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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  Gets Job Done - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ramesq - April 16 - 10:43 pm

  It was not a difficult choice, $0 down and 1.9% financing for 5 years. Decent acceleration, doesnt require premium gas, getting 26mpg combined, 39,700 with no problems whatsoever. Handles well and fairly quiet and comfortable. Shifter could be smoother and abs and side air bags not offered. Yes, there are other cars that offer more for the money (wife has Jetta with leather and abs and side airbags for same price) but in a cash crunch, Mitsu financing difficult to beat.

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  Very Fast Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ronnie and Clyde - April 11 - 5:03 pm

  Do not down shift at 80 mph from 6th to 3rd gear and expect the clutch to last, from a technicians perspective. Also, from a technicians perspective this is a great car to own and drive. Im certified to work on all types of vehicles and this is the one I choose for my wife to drive based on its fun, ease to drive, and reliability.

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  I love my car - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By naxboy - April 9 - 8:33 am

  This is the best car that I have ever driven. I love it all the way.

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  Fun To Drive, But... - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Sarah - April 6 - 8:06 pm

  Well Ive had my 07 Eclipse GS for about three months now so I think I have a good enough feel for the pros and cons to rate this car and give it a review. First of all the car looks GREAT. The design on the exterior is so innovative and curvy. The interior is a beautiful blue color at night thanks to the little blue LED lights inside the dash. However, the plastic on the doors and other parts of the interior IS CHEAP. I barely knick the door and theres a scratch. I cant have anyone sit in the back if there wearing heels because I am afraid they might scratch the plastic. I really hate the fear of scratching my plastic every time I take a ride, but over all the car is nice.

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  MITSUBISHI ABSOLUTELY RULES THE ROAD - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By PET - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 2003 eclipse GTS and it is truly the best car Ive ever purchased. PERIOD!!

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  05 Eclipse Remix Edition - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John Burch - March 24 - 3:16 am

  Bought my Eclipse 3 months ago and love it. Looks like a Ferarri, but more affordable, and easy on the gas. Couldve used a bigger engine for more torque, but is a lot of fun to drive with the 4 cyl. I love this car, best one Ive ever owned and has a great warranty and service agreement. Handles great, and comes flying out of corners like a bat outta hell!

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  Traction questions on 08 Eclipse - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By carnut - March 15 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned my Eclipse gs for about four months now with about 4,000 miles on it and found it to be fun to drive, good acceleration and a great sound system but I am noticing that in wet weather the car loses traction around curves and slides and wonder what it will be like in winter driving with snow and ice other than that the car is pretty nice.

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  2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Great Ride - March 11 - 3:30 pm

  I bought my silver 00 Eclipse GT in October of 99 off the showroom floor with 7 miles on the odo. I have 73000 miles on the car as of Jan 2008 and have never had any issues, just regular maintainance. Its been the most fun car Ive ever owned. It spends the night in the garage so it still looks showroom new. The only minor warranty issues were that the left foot rest pad broke off, dealer replaced for free. Rear speakers lost some power and dealer couldnt figure out why. Original tires lasted 60K miles, and I replaced the rear brakepads early due to uneven wear. I would recommend a mitsubishi to anyone.

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  EXCELLENT RIDE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrs - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Eclipse because of the performance figures and got sooo much more. This ride is EXCELLENT!! fully loaded (no need for extras--except the alloy fuel door). I highly recommed at the very least a test drive--you will be impressed.

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  I love my Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By abulldog4us - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my eclipse this month because of all the incentives. I have to admit at first I didnt really think much of the car, seen a few on the road.I liked the body so I decided to go down and test drive one.I drove the GTS and I was really impressed. The acceleration and handling were phenominal.In my opinion I think that this car is very underrated.The reason I would say this is,I read a lot of reviews in magazines and I think they were far from the truth about this car.To top it all off, my no hassle salesman Matt was awesome.I would recomend this vehicle to everyone. If youre considering a sports car give this one a chance before you buy.