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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  FUN FUN FUN!!! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 300c_kid - June 9 - 8:06 pm

  I love my 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT! What a FUN car! I traded in my old Eclipse for the new one. I love the engine and way it sounds. The manual transmission is a joy. The suspension handles excellently and absorbs bumps. The car is finished immaculately inside and out. Mitsubishi used great materials. I recommend it to all my friends. It feels like such a much more expensive car! It should have AWD, but one gets used to the FWD configuration. Its gas mileage is pretty good. I got the V6 with a manual transmission and am getting around 20 mpg driving it hard! I love the sound of the engine...I hardly ever turn on the radio. I have no complaints at all. I am estremely happy with my Eclipse!

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  Close to perfect (for me) - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Payback_56 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The car iteself is great, has a great feel to it, good handling, tight on turns. Able to handle speed well Came with side of steering column busted, but they were fast to fix it, excellent service.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By 3gGTSilver - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 6 months now and I absolutely love this car. I have a 2001 GT with PP and the power of this car is amazing! I know it could be a little bit better for the engine size and HP its pushing with some more fine tuning, but even so, I love the thrill of riding in 2nd gear at a good 2500-3000RPM and then just flooring it! ABSOLUTELY the best feeling in the world!

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  Awesome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ruben - May 21 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased my 03 Eclipse used with 35,000 miles in 2005. It currently has 115,000 miles. This car has been a blast to drive. It hasnt given me problems other than routine maintenance (brakes, tires, battery, belts). The sportronic transmission is awesome, although I dont use it as much. I am selling it now because I need a bigger vehicle. Will miss it for sure. Would buy a new eclipse again if the body style on newer eclipses are similar to the 00-05 models.

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  2006 Eclipse GT - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MK - May 19 - 8:43 am

  We have currently put 12,000 miles on our Eclipse GT. Its fun to drive, handles well (even on the icy roads), and accelerates nicely. The front seats in the GT are extremely comfortable for people of an average size, though can be restricting for larger people. The standard heated leather in the GT (front only) is wonderful for the cold weather. I wont even mention the rear seating - its a joke really, even with the front seats pushed far forward there is no leg room for anyone in the back. Dont consider this vehicle if you plan on having more than one passenger very often.

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  Eclipse GST - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eclispe Freek - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely the biggest bag for the buck that you could get back in 1998. This car excelerates fast, corners well, and has nice smooth engine sounds.

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  Best in class! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Voorheez - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Well, I was more than surprised when I test drove the 2003 Eclipse GT. You feel like your driving a much more expensive car than you really are. If you havent given the Eclipse a try, this baby has grown up. The V6 sounds awesome and the car is just beautiful to look at. Everyone will want to race you! :)

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  Good car, has quirks - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Captain - April 19 - 4:30 pm

  The car has cool going for it, comfortable ride and okay handling for being so heavy. It has a lot of road noise, huge blind spots (but that is to be expected on any sports car) and a turn radius so bad you have to drive it to believe it. Interior is plastic, but stylish. The back seat is merely for looks, but you shouldnt have a problem selecting takers for the front seat (everyone wants to ride in it). It is very reliable, no mechanical problems, although I would highly recommend better grounding wires since Mitsubishi stock grounds are suspect at best. There have been two attempts to break into the car with no success (popped lock stayed locked, window wont peal). All in all, good car.

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  My Greatfirst car - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Star - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Tis is my first car and i love it. I wish it was a bit fast ,but of course that keeps me out of trouble!

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  Impressive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kleo - April 4 - 10:00 am

  The elclipse looks great inside and out!! I find it to be loud and not enough space in the back seat. I fear the car will not hold up like a Honda or Toyota but Im hoping Im wrong. Over all I think it is a very nice sports car and I love the looks I receive when driving it. Its cool to see others driving one. I do feel the car should have more colors. I purchased the silver one and everyone seems to have the same color.