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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  Stay Away from all Mitsubishi products - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lauren Bell - March 28 - 8:00 am

  This vehicle completely lacks any sort of quality and Mitsubishi is not standing behind their product. The problems we have had with the vehicle include: 1. All four brake rotors warping by 9,000 miles, had to be resurfaced, now the brakes grind and squeak 2. The car has three rattles. We understand this doesnt affect the operation of the vehicle but it is disheartening to spend so much money and hate to drive your vehicle so much. 3. Paint chipping off and fading, all over the car. Mitsubishi says we got behind a rock truck, two body shops say the paint job is cheap and defective. 4. Two brake recalls, both of which could cause a crash. We were only notified by taking the car in for an oil change.

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  Great Understated Car - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bsant - March 17 - 10:20 am

  On a long trip or short hop the 2007 Eclipse is just pure fun. I lose few stereo wars with its Fosgate 650W stereo and no off the line acceleration. It is almost on par with the 2006 Mustang GT, which is faster than their previous GT. I also looked at the Nissan 300Z and Mazda RX-8. They are overpriced for what you get. The 2006 Stang GT is also overpriced when you compare it to the Eclipses features side by side and plus everyone has one. This car is also a real "head turner." I have been on eleven hour straight drives up steep mountain passes and flat praries, the car is just a pleasure to be in and has amazing power when you need it to pass. It is worry free. I also garden and can haul a couple of 1.7 cu ft dirt bags and many plants in one go. What a great Car! Also, it eats BMW 3-Series off the line easily.

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  02 GS, automanual, sun and sound - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By kdavis - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This car cant make up its mind if it wants to be sporty or comfortable.

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  06 Eclipse - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By J - March 6 - 11:50 am

  The 2006 Eclipse is a beautiful car inside and out. For a 4-cyl. car it is suprisingly peppy and has quick acceleration. The sun and sound package is a necessity with the GS putting out an impressive 650 watts. I am very pleased with the car overall and feel that it will give the compitition a run for its money.

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  2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Reid - February 26 - 10:26 am

  I been driving my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS for nearly a year and a half. It has just resently been wrecked and it held up well though the accident, the air bags saved me a lot of pain. This model holds tight to the road and has great control.

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  Great car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mgouldsr - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Runs great, build quality is excellent.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Goatboy - February 14 - 8:06 am

  I traded in a Dodge Dakota because I wanted a sportier vehicle. I did my research and after comparing the Mustang, RX-8, Civic-Si, and Eclipse, it was my favorite. I have had it about a month now and it is the best car I have ever owned. Its flashy, fast, hauls my golf clubs, and makes mundane trips to work a lot more exciting. It is an excellent medium between a full on performance car and a livable, daily commuting or touring car. The stereo is ridiculous. I didnt know you could get a stereo that sounds that good from the factory!

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  Excellent Value, Very Reliable - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By EclipseOwnerJPB - February 11 - 11:26 am

  I bought a used, year-old Eclipse GS and have been extremely pleased with it. The interior is very comfortable and gives you that sports-car feel. It is great in the snow, handles very well and has been very reliable. For a sports car it gets good mileage.

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  Very fun car to drive - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bnelson1980 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2000 Eclipse GT. So far so good. I drove it across the country. Exterior is awesome, interior has very easy to use controls, performance is great. You can also find a lot of aftermarket performance parts for this car. I just wish they made a Turbo version.

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  Eclipse reborn - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Alejandro - January 26 - 6:46 pm

  The new Eclipse has been reborn and it brought the fun back. It has been improved for the better. It provides good control, good response, and has a nice design. The automatic transmision responds well as the does the manual. The 263 horsepower makes this almost as pleasant as the Mitsubishi Evolution. It has really comfortable seats and more interior space.