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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  Awsome - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By heyu415 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my eclipse and as the owner of three generations of eclipse this one is the best one of all. I didnt think I would own another eclipse since Ive owned 2 other previous eclipses. (92 & 97) both of which I had over 150,000 miles without any problems. Of all the sports car Ive test drove this new eclipse had the best of everything. Power, handling, comfort and reliability. I have 62,000 miles on it now and have had no problems at all. I only chnage my oil once every 10,000 miles not the usual 3-5,000 miles. Thats why I love it..Low maintanence! My one advice...Just test drive it and youll know what im talking about.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By timm - August 22 - 11:33 pm

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a really fun car. It drives really smoothly, has great power and is surprisingly very comfortable.

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  Nice GT Ride - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By XYZ - August 22 - 2:46 am

  The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is a nice ride. I have only done city driving, I cant wait for a mountain ride this weekend. It has lots of low end torque, and it pulls it to the right when pressing the acceleration. The sporty ride is comfortable for long jaunts and the 6-speed manual transmission is very very fun to drive. The interiors, are clean, minimalistic, and functional, including the back seat. You can only fit two adults comfortably, however you can fold the split rear seats for cargo space. Its a little wide, however its a Galant with a different body, and sportier suspension, which is not a bad thing. The body style is modern, its an American sized GT coupe. I am looking forward to a road trip to try it out.

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  Remix edition - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By lisa - August 21 - 8:20 am

  This is my 2nd Eclipse and is the Remix Edition. Eclipses handle very well, are quick, reliable and fun to drive. Drove the first one 150K+ miles/9 years. It never left me stranded. The 2005 seems even better built and the warranty is excellent. The remix edition came with a great option package for the money. Anyone buying an Eclipse wont be disappointed. For a female driver it is a perfect comfort fit size wise. The interior seems to be better put together than the previous body style was. Buyers should understand that with any Eclipse, they will have to handle the scheduled maintenance/parts replacement tasks very responsibly or the car definitely lets you know its time.

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  I love my Eclipse - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Jezababy - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted an Eclipse. I fell in love with the body style from 1997, and I like the new body style just as much. I treated myself to a brand new GTS as soon as I graduated college this year, and I love it!

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  Its Worth It! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By unknown - August 14 - 9:13 pm

  This car gets outstanding mpg ( miles per gallon) for its year and Mitsubishi put in the awd 5spd turbo engine which lets the car punish the pavement. Also, because its a awd car, its a bit easier to drive during winter time because it gets better traction when all the wheels move instead of a 2wd car. This car is reliable, fast, sharp looking, and fuel efficient. This car has all the consumer needs and wants!!!

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  We Luv It - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By argentum - August 11 - 11:16 am

  OK. So Car and Driver and Motor Trend hate this car. Consumer Reports didnt care much for it either. This fifty year old couple read the positive consumer reviews here and at CU, threw caution to the wind after test driving one, and bought it. Well, whats not to like? Aside from good looks, the Eclipse runs and rides just fine. Its way smoother and quieter than the Acura RSX-S that we just finished leasing. The five speed stick is a breeze, the ride is composed and handling is surprisingly tight. I prefer the good low end torque to high revving horsepower. Get the upgraded Rockford- Fosgate sound system. It blows away the Acura Bose.

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  Not bad but parts can be expensive - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By capitan_ed - August 6 - 2:42 pm

  The overall car isnt bad. I got the car used from a dealed about 7 years ago and put 90k miles of my own for a total of 150k (actual mileage). I gave all it maintenance and regular oil changes. The engine is not as strong as I would like to. I had to reapir it and change multiple valves, gaskets and resolve loss of pressure inside the engine. I live in CA and the smog regulations are strict here I had to get rid off the car for not passing the smog check because the catalytic converter worth more than the car itself. Not for tall people defenitly!

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  Still as fun as day one - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrmd - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Funny how there are a couple of reviews that complain about the interior workmanship. I have put over 20k per year on this can and it is as tight inside and out as the day I bought it...........not to mention as fun too. Its not a Porsche or a Ferrari but damn its still fun. Plus it tops its price range in getting looks.

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  I Love My Eclipse - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By uprights - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth car with a Mitsubishi engine. The first was a Dodge Shadow, then came a Plymouth Laser, then my first Eclipse (a turbo), and finally my current 6 cylinder Eclipse. These cars are so reliable - and the Eclipses are fun to drive. The only thing that is marginal is the stereo system.