The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty compact car introduced in 1989. It quickly became popular for its sleek styling, performance-oriented handling, and affordable price point. Over the years, the Eclipse has undergone several design changes and updates, but it has remained a popular choice for drivers who want a practical car that won’t break the bank.
Here is more about the Mitsubishi Eclipse:
History
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was first introduced in 1989 as a two-door sports coupe. It was a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Chrysler and was built on the same platform as the Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon. Thanks to its turbocharged engine and sporty styling, the Eclipse quickly became popular among enthusiasts and tuners.
Generations
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has gone through four generations, with the latest one introduced in 2018. The first generation (1989-1994) was available as a two-door coupe or a convertible powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The second generation (1995-1999) was redesigned with a more rounded and aerodynamic look. The third generation (2000-2005) was known for its aggressive styling and powerful V6 engine. The fourth generation (2006-2012) departed from the previous models with a more refined and luxurious interior.
Design and Styling
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has always been known for its sleek and sporty styling. The latest model, introduced in 2018, features a dynamic front grille, sculpted lines, and an alow-slung roofline that gives it a distinct and modern look. The Eclipse comes in two versions: the Eclipse Cross, which is a compact SUV, and the Eclipse Coupe, which is a two-door sports car.
The Eclipse Cross features a sleek and aerodynamic profile with sharp body lines emphasizing its sporty nature. It has LED headlights and fog lights to add to its aggressive stance. The Eclipse Cross also has a panoramic sunroof that extends over the front and rear seats, giving passengers a stunning view of the sky.
On the other hand, the Eclipse Coupe has a more classic sports car look with a long hood and short rear deck. Its aggressive front grille and sharp body lines give it a distinct and memorable look. The Eclipse Coupe has a retractable sunroof that adds to the open-air driving experience.
Tuning
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has a solid following among car enthusiasts, especially those who tune and modify their cars. The Eclipse’s turbocharged engine and sporty handling make it an excellent platform for performance upgrades. Many Eclipse owners change their vehicles with aftermarket parts such as exhaust systems, air intakes, and suspension upgrades.
Performance
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is known for its agile handling and strong performance. The latest model is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but a six-speed manual transmission is available on the Eclipse Coupe. The Eclipse Cross comes with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
The Eclipse Coupe is the sportier of the two, with stiff suspension and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on windy roads. It can shoot from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. The Eclipse Cross is more focused on comfort and practicality, but it still has a sporty feel thanks to its responsive handling and quick acceleration.
Interior and Features
The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior with plenty of standard features. The Eclipse Cross has a spacious and modern cabin that can seat up to five passengers. It has a standard 7-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add features like a 360-degree camera system, a 9-inch infotainment display, and a premium audio system.
The Eclipse Coupe has a more focused interior with a driver-centric layout. It has a standard 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add features like a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, a navigation system, and a sunroof.
Safety
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has a strong safety record and comes with various advanced safety features. The Eclipse Cross comes with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and high beams as standard. Higher trims include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The Eclipse Coupe has similar safety features, including a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, it does not come with blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert.
Eclipse Spyder
The Eclipse Spyder was a convertible version of the Eclipse from 1996 to 2012. It was known for its sleek styling and open-air driving experience and had a power-operated convertible top that could be lowered in just 19 seconds.
Eclipse GST/GSX
The Eclipse GST and GSX were performance-oriented versions of the Eclipse available in the first and second generations. The GST (Grand Sport Turbo) was a turbocharged model with a 4-cylinder engine that produced 195 horsepower, and the GSX was an all-wheel drive version with a turbocharged engine that produced 210 horsepower. Both models were popular among car enthusiasts and tuners.
Price and Availability
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a relatively affordable car compared to its competitors. The Eclipse Cross starts at around $23,000, while the Eclipse Coupe begins at around $28,000. Both models are available at Mitsubishi dealerships across the United States.
Eclipse in Pop Culture
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has appeared in several movies and TV shows. It was prominently featured in the Fast and Furious movie franchise, driven by the character Brian O’Conner (played by the late Paul Walker). The Eclipse has also appeared in shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Vampire Diaries.
Final thoughts
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty and practical car that offers excellent value for its price. It has a sleek, modern design, strong performance, and many standard features. Whether you’re looking for a compact SUV or a two-door sports car, the Eclipse has something for everyone. Its strong safety record and affordable price make it popular among budget-conscious drivers who want a fun and practical vehicle.
