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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  2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mecks one - March 9 - 12:36 am

  The 4-cyl. version of this car isnt so bad, but it does have its problems. The fuel economy for one is garbage and I dont know when it will get to the actually mpg the sticker states. The exterior of course is great and unique. The engine is noisy when up to about 3,500 rpm and then worse when shifting. I need to change the exhaust and the intake to atleast make the sound somewhat better. The brakes already scream and this was at about 2,000 miles. The fwd on this car may cause the steering to stick if you punch too hard on a turn. Also, it is hard to start at times. In all honesty this is a great car and with a few mods (which they need to come out with faster) things should be great..

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  Great car, Great price - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By mrfagan68 - March 8 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car used with only 15,000 miles on it. Used to be a rental. I absolutely love the body. The interior is great, mostly at night with the blue interior lights. The car draws lots of attention, thank God this comes standard with security. Surprised to find such power in a 4 cylinder. I test drove a 6 cylinder, the extra pick up was better but not enough to make me want it. The 6 also requires premium gas and when purchasing this, gas was definitely an issue. The gas mileage is okay if youre not running and gunning. I love the way the engine sounds and the handling is pretty good. I like the fact that there is more room than in the older models.

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  2000 Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By MMTH4 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply awesome! The new body style is absolutely great. Although it is a V4, dont hold that against it. It is quick, peppy, and fun to drive. Whenever you get ready to go somewhere, you get a rush of excitment! If you are looking for a reliable and fast sport compact import, this is the way to go! There is also a wide range of after-market parts available for those street racers out there!

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  Not so good - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By KellyDee - January 17 - 2:23 am

  Not the best car ever. I only get about 23 mpg doing regular driving of city and highway combined. Stock 10 point rims were bent and found out everyone was having problems with these rims, causing accidents. I replaced them immediately. Paint is peeling from a cheap clear coat. Second gear doesnt always catch. A lot of people have these problems, not just me. Trunk pulls broke. The only good thing is its fun to drive, and looks good. Handles turns pretty well. And does not suck up much oil at all.

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  We Love It But There Are Problems - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By argentum - December 22 - 12:20 pm

  This car reminds me in some ways of the pony cars of yesteryear. Its heavy, wide and long and low to the ground. But of course its way better. The 6 cyl is more responsive than most of the old 8s. The car handles far more sweetly and the inside is quiet. Even though the ride is tight, its not too hard. And all around mpg is always over 20. There are problems though. During fairly hard cornering on right turns there is a noise from the left side that sounds like a blown cv joint. Slowing down at highway speeds produces some serious vibration especially in the steering wheel.Interior fit and finish is awful.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Andi82 - November 2 - 7:13 am

  I love to drive my car but it is having an issue and the dealer does not know whats wrong because there are not codes. The good thing is that my warranty is not up till 12/09. Its not a fast car but its a blast to drive it corners great and has tones of low end power.

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  This car eats up gas - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By b.garhid - October 16 - 8:40 pm

  This car is beautiful, but non reliable had it for a month and the starter died, the battery died and did I mention it gets 12 mpg city and a decent 18 mpg highway the car is pretty fast though but I hate it when a neon srt-4 can beat me and get better gas mileage at the same time

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  Fast and Fun, but FULL of Problems - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Leepoffaith - October 4 - 10:56 pm

  My 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is good looking and very fun to drive, BUT it is plagued with problems. Ive replaced the oil sensor ($125), had the brakes re-surfaced 4 times (stock rotors are horrible), motor mounts, had to have the heat shield removed because it was making noises, there are rattles all over the car, I have 2 bent rims (each would be $400 from the dealer), the stock tires are junk, the clutch rattles when disengaged in netrual, and the transmission likes to grind for no reason! Not to mention the bearing rattle that everyone has. Do your research! There are many websites out there that will tell you all the problems these cars have. Listen to what they say and then make your own decision

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  Huge Turning Radius - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Keith - September 4 - 9:00 pm

  Overall, I am very happy with this vehicle. I think the interior could be "spiffed up" a bit, but generally it is ok. The blue dash is great at night. The only real issue I have is that for being such a small car, it weighs a lot, and the turning radius is that of a Super Duty Pickup. Allow yourself plenty of swing when trying to fit into a parking space!

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  Had mine for 6 years now. - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By John Carvajal - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my GSX new back in 1998. I made some modifications over the years to the exhaust and intake. Strut tower braces front and rear help to cure the cars roll during high speed cornering. There are differences in the 4G63 engine from the 1G to the 2G, mainly the turbo and intake manifold. The GSX is the best model because of the AWD and 4G63 engine. The non turbo models have to deal with a Dodge Neon engine that is very troublesome. As with any car, follow the maintenance schedule religiously and you wont have a problem. Ive used synthetic oil since it came home, and Ive had no valve issues or oil squirter blockage that causes the 4G63 valve click.