Mitsubishi Eclipse Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.50/5 Average
775 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 621 through 630 of 775.00
  • Upset With 2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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    I have had several problems with my Eclipse. Ranging from the computer dying to the drivers door not opening. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Mitsubishi knows of all the problems and have fixed them under warranty yet I havent been compensated for inconviences or down time of the car. With only a few miles left of the warranty, I might be stuck with a car that costs more in repairs a month than my payment. And with the quick depreciation, trading is not an option.

  • I Love My Car!!! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
    By -

    I purchased this car used in 2010. I figured Id have fun and drive it until my son was old enough to drive it and then I would pass it down to him. Well, he is 6 months away from being able to get his license and honestly...I dont want to give it up! It has been very reliable and lots of fun to drive. In the time I have owned it I have only had to replace the battery and tires.

  • Quite a decent car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
    By -

    The new Mitsubishi Eclipse is a hit. The four cylinder loves to rev, has adequate performance. I have 15k on the car on everything is great on it. Everybody loves my car. People think it is nice. The quality of the interior is fairly good. The optional Rockford Fosgate system booms with sound. The ride is comfortable. The steering is nicely weighted. But I hope you dont plan on using that back seat. Only children or small toddlers can tolerate it. Im over six foot, trust me, youll go nuts in the back seat. When it comes to cargo time, this car aint too bad. I hauled a new boxed computer in it and monitor and it fit just right. The car in my opinion is a car that is a looker.

  • HOT ROD TO GO! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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    This is my second red Eclipse. I originally purchased one in 1996,and had no problems. My 2001 GT is even better looking than my first! I am in my 50s, but feel like a teenager all over again in this sporty car. The car still turns peoples heads, and everyone assumes its a high dollar auto! Four years later, and everyone still asks, "Is your car new???"

  • Happy With the Car. - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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    I have had the car for almost 2 years. I have had no mechanical problems with it and still has the same power as when I got it from the dealer. The only problem was my driver seat motor broke, and squeaky brakes. But all were replaced under warranty. Im happy with the car, but I am getting tired of squeezing passengers in. The road/wind noise is also starting to get to me. When you first purchase the car your notice the wheel gap is huge. While on the mitsu posters/commercials there is none. Lower the car to make it look better. I have gotten nothing but compliments for this car. It is great,strong engine, quality seats, and fun to drive but it is not very economical

  • Big Engine, Sloppy Car - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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    This was engineered as more of a pretty car than a useful one. It weighs too much for a sport coupe(>3500 lb), the turning circle is ridiculously wide (40 ft) and thats pretty much SUV territory. It also has numerous blind spots such as wide pillars and tiny side windows. The side mirrors are also too small. You will definitely have problems parking this car in a tight space. There is a noticeable under steer. The interior also suffers from cheap looking materials even with the leather option. The plastics are all over the place such as the door handle and middle dash, it almost feels like youre sitting in a toy-car. The rear seat is expectedly only useful for storage. It needs a new design.

  • Love this car - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
    By -

    This car is the best performance and style value on the market. I looked at many others before deciding on the Eclipse GT Spyder. This car is hands down the most fun to drive for the money you can buy. Why this car doesnt get more respect from the "Professional Reviewers" is beyond me. Buy one, you will love it!

  • Fun and Fast - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
    By -

    I have put about 4,500 miles on the car. The slap stick is great and its nice to just slip into drive when in heavy traffic. The car is great except for the "back seat" it is just for show or to punish your kids. Its handling is excellent. Its steering is very quick. This is a sports car for Dad. I have found that the car runs best on 93 gas.

  • My Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
    By -

    This is my 4th car in three and a half years and I wish I would have bought it sooner. I LOVE MY CAR!! Even though its a 4 cy. it drives like a 6 and the supertronic transmission is great. I highly recommend it to anyone.

  • Tremendous buy - and would buy again! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
    By -

    I purchased the GT new in 2003, and had to get the 5-speed manual transmission. Even though its a V-6, my 5-year average MPG is 27.5! Having lived in Erie, PA and Cleveland, the heavy build and FWD helps get through snow. This car is not only a great looking car, but wonderful to drive - particularly through the hills of Eastern Ohio and Western PA. If it wasnt for kids on the way, Id keep this great auto or upgrade to a newer model. I HIGHLY recommend anyone considering a nice sporty car to get an Eclipse for the fun and value.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Reviews By Year:
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