The is a sport compact car which was manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi over four generations in the 1990–2012 model years. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.

The first two generations were marketed simultaneously as the rebadged variants Eagle Talon, while the first generation was also marketed as the Plymouth Laser. These were the result of Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation's close alliance at the time, a partnership which gave rise to Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). In Japan, the first two generations were sold through a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared an extended wheelbase variant of their platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform.

According to Mitsubishi, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that won 18 races in a row and then retired. At the end of August 2011, the final Eclipse was manufactured and auctioned for charity. In 2017, Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name on a compact crossover vehicle, called the Eclipse Cross.

First generation (D21A/D22A/D27A; 1990)

Overview

The first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was marketed as an entry to the mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe segment. It was developed for the North American market, where sales began in the autumn of 1989. Japanese sales of cars imported from Illinois began in 1990, and in late 1991 limited European sales began. At first, the car was only sold in Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland, but other countries were gradually added. Five trim levels were available; all were front-wheel drive except the GSX which was all-wheel drive. The GS Turbo and GSX were equipped with turbocharged engines.

The profile was low and sleek; the hood line was so low that it needed a bump to clear the engine's cam cover.Hogsten 1991, p. 44 The first-generation Eclipse underwent minor styling changes during its production; the car received updated, more ovoid sheet metal for 1992. The most notable were the pre-facelift models have pop-up headlights, whereas 1992 through 1994 models have exposed aerodynamic headlights. The original Eclipse was replaced by the second generation model for the 1995 model year.

Trim levels

The Eclipse was available in five trim levels during its first-generation production run. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year.

Eclipse: Base model equipped with a naturally-aspirated 1.8 L 8-valve SOHC 4G37 I4 engine Eclipse GS: Upgraded model with more equipment Eclipse GS DOHC: Upgraded model equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi Sirius engine; a naturally aspirated variant of the 4G63T I4 engine1990–1994 model years Eclipse, Talon and Laser did not come with the 420a engine. The 420a was not available until the second generation. Eclipse GS DOHC AWD: Equipped with a 4G63 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine (AWD N/A only available in Europe) All were only available with a five-speed manual transmission and without rear limited-slip differential. sunroof, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, central locking, and air conditioning were included. Eclipse GS Turbo: Upgraded model equipped with a * turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T I4 engine Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a * turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T I4 engine

The 1990 GS Turbo with a manual transmission was rated at 190 hp, whereas the 1990 GSX with a manual transmission was rated at . This was for the purpose of offsetting the additional weight of the AWD mechanism (approximately 2,930 lbs Vs 2,570 lbs GVW). However, 1991 and later years of both turbo models standardized on the 195 hp version 4G63T. The automatic models were rated at due to smaller fuel-injectors and turbocharger.

These models varied significantly in drivetrains and available options, and included some variance in appearance, as higher trim lines added different front and rear fascia panels and surrounding trim, with the GSX model getting a notably different styling package from the others. In the European market, only a single trim was available (sold either as plain "Eclipse", or with GS or GSi badging depending on the importer), fitted with the 2-liter DOHC engine producing . Some European buyers could also opt for four-wheel-drive.

Powertrain The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse was a transverse-mounted I4 Mitsubishi 4G37 or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an automatic or manual transmission on the right-hand side. AWD models have a different transmission which included a limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts.

Engines The 4G37 and 4G63 engines were gasoline inline-fours. The 4G63 has an iron engine block with an aluminum cylinder head and were equipped with two balance shafts. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) has a lower compression ratio of 7.8:1 and oil squirters under the pistons for better cooling from extra heat created by forced induction. The turbocharged 4G63 engine received an internal update during the 1992 model year. The engines built from 1989 through April 1992 have 6-bolt motors. Beginning in May 1992, Mitsubishi revised the engine to a 7-bolt design.The bolts refer to the number of bolts on the flywheel that connect to the crankshaft.

Problems and issues In March 1998, Mitsubishi issued a recall (bulletin 98V069001) for all 1990–1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSXsThe recall would also apply to AWD variants of the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser. citing, "Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication. The condition can cause a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash." The dealers would inspect the vehicles for the adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. The transfer case itself did not leak but rather the brass plug in the center of the transfer case yoke would leak. Mitsubishi estimated that 24,275 vehicles were affected.

Safety The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of the 1G Eclipse:

Model yearModelFrontal driver ratingFrontal passenger rating1990Eclipse1991Eclipse1992Eclipse1993Eclipse1994Eclipse

Awards The Eclipse Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1989 through 1992.

Second generation (D31A/D32A/D33A/D38A/D39A; 1995)

Overview

The Eclipse was redesigned in 1994 (for the 1995 model year) and included standard dual airbags, more rounded styling, a larger interior, and a new engine made by Chrysler for the base model. The second-generation car maintained the market focus of the first-generation car but had numerous changes to appeal to a broader market. A convertible model, named the Eclipse Spyder, was introduced in 1996 and offered in two trim levels; the GS and the GS-T. The Spyder GS was powered by a 2.4 L I4 naturally-aspirated 4G64 engine (in some markets). The Spyder GS-T was fitted with Mitsubishi's 2.0 L turbocharged 4G63 I4 engine. The GSX model was also powered by this engine but with the addition of all-wheel drive system. No convertible model was powered by the Chrysler's 420a engine, nor was there a convertible with all-wheel-drive.

The turbocharged engine option was updated for more power as compared to the previous generation ( vs. ). The naturally-aspirated cars had two different I4 engines depending on the market. The US version engines produced 140 hp, found only in the RS and GS trims, and were a modified version of the Chrysler Neon engine, the 420A, manufactured by Chrysler and delivered to and installed at the Diamond Star Motors facility. The European market engines were a naturally aspirated 4G63 with . International market Eclipses made less horsepower than their Japanese domestic market equivalents when equipped with the 4G63 (, ), due to emissions regulations.

This model exceeded Japanese government's compact car regulations regarding exterior dimensions (maximum width of ), therefore incurred a more expensive annual road tax obligation.

A special version of the Eclipse, called the "10th Anniversary OZ Rally", was sold at the end of the 1999 model run with unique 16-inch Enkei wheels with the OZ Racing logo. It also included the leather interior package, accented exhaust exit, “silver” gauges, mud flaps, and higher-profile spoiler that were available as standard equipment on GS-T coupe and GSX models. The special-edition package was only offered with the 420A engine.

A unique version of the 2G Eclipse was sold in some European countries. It used a naturally-aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G, unique side-view mirrors, and amber rear turn signals.

A minor style revision was applied for the 1997 model year. The front grille opening was given a more aggressive profile. The headlights were given a sharper slant on the inner edges, and the previous all-chrome fixture interior changed to a black interior with chrome reflector inserts. The driving lights were revised from a reflector type to a smaller projection type. The rear bumper cap was altered and had the reverse lights restyled and moved out into the bumper fascia, away from their original central position by the rear license plate bracket. The GS-T coupe and GSX received a higher-profile rear spoiler. The interior color choices also changed from blue and grey in 1995–1996 model years to black/grey, tan/black, and grey in the 1997–1999 model years. A black leather interior option was only available in 1999; the package included all seats (with the 'Mitsubishi' logo embroidered on both of the fronts), door inserts, and a center console armrest.

Trim levels The Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: Base [Only available in 1996.5 (mid-model year)], RS (Rally Sport), GS (Grand Sport), GS Spyder (Spyder models not available in 1995), GS-T (Grand Sport Turbo), GS-T Spyder, and GSX (Grand Sport X=AWD).

Eclipse RS: Base model equipped with a and of torque 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420a I4 engine Eclipse GS: Equipment upgraded model equipped with a and of torque 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine. The European variant of the GS had a naturally-aspirated, DOHC 16-valve 4G63 I4 engine producing 150 HP Eclipse Spyder GS: Convertible model equipped with a 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 I4 engine Eclipse GS-T: Upgraded model equipped with a and of torque turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 I4 engine Eclipse Spyder GS-T: Convertible model equipped with a and of torque turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 I4 engine Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a and of torque turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 I4 engine

Standard equipment The second-generation Eclipse was offered in various trim levels. Standard equipment would vary slightly throughout the production run as some items that were optional on certain trims became standard later on. Each trim level came with a standard list of equipment; however, optional equipment packages were also available to add popular and premium features, most commonly found on the GS model. In addition, optional equipment was also available such as a trunk-mounted CD player, leather interior on the GS and GS-T Leather package on the GS and GS-T was a dealer-installed option. and HomeLink and other items such as floormats and wheel locks.