English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Mitsubishi Eclipse: four generations, engines and trims
Mitsubishi Eclipse — a sporty coupe, produced from 1989 to 2011 over four generations. In Lithuania, it is most often imported from the USA. We'll look at the generations, engines, trims, and what to check when buying. Don't confuse it with the later SUV, the Eclipse Cross.
Eclipse in brief
The Eclipse was Mitsubishi's sporty front-wheel-drive (and in some versions, all-wheel-drive) coupe, produced in the USA at the 'Diamond-Star' plant. The first two generations were famous for their turbo engines and tuning culture, while the later ones became more comfortable.
As well as the coupe, a Spyder convertible was also offered. In 2017, Mitsubishi used the Eclipse name for an entirely different class — the compact SUV Eclipse Cross, which has nothing to do with this sporty car.
Which generation to choose
Generation I (1989–1994) and II (1995–1999) — favourites among tuners, especially the turbo versions with all-wheel drive. Due to age and heavy use, many cars are worn out or modified.
Generation III (2000–2005) is softer in character, without turbo engines. Generation IV (2006–2011) was built on the Galant platform, with a powerful V6 and a more modern look. If you're after a daily driver coupe, the IV generation is your best bet.
Engines and gearboxes
In generations I and II, the popular 2.0 turbo (around 190–210 hp) engine with all-wheel drive, as well as naturally aspirated 2.0s. In generation III — 2.4 (around 150 hp) and 3.0 V6 (around 200 hp). In generation IV — 2.4 (around 160 hp) and 3.8 V6 (around 260 hp).
Transmissions – manual or automatic (4 or 5 speeds). Most imported cars are from the US market.
What to check when buying a used Eclipse
In the turbo versions of the first and second generations, check the engine: condition varies greatly due to age and tuning. Find out if the turbo, clutch, and gearbox have been repaired. Before buying, look for signs that the car was used for sport.
In all generations, inspect the bodywork, convertible roof seal and mechanism (Spyder). In the V6 version, check the differential belt change history, gearbox operation, suspension, and brakes.
Trim levels
Trim names vary by market and generation; in the US, GS, GT, GTS, GSX, and SE were offered.
GS
Second to fourth generationBase trim level.
- Often – 2.4 or 2.0 engine
- Often – 16–17 inch wheels
- Simpler interior trim
GT
Third to fourth generationSportier version with V6 engine.
- Often – 3.0 or 3.8 V6 engine
- Often – 17–18 inch wheels
- Often — sport seats
GTS
Third generationSport version with additional details
- Often — 3.0 V6 engine
- Often — additional aerodynamic elements
- Often — upgraded sound system
GSX
Second generationTurbo version with all-wheel drive
- 2.0 turbo engine and all-wheel drive
- Sport suspension
- Favourite among tuners
SE
Fourth generationHigher trim level with extra equipment
- Often — leather interior
- Often — sunroof
- Often — upgraded sound system
Trim comparison
| GS | GT | GSX | SE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For daily driving | For sporty driving | For tuning enthusiasts | For comfort |
| Wheels (most common) | 16–17 inch | 17–18 inch | 16–17 inch | 18 inch |
| Interior | Basic | Sporty | Sporty | Comfortable, leather |
| Engine | 2.0 / 2.4 | 3.0 / 3.8 V6 | 2.0 turbo | 3.8 V6 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€€ | €€ |
For most daily drivers, the fourth-gen GT or SE will do just fine. The GSX is best left to collectors and tuning enthusiasts.
Pros
- Sporty looks
- Powerful engine options
- Wide range of tuning possibilities
- Competitive pricing compared to rivals
Cons
- Officially sold in limited numbers in Europe
- Condition of turbo versions varies greatly
- Higher fuel consumption with the V6
Frequently asked questions
Are the Eclipse and Eclipse Cross the same?
No. The Eclipse is a sports coupe (1989–2011), while the Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV from 2017 onwards. They have no technical relation.
Which Eclipse generation is the best?
For daily use, opt for the fourth generation with the V6; for tuning enthusiasts, go for the second generation GSX.
Does the Eclipse have all-wheel drive?
Yes, turbo versions with GSX trim offer all-wheel drive. Most other versions come with front-wheel drive.
Updated 2026-10-14 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
