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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 775.00-
Fun and dependable - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By gmeeper - January 15 - 2:00 amWhen I bought this car it was only because it looked good and I didnt care about anything else. Ive had the car for 4+ years now and am still amazed at how well built and dependable this car has been. Ive never had any problems with the car and for a sportscar is surprisingly spacious. I once even crammed 7 people into the car. I make many trips to Lowes and Home Depot and am still amazed at how much can fit into this car. Even after all this years, my car can still beat most off the line and gets great gas milage. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who needs a versitle car that looks damn good!
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Days Geaux By - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Frank1963 - January 10 - 10:00 amGreat little car to drive, no hassles, no problems thus far.
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Buy It! - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By clk_dlk - January 8 - 10:00 amWasnt my first choice of car but after test driving the Celica, VW GTI V6, and the Mitsu, the Mitsu won hands down. Long drives are no problem and gas milage seems high for a car like this, but no complaints on that! Seems a little sluggish in the lower speeds but watch out or youll be hitting 85 and not know it. Biggest problem is getting any after market items. Mitsubishi has that area cornered for now.
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First Time Like it. - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Fawad Q - January 8 - 1:50 amWell i went to buy a Tibron but end up with 07 Eclipse, Nice Car, First time own a 2dr. Sport like car. Its not really a Sports car but its act like it. Sound System, design, Wheels, All around is good car. I did some long trips and very comfortable. It has more room then TC, Tibron for back seats, and really its an Head turner. I bought in 4 cyl. wish bought it in 6 cyl. and 6 speed Manual. Next Time. So if you like style Modifications Oh yes! Forget about Honda, Toyota, Get this one with 10 years of warranty... wowo... see you around.
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My Clipze - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Anthony - January 3 - 6:26 amDriving this car is very fun and pleasurable. The 07 Eclipse is a great head turner. Its styling is awesome. Road trips in it are comfortable and its performance is A-OK even with the 4-cyl. engine and the A/C on. Overall the car is top notch. We are very happy owners of this vehicle.
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Fun to Drive - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Great Ride - January 2 - 10:00 pmThis is a really fun car to drive. Great body style, super sound system & pretty good gas mileage.
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GSX ONLY - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By vantweek44 - January 1 - 2:00 amI love everything about this car.. There are a few fixes that should be done, better bushings in the shifter. A bigger turbo for sure,also the tire size is a bit big Mybe a 17x7 in stead of 17x7.5.. Overall this is my first import and Im hooked Thanks DSM.
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Eclipse Design Saved My Teen Driver - 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Eppie - December 29 - 4:56 pmMy daughter was in a horrible accident yesterday in her 2008 Eclipse. I bought the car for the safety rating and airbags. She and her passenger flipped end over end 3 times before coming to a rest 50 ft from the highway on the roof of the vehicle. They were going 75 (the speed limit on this hwy). They both walked away with minor scratches. THANK YOU Mitsubishi for your excellent car - it saved my kids life.
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My Second Eclipse - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By Sandi Lubisco - December 29 - 3:03 pmI Traded an 01 for the 07 Eclipse. I loved my 01 model, but had to trade it in. My new car handles easily and is very sleek. The 07 Eclipse is not just for the young, but for anyone. I am 61 years old I know I will love my new car as much as my old one.
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Eclipse GT 5 sp mt - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
By rx8rotary04 - December 24 - 11:45 pmthis was my first 5 sp mt car. it was a blast to drive for a first semi sports car. the handling was fantastic as well as the power (for what it is). a buddy of mine has the same car with not many major issues but i on the other hand got the lemon of all eclipses. bad belt bad motor mount bad tranny mount bad ebrake cable and many other things. before i sold it something would clunk and make the whole car feel as if it was about to fall into pieces but no one could figure out what it was so i had to sell the car and take a huge loss.
