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:

• 

  Style and Quality - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By RED - May 29 - 12:06 pm

  The Eclipse is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. I love it. It has more of a head-turning factor than cars costing $100,000 more. I am a little disappointed in the gas mileage it is giving me. Im getting around 16 to 17 in the city, tis is for a 4-cyl. NOT GOOD! Its not what the sticker said and NOT what I expected from a 4 cyl vehicle. My old car was a 6-cyl. and I got the same gas mileage, but had more power.

• 

  03 Mitsubishi - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By C.Mozeley - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My 03 has 150K miles, purchased new in 02. Replaced front struts within 2 months. Have replaced the brake pads and rotors 4 times. The brakes start pulsating after 3500 - 4500 miles. Also, 3 heat shields have rusted off, 1 of them within a years time. Dealership advised me not park on dry grass. Sunroof sticks. Rusty inside engine compartment.

• 

  It Makes Me Smile - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By very cool machine - May 21 - 11:50 am

  The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Coupe is a joy. Its very fast and fun to drive.

• 

  Most fun I ever had - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By BBusnardo - May 2 - 2:00 am

  When I was buying my car it was between the RSX and my GT that I got. Im so glad I got the Eclipse GT. I have a 5-speed manual and I love opening that door every morning and sitting in the drivers seat. The ride is a thrill and the engine roars as you take off.

• 

  ??? - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By terry24 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  95k in 3yrs. Fun car with hot design qualities. However alot of rattleing noises.Questionable about how solid this car is built. Replaced a motor mount. All other components ok. Still have yet to prove itself in the long haul as the miles rack up.

• 

  I love it!!!! - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By sherellem - April 12 - 9:43 am

  I love the car. I am a small person so it fits me well. I get compliments everywhere I go syaing how nice the car it and how its perfect for me. Itys has great speed on the highway which I love, but the pick-up is a little slow. Its excellent on gas (which is a plus at these prices). Its warms up fast in cold weather, but fishtails a little in the snow (which I do not like). Overall, for the price, its worth it. I love it a great deal. A few little adjustments and it would be perfect!!!!! I recommend it.

• 

  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

• 

  Always trust Mitsu. - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Krissie - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Very skeptical when I purchased. Nice handling though, very smooth, not much power though. RS couldnt get up hill past 30 mph. Overall Im pleased. I was already not expecting much, but its more trustworthy then I thought it would be. Just make sure you do your homework.

• 

  Its a good sports coupe - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MYA - April 4 - 12:30 am

  Its a solid built car and very enjoyable to drive. So far I had one problem with power seat but fixed under warranty no problem. The handling is not as agile as Calica or RSX. You should rather cross shop V6 GT to V6 Accord or Solara.

• 

  Great used sports car for the money - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jane0283 - March 11 - 3:53 am

  I love my GTS. I bought it with 23,000 miles and have had it for a year and a half now and already have over 50,000. I havent had any problems with the engine and it handles well. Its the best used fwd sports car you can get for the money. Its a good looking car, great features, lots of cargo space, great gas mileage, plenty of power, comfortable seats, and great sounding stereo. There are only a few negatives. I had one blow out on the highway and then an air leakage, and the tires probably had another 10,000 miles left on them. Another issue is how low the car sits. Be prepared to ruin your bumper going into bad parking lots, and it has a horrible turning radius.