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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Great car, but do your homework. - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Slowrider - October 19 - 10:23 pmThis is not a car for beginners and shorter folks. The gas mileage is decent usually 20-25 mpg, if you want v6 power you get v6 mileage. Make sure you understand repair cost if you decide to purchase this car for the long run. For instance timing belt is usually $300-500 depending on where you get it done and the MAF sensor is between $110-625 depending on where you go. It does take time to get used to seeing properly. If you are a good driver itll take about a week. The car does understeer and takes some time to get use to but it can take bumps and bad roads fairly well.
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Best Bang for your Buck - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Speedyvonquick - October 15 - 2:00 amA well rounded performer thats great looking, put together well, and fun to drive. Just purchased this weekend & got a great deal. Check out www.carsdirect.com before you buy ANY car and save big money! Their quote was $2,000 under what the dealership was quoting. I got the sun & sound package with leather. Leather is a must in this car as the fabric seats are very spongy and soft. Ill write another review after Ive put some miles on it.
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Fast and Fun - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Paul in Massachusett - September 28 - 10:00 amThe body design is outstanding. Its a future classic. The 6 cylinder 5 speed manual has a lot of get up and go. For the price, it beats the competition hands down. Just be ready for everyone that pulls up next to you at a light. They all want to race you.
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good in winter - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Alison - September 22 - 2:00 amI didnt set out to buy this car, was sort of conned into it by a boyfriend, then stuck with it when he didnt buy it off of me like he said he would. When I moved to Vermont I thought no way this car would last one winter. Now Im on my third winter. I put on studded snow tires and this car handles better than a 4x4. People are surprised when I tell them. Sure it still cant handle deep snow, but roads are usually plowed, so its not a problem. Its amazing how much you can fit in the hatch.
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2003 Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Spider - September 22 - 2:00 amI love this car
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Nice Ride - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Jackson Murphy - September 21 - 10:00 amIve had this car for close to two years now and Ive got nothing but praise to say. Ive never had to take it into the shop for anything but an oil change, and it still drives smooth as the day I purchased it. If youre after a sporty car with some punch then I highly reccomend it.
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Good buy - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By leopard - September 20 - 2:00 amI bought the car in 2000 with sunroof and rear spoiler, and ahd a low interest loan on it. I drove 100 miles a day for the first a year and half, it never gave me any problem, just regular maintenance. It made my 2 hour commute a fun instead of a boring long driving. Now I have 50K on this car and still runs like new.
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Better than expected gas mileage - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By IowaWinters - September 11 - 10:03 pmOther than maintenance items this car has been super reliable. It sits low to the ground but still got around in 7.5 inches of snow this winter. Granted I have pretty new tires on it! Stock brake rotors are crap - invest in some nice aftermarket ones. I put on drilled and slotted rotors and can stop on a dime! This summer I think Ill figure out why the A/C drips on my foot. Have heard the A/C vent tube can get clogged on these. Got 114,500 miles on it now and hope to get at least 200,000 out of it!
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Keep on reading... dont give up! - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Armin - September 11 - 10:00 amFor the price I paid for this car I think it was the best on the market. As far as toys and looks go it is a very very good car. If you are not planning to race around professionally, the performance is good enough for you and the stereo system, design, etc., makes the car look more expensive than it actually is.
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I love my car.. Its has been good to me - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Isimiyake - September 10 - 10:00 amI got my car in October of 1997 as a birthday present. It is the 98 model. My car had 9 miles on it when it was purchased. It now has 112K. I have not had ANY major problems with my car. Yes, I did have to replace the harmonic balance about a year and a half ago but other than that I had no major problems. For those of you just starting out I must say you have a great car. The check engine light came on about 4 months ago and it turned out to be just a wire needing to be replaced. I have the 5 speed and it is so much fun to drive. I am now in the market for a SUV (more room) but I am keeping my Eclipse and will do so for many years to come.
