Turbocharged Legacy: How the Mitsubishi Eclipse Defined the Sport Compact Era

Spanning four generations, the Mitsubishi Eclipse sport compact coupe became a legend in the car enthusiast community.

No longer in production, the Eclipse was Mitsubishi Motors’ answer to the burgeoning sport compact market in North America. Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors North America Design Studio, the first generation was introduced in 1990 and was available in four trim levels: Eclipse, Eclipse GS, Eclipse GS-T (Turbo) and Eclipse GSX.

The Eclipse GS-T and GSX were equipped with Mitsubishi’s 4G63 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 and produced up to 195 hp, a powerful figure for the time. The famous 4G63 was also used in the Galant VR-4 and Lancer Evolution, developing a cult-like reputation for its durability and ability to produce significant power.

The Eclipse featured a futuristic design with a wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights and a low wide stance.

All the Eclipse trims were front-wheel drive, except for the GSX which was all-wheel drive—an uncommon feature in its class. It served as a prime example of Mitsubishi Motors’ pioneering efforts in early all-wheel drive systems for performance cars, joining the ranks of the Galant VR-4 and Lancer Evolution.

The Eclipse GS-T and GSX were impressively quick for the era, boasting 0-60 mph acceleration figures in under seven seconds when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission.

A new second-generation Eclipse arrived in 1995 with curvaceous body work and softened lines. While the cabin was more refined and upscale, the performance remained a priority. GS-T and all-wheel drive GSX models now produced 210 hp from an updated 4G63, and in 1996 a convertible version was added to the lineup.

This generation is perhaps most fondly remembered for its role in the movie The Fast and the Furious. It was the first car that Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) drove in a street race against Dom Toretto’s red Mazda RX-7. Though he ultimately lost the race, O’Connor’s lime-green Eclipse was immortalized on the silver screen and became an inspiration to car tuners and enthusiasts everywhere.

The third generation arrived in 2000 with styling inspired by the SST concept car. It marked a significant departure from prior generations; the 4G63 turbo four cylinder was replaced by a 3.0L V6 that produced up to 210 hp, though a 4-cylinder option remained for base models.

This was a larger, more comfortable, and more refined Eclipse, reflecting customer tastes at the time. Despite its growth, it remained a stylish and fun-to-drive sports car. A Spyder (convertible) version continued to be sold alongside the coupe, and a five-speed manual remained an option for purists.

A clearer resemblance to the second generation returned in the new fourth generation which debuted in 2006 with a major styling revision inside and out. A 3.8L V6 produced up to 265hp in the GT trim, while a 6-speed manual handled shifting duties. A convertible version was still on offer.

Throughout all four generations the Eclipse remained a sporty compact coupe that inspired a generation of enthusiasts. However, as Mitsubishi’s goals shifted toward meeting environmental targets and developing battery technology, the Eclipse was discontinued in 2012. A final Special Edition version was produced to mark the end of its illustrious run.