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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  Hot Car...Equals Hot Chicks! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Moe - September 26 - 11:16 pm

  The 06 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a great car, I just picked her up on Friday (7/14). Its been nothing but fun. I get great compliments from random people. The car is really quick. Also, its an official chick magnet. If you want to be the guy/girl that wants to stand out on the road, this is the way to go!

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  great starter - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By crow - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I also own a 2002 acura RSX, as well as my eclipse. I loved the car at first but it needs alot of improvments, compaired to the RSx it has no tork, and alot less comfort. To my surprise I loved the factory radio-sounds great. Has alot of extra room that could have been avoided-after driving the RSX and then geating into my eclipse it is a real ruff ride.

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  Trading Up... - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By fablesofthewest - September 11 - 8:20 pm

  Just traded my low mileage 2004 Spyder in on the new one - I now have the Sunset Pearlescence colored GT with the Sportstronic transmission (which lets you drive as an automatic AND/OR a five speed manual transmission). Initially I was worried about the trade as I was crazy about my 2004 Spyder. But after having the 2007 for a few days, all my concerns have been eased. The 2007 handles better, rides better, looks more like a luxury car and turns heads more than the previous style. I think Im going to be a happy camper-so far so good!

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  Stay away! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By idl1975 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Depreciation is horribe: my car has cost me $5k MORE so far than the 99 BMW M3 I was considering, and the used BMW would have come with a _better_ warranty. The V6 cars esp. have reliability issues, including a clutch/throw-out-brg issue. Check the web owners groups to see. Mitsus warranty coverage is a joke - said owners groups are full of reports of people refused warranty repairs. Despite advertising claims, its no sports car, just a Galant with a body kit. If you must buy front-wheel-drive, try an Acura RSX. Otherwise a certified-used German sedan with a good warranty will depreciate less and deliver a lot more fun.

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  Cant wait to sell it - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Puglove - September 9 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my Eclipse new and the second week I had a tick in the engine and my exhaust rattled. The dealer had no explanation for the tick except to change the oil...did nothing. My CD changer went out in year 3. The air conditioning controls also went out...the fan works but no cold air except for #1 on the dial. I now also have some loud rubbing noise coming from the back end. When driving it sounds like something is open as you hear all road noises. When it rains something in the hatch leaks. The gas mileage is good however and this car has pep even with the air on (if the air works that is). This is my first foreign car and will be my last. Mits has made me frown on foreign.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ink - September 5 - 5:46 am

  I bought this car in 2006 straight off the truck (literally). Im one of about 5 people in a 50 mile radius that even owns a 4G Eclipse, there is no torque steer if you dont floor it from a dead stop. Handling issues are pretty much B.S., I took a turn going 60 mph with no problems haha, and I can go through curves at 75 mph, so whatever. Noisey exhaust? haha its an import - hello!!!!

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  Love the car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By durachal - September 5 - 2:00 am

  As a whole the car is great, needs a little more power...

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  1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dsmbasshead - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, as a replacement for my 2002 Mercury Cougar C2, and I think the eclipse was, by my standards, definitely an upgrade! First of, the exterior styling. The "2G" eclipse is definitely, the best looking generation IMO. I love the body lines, even the uneven hood. The interior is some what bland, but the curves of the dash and panels keep you entertained, although the interior pattern is ugly. Performance on this, for a 2.0l DOHC L4, is awesome! It beats hondas all day and Ive even run agains a Dodge Ram Hemi and won! Its has its flaws, such as questionable build quality on less important components, but over all its a great car with good fuel economy, thats really fun to drive!

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  WOW! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Adam - August 28 - 6:10 am

  For the price, the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is the best car out there. It has an awesome warranty, looks at least $10,000 expensive more than it is. A dude at the gas station looked shocked when he asked about the price and I said that I got it for around $20,000. This car is nice and fast. It is one of the best looking cars out on the road. It provides great comfort for front passengers, but the rear seats are just for show (thats why its not a 10). It has a good sized trunk for lugging around my hockey equipment. Mine is the awesome new color of pearlescent orange (think metallic orange that looks red at night and bright orange in sunlight)

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  02 ECLIPSE IN LONGVIEW - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rjshep - August 25 - 10:00 am

  MY 02 ECLIPSE IS A JOY TO DRIVE. IT HANDLES WELL IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER, DEFINATLY DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR, GETS GREAT GAS MILEAGE, AND LOOK GREAT AS WELL. THERE HAS BEEN NO REPAIRS REQUIRED TO ANY WORKING PARTS, JUST REGULAR MAINTENANCE. LOOKS GOOD, FEELS GREAT AND IS PRICED RIGHT FOR ANYONE. THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR LUGGAGE AS WELL.