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:

• 

  Overall A Good Buy - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By joey45 - August 21 - 2:51 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and a headturner for sure. I have 62K on the car and have had virtually no problems except one big problem. My breaks became spongy after 50K. Since it was past the 5 year warrenty I had to pay for the repairs myself. Bleeding the breaks worked for a few months, then the problem came back. Next, it was thought to be the master cylinder, that was replaced and then the problem came back after a few months. Now all thats left is the booster, which may be faulty. So overall this problem is going to end up costing me over $800. Also outside trim/molding for this car is HORRBle. It was worn out after only 6 1/2 years. Cost to fix? $925

• 

  My 2003 Eclipse GTS - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rmitch86 - August 18 - 10:18 am

  I owned a 2001 GS for a few years i inherited it from my parents when they traded up i loved it. When that car was rear ended and totalled in december i purchased a 2003 eclipse GTS gun metal grey. It has 74k and running great. My 01 got up to 212k and was running like a champ. Just do your sched maint. and keep an eye on problem areas. Both have been 5 speed and the feel of the clutch and the way the shifter pops into place is great. Very fun car to drive especially in the summer with the windows down and sunroof open. as long as you take car of the car and keep up with it the eclipse will treat you right. even stock its a head turner.

• 

  Rocket #2 - 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By tashaluv2 - August 8 - 8:08 pm

  Just bought the 05 last week it has the slap shifter its nice but our 98 is more fun,the downside is the Cost for basic Mait I Pd $260.00 for O2 sensors x 3 yep theres 3 & spark plugs & wires are gonna cost a bit & will be a job & Dealer charges 325.00 & Dont loose ur Keys esp the Spare ours came w 1 key & I was told 1 key was $300.00 but if U buy one online & only need Dealer to prog it cost is $50.00 Ouch I miss goin & havin one made for few bucks Geeze

• 

  Easy ar to own - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By AHG - July 27 - 10:00 am

  After 60K miles this car continues to be trouble free. I have replaced rotors myself at 30K and OEM tires after 58K. I have yet to take it to a dealer except for an alloy fuel cover that dealer replaced when it corroded. This car is under rated. Im 62" and I have headroom and legroom. It handles well, runs smooth and still looks new.

• 

  Eclipse Owner - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Eclipse owner - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for almost three years, and until now I have had no problems whatsoever. However, recently I found that there was a problem with the ignition switch that is prevalent in all Eclipses. When it goes bad, the clock, radio, and air conditioning will sometimes not work. If I had not purchased my extended warranty, it would have cost $282 to have fixed. Other than this, I have loved my car.

• 

  Dont drive to work - 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By A - July 7 - 9:40 pm

  From the day I bought the car, I just liked it, not loved it. I didnt buy it for the gas mileage, so I wasnt expecting good mileage. The power was fun (manual makes it better), but I notice all the other things like the blind spot, rough ride and road noise. To top it off, when I took the car in for a shimmy while braking, I was told that it is normal for the rotors to have to be resurfaced every 10,000 miles. So have fun with the car, just dont use the brakes.

• 

  Zippity do dah - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Purchasinggirl - July 5 - 1:03 am

  I love this car! I have had people stop and take pictures of it with their cell phones. I am always being stopped and asked if thats the new Eclipse. The interior lights are great. The down side is that it is hard to backup because of the rear visibility. There is basically no back seat and it is difficult for tall people to fit in the front. I would have liked to have automatic door locks which is not an option. I feel safer knowing my doors have locked for me when I put the car in park. Lets not forget the stereo rocks!

• 

  Amazing Car. - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Ømar Chafee - June 4 - 8:42 pm

  I had a dark red 06 Eclipse GT with that "rare" black strip going down the front bumper. It was a beautiful car I bought a nice spoiler for it too. It really drove great, I had it from 75 K miles to 115 K miles until it was hit by a drunk driver, totaling it. It gave me small minor problems throughout the time Ive had it but thats almost whats to expect from any used car near or over 100 K. My car door sometimes wouldnt close, I had to get it a new battery because the battery I had was very weak.. ect. The sound quality is absolutely magnificent. That speaker in the trunk really gives the overall sound an extra punch. Acceleration is great. I liked nearly everything about this car.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jason - June 3 - 10:10 am

  I bought my 2001 Eclipse gt at the beginning of summer and ive loved it all. it has a body kit, k and n cold air intake, stage 2 clutch custom paint tinted windows subs and an invadia exhaust system with bigger piping from the cat to the muffler. I love driving the car around and it gets good gas mileage especially with the cold air. Insurance on them is a little high but it is a sports car. in the end if you plan on having some fun with the car and adding on some things its great and i say go for it.

• 

  2009 Eclipse V6 GT - 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Kenneth - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  Runs smooth, good price with great power. 20 average MPG is reasonable with its horse power. The 650W audio w/ subwoofer is really amazing! Good audio. The truck is hard to close. Have to bang it real hard.