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:

• 

  Wicked Awesome Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By garyf2132 - May 2 - 11:22 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Eclipse GS Automatic with only 60,000 miles on it just last week. It came equipped with the Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system with subwoofer. Im in love with this car literally. Its a real head turner. Acceleration is fantastic especially when pulling onto the highway or changing lanes, plenty of power to zoom around. The blue colored dash lights are a wicked cool feature. The bucket seats give it that extra sporty feel. The stereo system doesnt come with an AUX input jack unfortunately but I purchased an OEM Mitsubishi cable online so I will install it myself into the rear of the stereo system. Overall I love this car & wouldnt trade it for anything.

• 

  2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Chester - May 2 - 7:16 pm

  I just got my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT this month (Dec. 2006). Its great. Just had a race against my friends Honda Civic 2007 Si. He thought just because he has a V-Tec and that his car is newer then mine he could beat me on the track. Well he thought wrong I BURNT him. While he was on 60 MPH I was already getting up to 80 MPH. I am adding a turbo charge next week. I love Mitsubishi. My next car will be the Lancer Evolution VIII. Thats when the real fun starts. I will post another comment up here next week on how is the turbo charger is working.

• 

  not bad at all so far - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tyree9 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for about 7 months so far and have had one minor problem with it and that was with the check engine light. it was just a simple replacement of the gas cap. the car moves for a a heavy 4 cyc but i wish it had a little more pep (and i have the manual). since ive lowered it and added 18" rims and tires with a strut bar it handles WAY BETTER. I would would recommend this car. the car is definately a head turner.

• 

  Great car for teens - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Allison m. - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This was the car I was given on my 16th birthday, and I had only been driving three and a half months, when one day while driving home I stopped for a yellow light and thought the semi-truck behind me had enough room, it didnt I was rear-ended while the truck was going about 45 mph. Both my sister and I were fine with only minor aches and pains and if someone had been in the back seat of my car they would have been doing better. I would completely buy this car again.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By FOSGATE - April 20 - 6:03 pm

  I just got the car its an 08 GT brand spanking new and where in 2010. I was skeptic at first but when I test drove the thing damn that thing hauls. Im glad I got that Eclipse GT. Def get the GT V6 not the 4 banger cause then youll be missing out on all the fun. The cars got speed its quick and peels out which to me is a good thing lol. You just gotta know how to drive it if you dont want it peeling out when you need it. The exhaust and engine sound good too and the rims are nice. Def. great car to buy

• 

  Head Turner - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By D Storm - April 15 - 1:26 pm

  The first thing I can say is while sitting at a red light in my new Eclipse a guy in a new Corvette pulled up beside me, is all smiles and says hey nice car! The new styling is great. The power that the GS 5M delivers is incredible for a 4-cylinder. So they have it governed at a top speed of around 122 mph! It handles incredibly; the purr of the exhaust can be heard throughout your drive. If you love to drive and love to have a little bit of attention I recommend buying it.

• 

  My Review - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By lchhan - April 14 - 11:56 pm

  My Blue Eclipse GS model is not bad for those looking to drive and have fun at the same time. It is really nice around the corners and it has a smooth ride. It gets peoples attention when crusing the streets. Also, the guages are really nice to look at when checking your speed. The seats are comfy, too.

• 

  Its been a joyride! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By missarin - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased mine used May 2001. It came with 20K miles on it and I have put about 14K more on it in the past year and 9 months. I have had no internal problems with this car. For some reason, I have busted about 4 tires in that time period, but I doubt that is car related. Just odd b/c it never happened with any other car I have had. But its a lot of fun to drive - great pick up. It too has the 205 HP (didnt realize the HP was cut back to 200). Of course, its also very snazzy looking. And its been quite reliable.

• 

  Spoiled Corn - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Cynara - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my Eclipse has been absolutely wonderful! Its a wonderful car look wise , performance wise, oh my just everything about it is absolutely awsome! I cant go anywhere without getting awsome complements on it.

• 

  Eclipse GT 90K Still Prefect - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John D. Min - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the V6 GT loaded! I know I might be the exception, but the car has been awesome and free of problems. The new styling is beautiful and the car (manual) is fun to drive. I owned a BMW 325i, but I enjoy this car more, the fit and finish is better and though the balance and control on the Bimmer was tighter, I paid thousands less. Now I have over 90,000 miles, I have had no mechanical problems. I still have the original brake pads, timing belts, spark plugs, everything. The only thing the car goes through is tire wear (17" V), I am on my third set. Hopefully I wont jinx myself, but I love this car.