Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Convertible
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica, Ford Focus SVT, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird
Styling:
Bold, aerodynamic design with a distinctive aggressive stance
Performance Options:
Available naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on some models
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of performance, style, and affordability, particularly attractive in the tuner community
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including V6 6G72 SOHC, 4-cylinder 4G63 DOHC Turbocharged), Engine electrical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Automatic transmission (FWD/AWD), Manual transmission (FWD/AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), Steering system (power assisted), Brakes (front disc, rear disc, ABS), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD)
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio system, HVAC controls, Power windows, Power locks, Cruise control, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Body And Frame:
Body construction, Exterior trim, Interior trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair/rebuild, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical diagnostics and repair, Fuel injector testing and replacement, Turbocharger service (for GT models)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics, Wiring diagrams, Component testing procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, Sensor testing, Actuator testing, ECU (Engine Control Unit) analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine 1 Variant:
2.4L 4G63 SOHC I4
Engine 1 Displacement:
2351 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
158 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
3.0L 6G72 SOHC V6
Engine 2 Displacement:
2972 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
197 hp @ 5500 rpm (2000-2001), 200 hp @ 5500 rpm (2002)
Engine 2 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (2000-2001), 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2002)
Engine 3 Variant:
2.0L 4G63 DOHC Turbo I4 (GTS/GT-E models)
Engine 3 Displacement:
1997 cc
Engine 3 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (Naturally Aspirated), 91 Octane (Turbocharged)
FWD Transmission:
5-speed manual
FWD Automatic:
4-speed automatic (INVECS-II)
AWD Transmission:
5-speed manual (on GT models)
AWD System:
Viscous coupling center differential with optional rear limited-slip differential (LSD)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 (e.g., Diaqueen LSD Gear Oil Super) - Check Manual for Specifics
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
DIA QUEEN ATF-SP III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2000 Model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2000 Model)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Acceptable (2000 Model)
ABS:
Standard on V6 and GT models, optional on ES
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Srs:
Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system and subwoofer.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Oem Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operation and basic comfort features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for severe service; 7,500 miles or 12 months for normal service (consult manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 60,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (check manual for specific type and gap).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
For 4G63 engine: 60,000 miles or 5 years. For 6G72 V6: 90,000 miles or 6 years. (Crucial due to interference design).
Engine Oil Spec 4Cyl:
SAE 5W-30 API SJ or higher (e.g., Valvoline SynPower, Mobil 1)
Engine Oil Spec V6:
SAE 5W-30 API SJ or higher (e.g., Valvoline SynPower, Mobil 1)
Coolant Spec:
DIA QUEEN SUPER Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug failure on 4-cylinder models can lead to misfires.
Timing Belt:
Failure to adhere to timing belt replacement intervals can cause catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.
Cv Axles:
Worn CV joints, especially on AWD models, can lead to clicking noises during turns.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracking of the exhaust manifold on V6 engines due to heat cycling.
Actuator Failure:
Failure of HVAC blend door actuators, causing temperature control issues.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history of performance-oriented vehicles, including sports cars and rally homologation specials (e.g., Lancer Evolution).
Eclipse Generations:
The 2000-2002 models represent the third generation (3G), a significant redesign from the popular second generation (2G), adopting a more rounded and aggressive styling.
Assembly Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production Years 3G:
1999-2005
