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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  Sporty n good lookin car - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Christy - August 24 - 10:43 pm

  Bought this car in 07 with 70k, now it has 86k and still runs smooth. The only thing that Ive had to replace so far were the motor mounts.. Other than that the car has been reliable and hasnt given me any problems *knock on wood* Of course, any car will last you provided you dont floor it every second and keep up with regular maintenance. Quick (v6) and fun to drive with the sportronic, nowhere near a manual tho, Decent ride on the roads. Believe it or not after 9 yrs it still turns some heads! Opening the hatch is great resistance exercise for my arms ;) Comfortable for me in the front but I feel sorry for whoever has to sit in the back but hey, thats a 2door for ya!

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  Looks arent everything - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryalage - August 23 - 10:00 am

  For looks, I love this car. Its one of those cars that I have to turn around a look at whenever I walk away from it. The interior isnt perfect, but close. It falls short with the steering wheel placement. The gauges are covered by the top of the wheel when the tilt is set for best comfort. And this car is a blast to drive. Theres just enough power, but the handling could be better. Then the problems start. The clutch rattles, the sunroof jitters when opening, the rotors warp VERY easily, the interior (dash, consoles) shakes and Ive had the bearings replaced. These are all common problems with the 3rd generation Eclipse.

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  Beautiful Car - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ilikemoney3 - August 20 - 12:35 pm

  This car is pretty nice to have it is fun to drive but not the best unfortunately. I wanna start with the pros of this car. Looks are sharp! I mean my kalapana black eclipse turns heads all the time and gets me solid compliments. Its a nice little 4 banger perfect for me and my chick. Installed HID 8000k lights, LED interior and License plate LED, modded exhaust, and Cold Air Intake.

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  Practically Perfect - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By drc - August 17 - 8:06 pm

  I have had three other Eclipses - a 1992, which I traded after a few months for an identical model that was turbocharged, and then a 2000 Eclipse GT. This one is obviously the best of the bunch. Every feature, from the radio to the door locks to the dash to the seats to the glove box - everything - is better than the previous model, and I liked my 2000 very much. I can say that I have had absolutely no mechanical problems with any of my Eclipses. I drove the last one over five years and only changed the oil and the tires. They have been totally problem free. I cross shopped this with the Nissan 350Z - too many tire problems, and the Chrylser Crossfire - which I decided was too small.

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  I love my car - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By ken - August 17 - 12:53 am

  Great car. Handles like a much more expensive sports car with sporty styling. Great acceleration for a 4 cylinder and truly a fun drive. It is a 2 door hatchback that makes you excited to go anywhere. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  pretty awesome! - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jay215 - August 14 - 8:20 pm

  good and its really a Reliability car!

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  awesome car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jayme - July 30 - 10:00 am

  ive had my car for about 3 months and it has not let me down yet. this is my dream car and i finally got it. i was so happy. its comphy,its nice inside and out, fun to drive + lots and lots more!

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  Over 115,00 and still running - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Toledored - July 29 - 7:36 am

  I was third owner and bought with 68,000miles. It is 4 years later and over 115,000 miles and running great! Very impressed with its high performance and handling. Still zippy and fun to drive; handles very well in snow, as long as its not too deep as the car sets low. Have had issues with aluminum rims and having to replace tires that wont seal the rims. Added a remote start so car heats quickly in cold. Had to replace shocks initially, but no problem in 4 years.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Skyler - July 26 - 9:33 pm

  I bought it used at about 50,000 miles, and only had to replace the clutch and tires from the original. Believe it or not the brake pads have never been replaced in eight years! No major problems, only maintenance costs. Very reliable car. Alright in snow. And for some reason every girl that sees it falls in love with it. Thats never a bad thing. I drive all in the city and still get 25 mpg in the winter, and 28 in the winter.

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  It Just Feels Right - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Bizbomb - July 22 - 2:00 am

  If your looking for an exhilarating new car experiance, stop here. The Exclipse GT Premium is by far the best value in a sports car. Just test drive one down a country road with some tight turn and you will see. The more I drive mine, the deeper I fall in love. It is a car truly designed around the driver and their needs.