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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  GOOD CHOICE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tinoruff - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Glad I bought it. Excellent pick up and handles smooth. I did take it pass 100 without even knowing it at first. Love the leather interior. My sciatica hasnt acted up yet! The upgraded sound system is great. Cant wait to take a long road trip in this titanium pearl puppy.

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  Good car overall - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ashums - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my maroon Eclipse GS for almost a year. Ive had only minor problems with it. The check engine light came on which had to do with recalled spark plugs, etc. My door handle also broke off, which was kinda pricey, but oh well. Im 21 so this is the perfect college car for me. Its great for the city, and has some pep on the highway. I only wish it had a little more hp and a larger engine, preferably a V6.

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  The flaws are starting to show... - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By JBB - July 24 - 2:00 am

  For long-haul highway driving, it is surprisingly comfortable, handles well, and still looks pretty good. The Tampa Blue – coke bottle green, really – stands out. Interior is very comfortable...for a sporty coupe. Mileage is fine, nothing special. Trunk release latch has never worked well, and the aluminum wheels are made from inferior materials: BIG problem, at $350-400/per.

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  2nd Review - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By wpederson - July 23 - 2:33 pm

  Well, I have put about 22,000 miles on my car since my last review, and im not so impressed anymore. The trim paint on the door is peeling off, the seats are already showing wear, and you can never seem to get used to the clutch. The car always "lurches" at take off and it does not shift smoothly at all (maybe cuz its got lots of torque?) It has a few electrical problems, the moonroof has a mind of its own sometimes and reopens by itself after closing it. Overall Im not terribly displeased, it does have lots of power, and looks great, just wish it was better quality like other Japanese brands...

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  2nd Eclipse - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By chuppy - July 10 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second Eclipse and I couldnt be happier. I drove an SUV in between the two, and I loved that car, but you cant beat the gas mileage of a 5 speed eclipse! I cant wait until the new ones come out this summer...

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  Satisfied Eclipse GT owner - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mcj eclipse driver - July 6 - 2:00 am

  First time buyer and owner of an Eclipse. It fits my lifestyle. I wanted a sporty-look and the interior space available for 3 passengers as I do have a family.

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  Best Looks - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jaime - June 24 - 10:00 am

  The car that I bought is a light blue color. When I pass by a mall or a public place people always have to turn and look. The interior is great because it is very unique and also I have made a few ajustments, and I have made different mods to the engine also.

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  Couldnt Have Hoped For A Better Car! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Duke_BlueDevil113 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  What can i say about this car... not only is it a HOT car, but I got it under the zero payments for 390 days and zero interest ever, great incentive! Im a college student in a new location and I needed a car that would be reliable, but fun too... I debated between the Eclipse, Celica, and Acura RSX. After driving all of em I found that the Eclipse was the best car, and man am I glad I chose it! I got the upgraded stereo AND ITS AWESOME! Great young guy car! By the way... Edmunds.com was more than helpful when choosing the right car!

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By SamanthaJo - June 23 - 3:23 pm

  I purchased my Eclipse a year ago and I have loved every minute of owning it. It is a very reliable car and a lot of fun to drive. It drives and handles very well. I love the appearance, inside and out. I would not give this car up for any other car out there. The gas mileage is good for a sports car and I have had no problems with this car.

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  o.k. rather have an acura - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rmlf1 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  had to get this car because of the triple zero deal, i dont hate it but dont love it either. blind spots in rear quarter are the worst ive seen, the great infinity 7 speaker sound package is not as loud as i like(i can max it out and still be comfortable).i am 59" and my head almost skims the roof, when sunroof is open, my hair blows in my eyes(i HATE that).and no quick take offs at all, slow acceleration, if i hadnt needed a car so badly at the time and they hadnt offered the triple zero deal, i probably wouldve gotten the acura.