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Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a compact sports coupe and later convertible produced by Mitsubishi from the 1990 to 2012 model years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

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.
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Canadian context

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?
It was a sport compact car, primarily sold as a two-door coupe and later also as a convertible.
When was the Mitsubishi Eclipse introduced?
It was introduced for the 1990 model year.
Was the Eclipse available with all-wheel drive?
Yes, some performance-oriented versions, such as GSX trims, offered all-wheel drive.
Who built the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Mitsubishi produced it, and it was associated with the Chrysler-Mitsubishi Diamond Star Motors joint venture.
When did production end?
Production ended after the 2012 model year.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse the same as the Eclipse Cross?
No. The Eclipse Cross is a later Mitsubishi crossover SUV that uses the Eclipse name but is a different vehicle.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Eclipse
    Supports: Model years, four generations, sport compact classification, general production history
  2. Cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/mitsubishi-eclipse/
    Supports: Introduction as a 1990 sporty two-door coupe and discontinuation after 2012
  3. Mitsubishi Motors Canadahttps://www.mitsubishi-motors.ca/en/what-drives-us/eclipse-history
    Supports: Four generations, North American sport compact positioning, trim levels, discontinuation
  4. Car and Driverhttps://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15086474/turn-around-total-eclipse-of-the-mitsubishi/
    Supports: Assembly in Normal, Illinois; turbocharged variants; early history
  5. Wikipedia (German)https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Eclipse
    Supports: Diamond Star Motors context and production in Normal, Illinois
  6. Birmingham Mitsubishihttps://www.birminghammitsubishi.com/cc-mitsubishi-eclipse-history-and-evolution-in-birmingham-al/
    Supports: Eclipse vs. Eclipse Cross distinction