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 Eclipse GT - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jason - October 4 - 9:26 am

  Bought this car when I joined the Air Force and it has been very reliable. I have driving across country three times and have never had a problem. The only down fall is that the car takes premium fuel only and it costs me 50 dollars to fill up. Was very easy to find performance parts for, and the car handles them very well.

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  My NorthStar Pony (keeping the car until I die) - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By topzy - October 1 - 9:00 am

  When I was a junior in high school in 2002 I got this car to impress a girl. I guess it worked since we ended getting engaged (2 years ago we broke up though) Anyways, this car is very reliable. Sure, after owning a car for 9 years its bound to break down sometimes. Thankfully, my dear car has never left me stranded anywhere. What was wrong wit it? Usually after market things I had installed (like the alarm). She is pretty old and replacement parts have been needed. The things that hold the hatch stopped working, so I got them at a junk yard for like $5. The A/C juuuust broke down on me, lol, i used that thing all the time, even in the winter. Dash had to be replaced, thats all.

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  Best Car in vthe world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Firebat - September 19 - 4:40 pm

  Best Car in the world!!!!!!!

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  Jeffs Jiggetdy Review - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jiggy Jeff - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2001 GT Eclipse for nearly two years now. I love driving this car. The 5-speed transmission is very smooth and easy to shift on the fly. The throaty V6 exhaust sounds spectacular-people can hear you from a mile away). The headlights look nice, but the outer coverings are some type of hard plastic and scratch up easily. The bad things about this car are the brakes squeal at low speeds (since day 1),the sunroof jitters when going back (Ive taken it to the dealer twice & it still happens). The rear hatchback doesnt really rise on its own. You have to literally PULL it up (the gas struts arent strong enough)

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  hot car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dee7 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to cruise in ...i got lots of complements from students at school ...mostly girls love it!

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  2002 eclipse gs 5spd - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By shelbyli - August 23 - 10:00 am

  i bought the car as my first true car out of high school. wanted it for a commuter car to college and was perfect for it. every time my friend get in the car they are amazed to how comfortable it rides i even had one offer to buy my seats for his car. the stereo is great for stock better than most after market. the 5 speed is sporty and shifts the best out of all the manuals i have driven. although a little low in hp the car is still fun to drive and can still smoke a civic. the gas mileage is decent as long as you dont keep the throttle to the floor. i have had no major problems from this car and it still shines like its brand new, makes friends jealous. 96000 and still strong.

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  A great companion - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Basshed - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed the comfort of the car for the long haul, the appreciative comments and glances from passer-by and friends. The performance is perfect for me, its reassuring - not freaky while still fun. The car also is a tank, I T-boned a vehicle at 40 and walked away. Car was rebuildable. The final note is that the interior needs tightened a bit for world class refinement and a bit more firmness in the front suspension to keep the wheels planted in wet weather... otherwise a great companion.

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  Great Car, but weak - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ipeechmango - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved the car since ive had it, but a couple weeks ago I got into an accident going no more than 35 probably, and its totaled. Weakly built. And it was a hard impact, the airbags didnt go off.

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  Love this Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sbaggerly - August 5 - 3:13 am

  Ive had my Eclipse for about a year. I bought this car used with 30,000 miles. I have wanted one of these vehicles for years, and I am loving it. Yes, there are terrible blind spots, but not a problem in you use all three of your mirrors and stay aware of the road. My main complaint is the already mentioned turn radius, which is practically nothing. I would definitely recommend the V6 GTS. I drove a 4-cyl. and it had no pickup, with the weight of this car. My car is totally "zippy" and I have had so many compliments on the looks. I have had absolutely no problems with it, and wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  Fabulous Car, Fully Recommended - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MissBunny - August 1 - 4:10 pm

  I have wanted a Mitsubishi Eclipse since I was 11 years old believe it or not! When I finally bought my Eclipse GTS in I was ecstatic to find that it was everything I hoped for and then some! It has a beautiful, classy, and sporty look, it drives wonderfully on the freeway and city and it has great get-up-and-go! I mean you can really feel the power behind that pedal! It has a pretty rad stock infinity sound system with a 6 disc changer. It has a very comfortable front seat with leather power seats/windows. And the sunroof is a must have! The only thing I dont like is its turning radius is awful. All in all I love the car, it actually makes me want to drive for no reason, just to drive!