For over 20 years, you could find the Mitsubishi Eclipse at your Mitsubishi dealer, but now it’s a classic that can be had on the used market.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse came on the scene as a small, FWD sports coupe that looked great and handled sharply. It quickly developed a cult following.
Peak Era For Sports Coupes
Timing was everything for the Mitsubishi Eclipse. It hit the market as a 1990 model during a time when small sports coupes were all the rage. As a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, the Eclipse was sold at both Chrysler and Mitsubishi dealers, but under different names. Chrysler sold it as the Plymouth Laser and Jeep-Eagle sold it as the Eagle Talon.
The Eclipse came in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated forms. The former made 190 horsepower with a 2.0-liter engine. Paired with a quick-shifting five-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse could go from zero to 60 MPH in 6.6 seconds.
However, the market for compact sports coupes was easily distracted by the new and fresh. Only four years old, the Eclipse was already up to its roof in competition by 1993 even though this model came with optional AWD and a refreshed exterior.
Time For a Redesign
The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse hit Mitsubishi dealers as a completely redesigned car. It offered a smoother profile and a lower drag coefficient. It looked and felt more refined. However, it still sported the 2.0-liter engine, now making 210 horsepower in the turbocharged version. AWD was still optional. By 1998, the Laser and Talon versions were discontinued.
The Eclipse itself peaked in 1997 with a mid-cycle refresh. It featured larger intakes, a big rear spoiler on the upper trims, and aggressive trim details. The 1995 through 1997 models suffered from thrust-bearing failure issues.
By the third generation, the Eclipse was struggling to stay relevant. Mitsubishi added a top-level GTS model with a new intake manifold. The horsepower remained the same at 210. The new generation had a few things that could have been improved, including a loud cabin and poor grip.
The Eclipse Gets V6 Power
The Spyder GT was introduced in the third generation with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. It also offered a convertible version, plus traction control and leather upholstery. Only five years after boasting record sales at Mitsubishi dealers, the Eclipse was fading into the sunset.
The fourth-generation 2006 model featured softer styling and bulky rear end. The AWD option was gone and the Eclipse became FWD only. Some excitement remained with a new 3.8-liter V6 in the GT model that mad 263 horsepower.
Finally, in 2011, Mitsubishi decided to ax the Eclipse. By then, the sporty little coupe had mostly faded into obscurity. The 2012 Eclipse Special Edition was the last model.
These days, it’s rare to find a used Mitsubishi Eclipse at a Mitsubishi dealer, but they are out there. For some, the classic sports coupe is a nostalgic return to a simpler time.
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