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MITSUBISHI Eclipse Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 5
First production year: 1989
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Coupé (two-door)
MITSUBISHI Eclipse photo gallery

Mitsubishi introduced the last update for the fourth-generation Eclipse in 2009, but it clearly didn't have the money to make it the way it could do.

The Eclipse lineup used to have some serious sports versions, such as the turbocharged all-wheel drive version of the first two generations. Meanwhile, the fourth generation that appeared on the market in 2005 was made to look like a sports car, but it was mostly a relaxed-driving vehicle.

With the 2009 update, the Eclipse received some features that made it appealing to those who just wanted to show up in a sporty-looking car than in a true sports coupe. At the front, the bumper looked more aggressive, with a blacked-out center section that resembled the front side of a Mitsubishi Evolution. In addition, the round foglamps filled the side scoops of the front apron. At the back, depending on the version, the carmaker tried its luck with a chromed rear spoiler.

Inside, Mitsubishi kept the same hard plastic elements that made it look good just in pictures but not in real life. The standard seats were comfortable that did little to prevent their occupants from sliding. As an option, a set of bucket seats with high-bolstered areas offered the desired side support during high-speed cornering. Depending on the trim level, the Eclipse featured a Rockford-Fosgate sound system fitted with a bulky subwoofer in the trunk and an in-dash six-CD player.

Under the hood, the 2.4-liter powerplant did little to impress its driver or anyone else, especially if it was paired with the four-speed automatic. The 3.8-liter V6, on the other hand, gained two more horsepower but still was no true sports car. On the safety side, the automaker added the Active Stability Control (ASC) fitted as standard on the GT trim level.

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MITSUBISHI Eclipse photo gallery

The Mitsubishi Eclipse debuted back in 1990 as a sport coupe offered with powerful engines and even an all-wheel-drive system.

Reaching its fourth generation in 2005, the new Eclipse came with a redesigned sportier look and a choice of only two engines. The 2-door 4-seater was produced solely for the US and the Canadian markets.

Models came available in three trim levels: GS, GT and GTS. Every trim level came with standard power windows, power mirrors and power locks, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and cruise control.

With the GT trim level, the Mitsubishi Eclipse featured bigger 17-inch alloys, a chrome exhaust tip and fog lamps.

The top-of-the-range GTS trim level packed a sunroof, leather upholstery, a power driver seat and a premium 7-speaker Infiniti Audio system.

Many options available with the upper trim levels could be added to the base GS through the REMIX package. Besides that, the Remix Edition equipped the cabin with a distinctive shift knob and steering wheel.

Inside, the Eclipse featured a symmetrical cockpit. Although functional, the interior’s design was rather dull and fitted with low-grade quality materials.

While the front seats were comfortable and adequate for long commutes, they didn’t offer enough side support for sporty driving.

The standard safety features included antilock brakes, side airbags and traction control.

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MITSUBISHI Eclipse photo gallery

While its predecessors were hailed and praised by users, the third generation of the Eclipse didn’t live up to its name. Moreover, it wasn’t available with an all-wheel-drive system.

Mitsubishi understood that the times for sporty coupes were mostly over, but it still had some nameplates in its inventory which might be useful. The Eclipse, for instance, was already known. To make more money with it, the Japanese carmaker tried to move the Eclipse sports car into a pricier segment, ditching the battle against Honda Civic. The third generation of the Eclipse shared its platform and assembly lines with the Chrysler Sebring Coupe and Dodge Stratus coupe. It was the Japanese cousin of the cloud-cars.

Thus, Eclipse’s third generation came with different styling. At the front, the headlights were not that aggressive anymore. They looked more like spread on the corners, flanking a curved hood that didn’t sport a bulge anymore, like its predecessors. The bumper was still a remainder about its sporty character and featured a trapezoidal grille in the apron. From its sides, the Eclipse showed a slightly ascending beltline and curved greenhouse.

Inside, the carmaker lost the appeal for sporty ambiance but left some touches here and there, such as the bolstered seats and the option for a manual transmission. Also, in the instrument cluster, the carmaker kept the big speedometer and tachometer in front of the driver. On the plus side, the Eclipse-3 provided more room for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of two engines ranged between a four-mill 2.4-liter and a 3.0-liter V6. All versions were available with a manual or automatic transmission.

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MITSUBISHI Eclipse photo gallery

The second generation of the Eclipse was a joint project developed together by Mitsubishi and Chrysler, and it was a win-win situation.

The Eclipse starred in the first franchise movie, “The Fast and the Furious,” and it was a highly tuned car, but even the standard model was no joke in the sport-compact market. It was the only turbocharged all-wheel-drive coupe on the American market. Its drivetrain was developed by Mitsubishi, who had vast experience in rallying. The Japanese carmaker sold the car in four trim levels, depending on the options and performances. While Dodge Neon engines powered the base models, the turbocharged versions were powered by the renowned 4G63 unit used on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

In 1995, the bio-design trend was at its highest levels, and the Eclipse was one of the finest examples of it. The narrow but rounded headlights, which replaced the pop-up ones used on its predecessor, the flowing lines of the bodywork, and the sloped tailgate fit into that trend. It announced the next design trend, the new edge, with its sharp angles on the rear side windows and on the taillights.

Inside, the carmaker installed sport bucket seats for the entire range. Its rounded dashboard featured a center stack slightly tilted toward the driver. The instrument cluster was very clear, with big dials for the speedometer and tachometer and smaller gauges for the fuel level and the coolant temperature. Even though Mitsubishi installed rear seats, those were fit only for small dogs and child-seats without a child inside.

Chrysler produced the base, 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engines. They offered decent performances, but the star was the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive version, which could complete the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) run in less than seven seconds, while the turbocharged front-wheel-drive was even quicker.

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MITSUBISHI Eclipse photo gallery

When Mitsubishi tried to make a name for itself on the American market, it inked a deal with Chrysler Motor Corporation to jointly develop and produce cars, and the Eclipse was one of the results.

The car shared its platform with the Plymouth Laser and the Eagle Talon. Still, it had a few particular items that differentiated it from its siblings. But one of its main problems in dominating the sport compact market was the weight. In addition, the problems with the automatic transmission led to a major recall that affected more than 24,000 units.

The car’s exterior featured a narrow front end and a flat hood adorned by a bulge. Its short cabin and sloped rear window made the car a fierce competitor for the sport compact market. In addition, its pop-up headlights were a treat, even though they spoiled the car’s look when they were open. At the back, the horizontal lines with sharp edges left the impression of a much wider vehicle. Between the wide taillights, the automaker placed the Mitsubishi lettering on a red plastic trim.

Inside, the front seats provided enough room for two adult-sized occupants, but the rear seats were cramped even for small children. Yet, they were good enough to carry some luggage for a longer trip. The trunk was not exactly spacious but was good enough for daily shopping.

Underneath the hood, Mitsubishi installed its 4G37 and 4G63 engines. The latter was also available with a turbocharger and all-wheel drive system.

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