fun, easy to drive, has good fuel economy, a great warranty, and reasonable insurance rates. Its air conditioning runs cool, even here in Phoenix, Arizona. I have found that this car handles well in emergency situations.

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  Crash! - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Terry - June 3 - 9:00 pm

  This is my second Eclipse RS, the 1st was a 1999. Unfortunately, I may have to be on to my 3rd. I was hit by an 18-wheeler in the 1st & was hit 2 days ago for the 2nd time in the current. This car is incredible for safety. Despite the fact that I have been hit 3 times, even when the damage was extensive, I walked away. The current one may be totaled, in which case I will go on to a newer model, but my experience with this car leaves me no doubts about its safety - just the invisible "hit me" sign which appears to come with the ones Ive bought. AND, the mileage has been terrific. I avg 27 back & forth to work, and up to 40 on the highway! I LOVE this car!