1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse.

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

Built on the same assembly line as the similar Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon, the Eclipse is a rakishly styled sporty coupe. Base and ES Eclipses offered a 92-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. Move up to the the GS, and Mitsubishi mounted a 135-horsepower 2.0-liter, twin-cam 4-cylinder. The GS Turbo and all-wheel-drive GSX got a 195-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard, with an optional 4-speed automatic (not available initially on turbo models). Antilock brakes were optional, but airbags were not.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Antilock brakes and a 4-speed automatic are new options for the Eclipse GS Turbo and all-wheel-drive GSX. When mated with the automatic, however, horsepower dips from 190 to 180. A limited-slip differential is now standard on the GSX, but requires you to forfeit antilock brakes.

1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse: A new nose with exposed headlamps replace the previous rendering with its pop-up lenses. The 1992 Eclipse also sports a new front air dam and trim accents in back.

1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Antilock brakes become standard on the GSX rather than optional, while the other versions of the 1993 Eclipse receive several cosmetic and equipment changes. The GS receives a new free-standing rear spoiler, while all but the base model come with a wraparound spoiler with the ubiquitous center high-mount stoplamp.

1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Few changes are instituted for 1994 in anticipation of an all-new version for 1995.

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (except base, GS)	Rear-seat room

Wet-weather traction (AWD)	Cargo room

Handling/roadholding	Engine noise

Antilock brakes (optional)	Road noise

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Neither the base unit nor the GS equipped with the 92-horsepower 1.8-liter have enough low-speed muscle to be satisfying with the automatic transmission. However, when paired with the manual, these are fine for budget-minded sports-car lovers. The DOHC version is much quicker in traffic and more responsive to the throttle. Both the GS Turbo and GSX are faster still, but the front-drive GS Turbo suffers from very noticeable torque steer, which causes us to prefer the GSX, which spreads the abundant power evenly between all four wheels. The all-wheel-drive setup gives the GSX outstanding grip, making it the best-handling sports car in its class. While we appreciate the antilock brakes provided on the GSX, we wish Mitsubishi could provide them as an option on all models. Ride quality varies, depending on model, ranging from compliant but occasionally choppy on base and GS version to taut and slightly choppy on those with firmer suspensions and larger tires. The low-slung fastback styling and compact dimensions provide only modest interior room. The tight cockpit up front and "for-pets-only" rear seat may not appeal to all tastes.

Value for the Money
In our view, the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse ranks as one of the best values among small sports coupes. We rate the GS with the 135-horsepower DOHC 4-cylinder and the turbocharged all-wheel-drive GSX as the "picks of the litter."

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Mitsubishi Eclipse GS	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	7

Total:	44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Brake noise: Noise-suppression shims were released to cure a squeaking problem with rear disc brakes. (1990-91)

Exhaust system: Cars with turbo engines had an emissions recall to replace the oxygen sensor with one that could endure higher temperatures. (1991-92)

Oil pump: Cars with the 2.0-liter engine have noisy oil pumps, and a counter measure pump (with helical cut gears) is available and quieter. (1990-92)

Poor transmission shift: Manual transmissions in which the shifter does not move smoothly between gears need a bottle of friction modifier added to the oil through the speedometer gear opening. (1990-92)

Steering problems: Cars that drift or pull to the right may be cured by replacing the lower control arm with one having rear bushing with a built-in offset. (1994)

Transaxle leak: Transaxle end clutch oil seal could leak leading to a loss of overdrive (fourth gear). (1994)

Vehicle shake: Drivetrain vibrations may be eliminated by replacing the transmission mounting brackets. (1990-94)

Vehicle shake: Vibration at idle is probably due to the upper radiator mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1990-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$540

Alternator	$320

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$770

Brakes	$215

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$470

Constant Velocity Joints	$705

Exhaust System	$680

Radiator	$355

Shocks and/or Struts	$465

Timing Chain or Belt	$240

NHTSA Recall History

1990: Diluted primer may have been used on windshield-opening flanges on a small number of cars, which would not provide required retention of glass.

1990: Headlamp-wiring harness on some early models may break due to stress created by their pop-up devices.

1990: Operation of factory-installed sunroof in "nonstandard" manner may cause hinge disengagement.

1990-91: Front-seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.

1990-94 w/AWD: Lockup of transfer case can occur, due to insufficient lubrication.

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Eclipse	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100
Eclipse Turbo	$1,300-1,700	$800-1,100	$200

1991
Eclipse	$1,000-1,500	$600-900	$100-200
Eclipse Turbo	$1,400-1,900	$900-1,200	$200

1992
Eclipse	$1,100-1,600	$700-1,000	$100-200
Eclipse Turbo	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1993
Eclipse	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200
Eclipse Turbo	$2,000-2,500	$1,400-1,800	$300-400

1994
Eclipse	$1,500-2,000	$1,000-1,300	$200-300
Eclipse Turbo	$2,300-2,800	$1,700-2,000	$400-500

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door hatchback

Wheelbase, in.	97.2

Overall Length, in.	172.8

Overall Width, in.	66.7

Overall Height, in.	51.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2542

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	10.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.9

Seating Capacity	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.9

Rear Head Room, in.	34.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	28.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

For its base and GS versions, Mitsubishi provides its 92-horsepower, single-cam 1.8-liter. Move up to the GS DOHC, and a dual-cam, 135-horsepower, 16-valve 2.0-liter engine takes over. For the GS Turbo and GSX, an intercooled turbocharger is added, providing anywhere from 180 to 195 horsepower, depending on model year and transmission choice. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional on all Eclipses.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	1.8 / 107	92	105	5-speed manual: 23/32 4-speed automatic: 23/30	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	2.0 / 122	135	125	5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 22/27	5-speed manual: 26.4 4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 122	180-195	203	5-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 19/23	5-speed manual: 18.4 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1994 Eclipse

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review:

Mitsubishi Eclipse

Mitsubishi Eclipse Road Test

Mitsubishi Eclipse Reliability

Mitsubishi Eclipse Prices

Mitsubishi Eclipse Specs & Safety

Mitsubishi Eclipse Photos

Mitsubishi Eclipse Full Review