Mitsubishi Eclipse: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty compact coupe and convertible known for dramatic styling and more everyday usefulness than a stripped-down sports car. Its formula puts style and comfort ahead of all-out performance.
The Eclipse followed a style-first formula, pairing curvy looks with a cabin meant for everyday driving. Its 2+2 seating and the coupe’s hatchback cargo area gave it more flexibility than many traditional sports cars. In the final generation, it stayed approachable with regular-fuel four-cylinder models while offering stronger V6 performance in the GT.
Strengths
- Its dramatic, curvy shape gives it a clear visual identity without requiring the compromises of a stripped-down sports car.
- The coupe’s hatchback cargo area makes it more useful for everyday errands and luggage than its sporty shape suggests.
- The cabin and driving experience favor comfort, which helps make the Eclipse easy to live with as a daily car.
- The regular-fuel four-cylinder keeps the basic versions approachable, while the GT’s V6 reached 265 horsepower from 2009 onward.
- Stability and traction control became standard across the full coupe and convertible range for 2010.
Who it's for
The Eclipse suits someone who wants a distinctive two-door car for commuting, weekend drives, or top-down cruising without the compromises of a more focused sports car. It makes the most sense for one or two people who may occasionally use the small rear seats and who value looks and comfort over sharp handling or maximum speed.
Mitsubishi Eclipse lineup
Pick the GS for the simpler, regular-fuel four-cylinder version of the Eclipse formula. In recent years, the GS Sport kept the four-cylinder but borrowed the GT’s appearance and equipment, making it the middle ground for shoppers who wanted the look without the V6. The GT is the performance-focused step up, with the stronger V6 and more serious hardware. The Spyder versions turn those same basic trim personalities into convertibles, while the 2012-only SE is an appearance-focused special edition based on the well-equipped GS Sport formula.
Mitsubishi Eclipse generations
From 2009 to 2012, the Eclipse spans 1 generation. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2006.
4th Generation (2006–2012)
The fourth-generation Eclipse was sold as a coupe and as the Eclipse Spyder convertible, with four-cylinder and V6 engines. It received refreshed styling for 2009, and production ended after the 2012 model year.
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2012Trim changes
The SE special edition joined the coupe and Spyder lineups for the Eclipse's final model year.
2011
All coupe and Spyder models sat 0.6 inch lower, and a center-console 12-volt outlet became standard.
2010Trim changes
The GS Sport coupe joined the lineup, while stability and traction control became standard across all coupe and Spyder models.
2009Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear bumpers refreshed the coupe and Spyder. GT models also gained more V6 power, HID headlights, and standard stability control.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Mitsubishi Eclipse a coupe or a convertible?
It was sold as both. The Eclipse coupe has a fixed roof and a rear hatch, while the Eclipse Spyder uses a power-operated cloth convertible top. Both are two-door cars with four seats.
Does the Mitsubishi Eclipse come as a hybrid?
No. The fourth-generation Eclipse uses gasoline engines only. The main choices are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a stronger 3.8-liter V6 in GT models.
How powerful is the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The final lineup ranges from 162 horsepower with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder to 265 horsepower with the 3.8-liter V6. The four-cylinder favors everyday driving, while the V6 provides noticeably stronger acceleration.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse practical enough for everyday use?
The coupe is reasonably useful for a sporty compact because its rear hatch opens to a flexible cargo area and the rear seat folds in two sections. It still has a small 2+2 cabin, so the back seats are better for occasional use.
Who is the Mitsubishi Eclipse a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants dramatic coupe or convertible styling, four seats, and everyday comfort without moving to a larger muscle car. The four-cylinder fits relaxed driving, while the GT better suits drivers who want stronger acceleration.
Which generation was the last Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The fourth generation was the last. It ran from 2006 through 2012 for the coupe, while the Spyder joined for 2007. Eclipse coupe and Spyder production ended after the 2012 model year.