Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a compact sports coupe and later convertible produced by Mitsubishi from the 1990 to 2012 model years.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a compact sports coupe and later convertible produced by Mitsubishi from the 1990 to 2012 model years. It was developed with Chrysler through Diamond Star Motors and became known for its sporty styling, turbocharged variants, and available all-wheel drive on some trims. Sold mainly in North America, the Eclipse became part of the import-sport compact market that influenced Canadian car enthusiasts and used-car buyers.
History
The Mitsubishi Eclipse debuted for the 1990 model year and was produced through 2012. It was aimed at the North American sport compact market and became a notable entry in the era of affordable performance coupes. The model spanned four generations during its production run.
Development and partnership
The Eclipse was developed through Diamond Star Motors, a Mitsubishi-Chrysler joint venture. It was built in Normal, Illinois, alongside related models such as the Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon.
Generations and variants
The model spanned four generations and included coupe and convertible body styles. Higher-performance versions included turbocharged trims, and some models offered all-wheel drive.
Discontinuation
Mitsubishi ended Eclipse production after the 2012 model year, as the company shifted focus to other market segments. The Eclipse name was later reused for the Eclipse Cross, a different vehicle type.
Key facts
- The Mitsubishi Eclipse was produced from 1990 to 2012 across four generations.
- It was developed through the Diamond Star Motors joint venture with Chrysler.
- Some versions featured turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive.
- The Eclipse was sold as a two-door coupe and later as a convertible.
- Production ended after 2012, and the name was later used for the Eclipse Cross crossover.
The Eclipse was sold mainly in North America and became part of the broader import-sport compact market that also influenced Canadian car enthusiasts and used-car buyers.
Frequently asked questions
What type of vehicle was the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
When was the Mitsubishi Eclipse introduced?
Was the Eclipse available with all-wheel drive?
Who built the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
When did production end?
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse the same as the Eclipse Cross?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_EclipseSupports: Model years, four generations, sport compact classification, general production history
- Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/mitsubishi-eclipse/Supports: Introduction as a 1990 sporty two-door coupe and discontinuation after 2012
- Mitsubishi Motors Canada — https://www.mitsubishi-motors.ca/en/what-drives-us/eclipse-historySupports: Four generations, North American sport compact positioning, trim levels, discontinuation
- Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15086474/turn-around-total-eclipse-of-the-mitsubishi/Supports: Assembly in Normal, Illinois; turbocharged variants; early history
- Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_EclipseSupports: Diamond Star Motors context and production in Normal, Illinois
- Birmingham Mitsubishi — https://www.birminghammitsubishi.com/cc-mitsubishi-eclipse-history-and-evolution-in-birmingham-al/Supports: Eclipse vs. Eclipse Cross distinction