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:

• 

  Good car for the money. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Zhenia - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in June of 2000. Since then I put 65,000 miles on it. Overall, I am happy with it. The price for it was just under $18K. The 0-60 time is rather slow, about 8.6 secs. I would have liked it to be faster. The back seats are cramped. However, the front seats are rather comfortable and arch my back very well. I like the stereo system. Its loud and pretty clear for my ears. I like the looks of an Eclipse. In my opinion Celicas are plain ugly so I went with Eclipse. So far I havent had any major problems or repairs other than your usual change oil, brakes, tires routine.

• 

  One exellent Ride - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MC - April 6 - 7:33 am

  I bought my Eclipse GT @ 74k miles. Now 2 3/4 years later its up to 121,645 and not one major problem has occurred. I have done all scheduled maintenance as per the service manual, and I always use 91 octane fuel and synthetic oils. My car is a blast to drive especially with windows and sunroof open and the 600 watt sound system blasting my favorite rock music. My car obtains between 24/28 mpg and have recorded an astounding 32 mpg on one tank for a 1k mile trip one way on a 3.0L V6 automatic! For those who complain about bad mpg just remember what Jeremy Clarkson said "its not what you drive but how you drive it" case in point Prius vs. M3 mpg test, Top Gear.

• 

  Fun, affordable, and good looking - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By bradk - April 1 - 11:00 am

  I bought my Eclipse (2001 Black GT) about a year and a half ago. I try to keep it out of the sun, however the roof is still beginning to fade and crack a little bit. Great fun to drive, could use a little more power but that would sacrifice the decent MPG. Easy to drive. Rear spoiler in the way occasionally, but not too bad. Corner support beam could be a little smaller for better visibility, Great look, great sound. Performance alright for the price range, I would call it a very sporty car, not a sports car. Never had any major mechanical issues, it used idle a little quick but just a minor adjustment. My trunk lid (part separating trunk from cabin) broke, no big deal. Not a bad buy.

• 

  Eclipse 07 GS - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Rob - March 31 - 12:33 am

  Purchased as a first car for my daughter but Im driving it more than she. Every time I drive it Im more impressed. Today I drove a combination of interstate and U.S. Rt 1 from Richmond, VA to D.C. in heavy downpours and lots of standing water with my wife and daughter onboard and felt in control at all times. Always looking for an excuse to drive. Peppy, sporty ride and handling, great braking, tight steering, just overall fun to drive. Lots of compliments on styling with the sunset color. Weird because I was looking for BMWs when my daughter talked me into driving it. The price was $500 more than Kelley Blue Book TRADE IN with the balance of a 6 year, 60,000 mile warranty.

• 

  Worst Car that I have Ever Owned - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By clrcode - March 29 - 7:33 pm

  Since buying my 2000 Eclipse it had the transmission re-built at about 30,000 miles, this took three weeks or more. The sunroof has never worked right. When car was under warranty it was in shop about nine times the first two years just for the sunroof. At about 65,000 miles the transmission is giving me trouble again. The car was in the shop dozens of times for different reasons. After complaining to Mitsubishi about the car while under factory warranty I was then told by the dealer if I did not stop complaining about the car they would refuse to work on it. This was said in front of Mitsubishi District Manager. Guess its okay to sell a car to you, but fixing it was another story. I would never recommend any Mitsubishi to anyone.

• 

  I love this car! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ryan - March 29 - 11:50 am

  I have had my Eclipse for about five months now. I really enjoy this car! Once the 4 banger is broken in it really wakes up and has no problem leaving rubber! It drives very smoothly with very little body role. It allso has a remarkable stereo! The bass can shake the car next to you! Every time I look at the car it looks sleeker and more sexy. I sugest you go look at one up close and soak up the car from all angles and you will see what I mean. Pictures do not do this car justice, you need to see it up close.

• 

  2006 Eclipse - Buy It! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Mike R - March 29 - 4:03 am

  This mid 40s male retires the family minivan to buy the Eclipse GS manual trans (couldnt afford a Porsche). I got both the Sun & Sound and Accessory packages, which both add nice features. The GS is more than peppy enough around town to get me into trouble, but it could use a few more HP on the highway to pass. It really begins to shine on twisty backroads. Its acceleration, handling, and braking are all excellent. This car is built very well - no squeaks or rattles. Its fit and finish are execellent. The ride is a little harsh depending on road surface, but hey, its a sports car. It is a real head turner and its even got a little growl from the intake/exhaust. It is very fun to drive! Compared to the Mustang, RX8 and 305Z - this is a much better value.

• 

  Bought this new in 1998 - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Texaseclipse - March 7 - 2:00 am

  GS-T..I bought this car new in 98 and have 62K miles on it. I have only changed the tires and battery. Replaced the filter with K&N and thats it. Very fast and great car to own. Drive to work every day at 90 to 100+MPH (early morning highway) for 6 years and engine does not complain. Top speed I have had it at 145. I have recently went to mobile one oil just to keep things trouble free. If you can get one that has not been beat on grab it!

• 

  Car of my dreams... - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Marybeth - March 5 - 1:56 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is an absolute dream to drive. It is fast and responsive. It handles like a race car. You bearly realize the change from 80 to 100 mph. Curvy country roads become a challenge - how fast can YOU do them at? It drives well on slick or icy roads, too. The traction control keeps it in line. The most fun part is that it is the first car Ive ever owned that actually stops traffic. People stop to look at it.

• 

  Fun, powerful car! - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jimmy973 - February 28 - 1:00 pm

  Bought this car about a month ago and all I can say is wow. This car has performance, style, and a price that had it sitting in my driveway. Acceleration is great from the V6 paired with the 5 speed! I find myself punching the gas for no reason other than good clean fun.