Segment:
Sport Compact / Affordable Sports Car
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Ford Focus SVT/ST, Mazda MX-5 Miata (to some extent), Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Design Philosophy:
Stylized coupe and convertible designed to appeal to a younger demographic seeking sporty looks and performance. Offered distinct styling from the Galant platform it shared.
Powertrain Options:
Available with a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder or a potent V6, offering different performance levels.
Trim Levels:
GS/SE (2.4L), GT (3.8L V6)
Engine:
2.4L 4G69 SOHC, 3.8L 6G75 SOHC V6 MIVEC
Transmission:
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic (F4A51), 6-speed Manual (F6MBA-2 for GT)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Brakes:
Front Disc (Ventilated), Rear Disc (Solid), ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Independent
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electrical:
ECU, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, SRS Airbag System, Body Control Module (BCM)
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Fuel System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Filter
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Coolant Hoses, Fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Resonator
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and Filter Change, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Electrical Diagnostics
Engine Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement, Timing Belt/Chain Service, Piston and Ring Replacement, Valve Adjustment
Transmission Repair:
Clutch Replacement, Transmission Rebuild, Automatic Transmission Servicing, Gearbox Component Replacement
Brake System Repair:
Brake Caliper Rebuild, Brake Rotor Replacement, Brake Line Replacement, ABS System Diagnosis
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump Repair
Electrical System Diagnosis:
Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Component Replacement (e.g., Alternator, Starter)
Climate Control Repair:
A/C Compressor Replacement, Evaporator/Condenser Replacement, Heater Core Replacement, Blower Motor Service
Bodywork And Collision Repair:
Panel Alignment, Dent Removal, Door Hinge Adjustment, Glass Replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Scan Tool Usage, Data Stream Interpretation, Freeze Frame Data Analysis
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Wear Limits
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Name:
4G69 (MIVEC)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Engine 1 Horsepower:
162 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 99.0 mm
Engine 1 Ignition System:
Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Engine 1 Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 2 Name:
6G75 (MIVEC)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3828 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6, SOHC, 24 Valves
Engine 2 Horsepower:
263 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.8:1
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
95.0 mm x 87.6 mm
Engine 2 Ignition System:
Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Engine 2 Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for optimal performance)
Transmission 1 Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission 1 Applicability:
Standard on 2.4L GS/SE
Transmission 2 Type:
4-speed Automatic (F4A51)
Transmission 2 Applicability:
Optional on 2.4L GS/SE, Standard on 3.8L GT (early models)
Transmission 3 Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission 3 Applicability:
Optional on 3.8L GT (later models)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
DIAQueen ATF-J2 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard (on some models)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (Coupe), Front Side Airbags (Convertible)
Seatbelts:
3-point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System
Oil Change Interval Severe:
3,750 miles or 3.75 months
Oil Change Interval Normal:
7,500 miles or 7.5 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
100,000 miles (Iridium)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
100,000 miles (Iridium)
Timing Belt V6:
Not Applicable (Timing Chain)
Timing Belt 4Cyl:
Not Applicable (Timing Chain)
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
4.5 US Quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.4 US Quarts (5.1 L) with filter
Coolant Spec:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron II/III
Common Problem 1:
Interior door handle breakage (plastic fatigue)
Common Problem 2:
CV joint wear and noise, especially in performance variants
Common Problem 3:
Catalytic converter failure (can be premature)
Common Problem 4:
Automatic transmission shifting issues or hesitation (especially on older units)
Common Problem 5:
Power steering pump leaks or noise
Common Problem 6:
Check engine light due to O2 sensor failures or EVAP system leaks
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Longstanding Japanese automaker known for diverse range of vehicles, from small economy cars to SUVs and performance models. Significant motorsport heritage.
Eclipse Generations:
1st Gen (1989–1994), 2nd Gen (1995–1999), 3rd Gen (2000–2005), 4th Gen (2006–2011).
Fourth Gen Design:
Introduced for 2006, this generation moved to the Mitsubishi PS platform, shared with the Mitsubishi Galant sedan. Featured a more muscular, aggressive styling. Offered in coupe and convertible body styles.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production End Date:
2011, marking the end of the Eclipse nameplate.
