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Sporty/performance car; Built in USA
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door hatchback
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $7,400 – $26,000*


2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse


2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse


2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse


2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V6)
  • Steering/handling
  • Brake performance
Cons:
  • Cargo room (convertible)
  • Maneuverability
  • Noise
  • Back-seat passenger room and comfort
  • Ride

Cramped, noisy and difficult to see out of, Eclipses sacrifice a lot for the sake of style. No version possesses the handling poise of competitors that benefit from lighter weight and either rear- or all-wheel drive. Still, their sporty character and powerful available V6, as well as the new convertible, can appeal to buyers who value youthful appearance over balanced performance. Despite Mitsubishi’s tarnished brand image, resale value of some Eclipse versions is fairly strong, so secondhand bargains may not be so easy to find.

Overview

Fresh styling, more power, and added safety features keynoted the redesigned 2006 Eclipse, again manufactured in Illinois. This sporty hatchback coupe came in four-cylinder GS and V6 GT models, both with front-wheel drive. Potential rivals included the Acura RSX and Honda Civic Si, as well as the Ford Mustang and Scion tC. A convertible was expected, as in the prior generation, but it did not arrive until the 2007 model year.

Most dimensions were little-changed from the 2000-05 Eclipse, but the 2006 coupes grew 3.3 inches wider and were some 360 pounds heavier. All Eclipses came with front torso side airbags, which were previously limited to top-line models. Also standard were head-protecting curtain side airbags that protected the front seating row only.

The GS’s 2.4-liter engine rose from 147 horsepower to 162. The GT’s V6 grew from a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter to a 263-horsepower 3.8-liter. Both came with a standard manual transmission: a five-speed for GS, a six-speed for GT. Automatic transmissions with a manual shift gate were optional; four-speed for the GS, and a five-speed for GT.

Traction control was standard on the GT, but unavailable for the GS. No antiskid system was offered. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard. So were 17-inch wheels; 18s were available for the GT.

Other no-cost features included air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, a CD player, and 50/50 split folding rear seat. GT-exclusive options included aluminum pedals, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery with heated front seats. Optional for both models were a sunroof and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.

Yearly Updates

2007 Eclipse
A Spyder convertible joined the original coupe for 2007. Equipped with a fabric power top and heated glass rear window, the four-passenger Spyder came in GS and GT trim, just like the coupe. Mitsubishi’s V6 engine produced 263 horsepower in coupes, but 260 hp in the convertible. Front side airbags were standard in both body styles. Coupes had curtain side airbags for front occupants only. Leather upholstery with heated front seats was available in convertibles and GT coupes.
2008 Eclipse
Added for 2008 was a new top-line SE coupe. It had the GT’s V6 engine engine and a few added features lincluding an antiskid system, leather upholstery, and a sunroof.
2009 Eclipse
Eclipse received some slight styling revisions, mainly to the front and rear fascias.
2010 Eclipse
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse was largely unchanged.
2011 Eclipse
The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse lineup saw a few changes, including deletion of the available manual transmission on GT models.
2012 Eclipse
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse in what would be its final model year.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

The GS’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 162 horsepower, versus 263 horsepower for the GT’s 3.8-liter V6. Both had a standard manual transmission: five-speed for GS, six-speed for GT. Automatic transmissions with a manual shift gate were optional; four-speed for the GS, and a five-speed for GT. In the 2007 GT convertible, engine output dropped to 260 horsepower.

ohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/145
Engine HP 162
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 162
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		23/30
23/29 		19.6
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/234
Engine HP 260-263
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 260
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		18/27
19/28 		17.2-20.9

Road Test

Acceleration varies by transmission and engine. A manual-transmission GS coupe demonstrates adequate pep for most needs, but demands fairly frequent shifting. That same car with automatic is acceptable around town, but lacks highway-passing punch. A test GS coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Mitsubishi’s GT coupe is strong from a stop and has ample passing power. A test GT with automatic reached 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Convertibles are slightly slower, due to some 200 pounds of extra weight.

Fuel economy is about on par for the class. A test automatic-transmission GS averaged 19.6 mpg, versus 17.2 for a manual-shift GT. An extended-use manual-shift GT hatchback also averaged 19.2 mpg, while a stick-shift convertible managed 20.9 mpg. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel for GS four-cylinders, but premium for the GT’s V6.

Expect a firm ride, with noticeable impact harshness over sharp bumps–especially with the GT’s optional 18-inch tires. Still, Eclipse can be agreeably supple for a sporty coupe. All models are subject to a little freeway hop and exhibit abrupt, choppy vertical motions on all but smooth pavement. A GT convertible is slightly more compliant than an equivalent coupe, but some soft-top body quiver occurs over larger bumps.

Not quite as sporty as it looks, the Eclipse corners with ample grip and minimal body lean. Oddly, the GT differs little from GS models, even with optional 18-inch tires. Still, the lighter GS models feel a bit better balanced, though the GT’s available 18-inch tires provide greater grip. No Eclipse quite matches the nimble feel of an Acura RSX, but they top the Scion tC for overall agility. Unfortunately, their large turning circle is a real hassle in tight spots. Convertibles are impressively solid, and suffer no noticeable handling penalty. GT coupes suffer from moderate torque steer–an unwanted pulling to the side in brisk acceleration–though convertibles fare a little better. Strong stopping power is accompanied by good brake-pedal feel.

All models suffer fairly marked coarse-surface tire drone–most noticeable in convertibles. Audible wind noise appears in gusty weather. Wing windows help prevent excess wind buffeting of front-seat occupants in convertibles. The GS’s four-cylinder engine is raucous at high rpm, but quiet enough in highway cruising. The same goes for the GT’s V6, but it sounds more pleasant. An extended-use GT coupe suffered some minor squeaks.

Switchgear is logically placed, though a few controls might be a bit of a stretch for some drivers. Gauges are within easy view. Positioned atop the dashboard, the audio-system display is far removed from the actual controls. The convertible’s top drops and raises in 19 seconds, via single-button control. Cabins contain some padded panels, but too many hard plastic surfaces.

Front seats promise good adult leg room and decent head room, though clearance can be a problem for occupants taller than six-foot or so. Nicely bolstered seats feel long-haul comfortable and provide support in quick turns. But they’re low to the floor, which conspires with low-slung styling and long doors to hamper entry/exit. Styling also blocks driver vision astern and over-the-shoulder, due to the coupe’s thick roof pillars and sharply-angled back window. Rear seating is the usual sporty-coupe token gesture: cramped, hard to access, and therefore best left to toddlers or small parcels. Shoulder room is further compromised in convertibles, as is rearward visibility with the top up.

Hatchbacks have a high liftover to a fairly shallow cargo bay, with modest floor area and irregular shape. The bulky available subwoofer eats up space. Convertibles have a small trunk and tight opening, as well as high liftover. Small-item storage within the cabin is subpar in both body styles.

Ratings

Model Tested: Mitsubishi Eclipse GS coupe w/manual

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 47

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.4 179.7 72.2 54.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
5.2 17.7 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 35.7 42.8 37.7
2-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.4 179.7 72.2 53.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.7 17.7 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.5 34.6 42.8 29.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Airbags
Description: The SRS (airbag) warning light may illuminate due to faulty module for side airbags. (2006-08)
Clutch
Description: Buzzing noise from dash requires installation of a clutch damper kit. (2006-07)
Seat
Description: The power seat cable may bend or break. (2006)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: The sunroof may leak because the seal for the glass moves out of position. (2006-07)
Suspension problems
Description: A campaign was conducted to replace the right-rear suspension stay to improve ride quality. (2006)
None
Description: Heat shield on 2.4L engine exhaust system develops a rattle. (2006-07)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on and a false trouble code may be set unless the engine control computer is reprogrammed. (2006-07)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may illuminate although there are no problems requiring reprogramming the powertrain control module. (2006-07)
Turn signal
Description: The turn signal cancel cam in the steering column may make a clicking noise requiring a spacer between the column and the turn signal switch mounting screw. (2006)

Recall History

2006
Description: Brake booster assembly may be defective; body could separate, resulting in total loss of brake-system performance.
2006
Description: One of four seals inside master cylinder may have been improperly installed, allowing excessively long pedal stroke and increased stopping distance.
2006-07 Eclipse coupe and Spyder
Description: A fuel-tank mounting bracket may be faulty, potentially causing the fuel tank to fall and/or leak in the event of a collision. Dealers will inspect to see if the left rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket has splitting beyond a specific limit and replace affected parts.
2007 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder
Description: Metal forming part of front cross member may have been improperly stamped, making metal thinner in cross-section than specified; over time, could result in breakage, allowing separation of passenger-side lower control arm.
2007 w/automatic
Description: Key lock cable may have been improperly manufactured and may not allow cable end to lock into floor shifter mechanism, making interlock inoperative; key could be removed without placing lever in “Park” position.
2007 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder w/automatic
Description: A faulty key lock cable may allow removal of the ignition key without the car being in Park. Dealers will inspect the ignition interlock cable and replace it if necessary.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 22, 2014.
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