1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Handling/roadholding
- Acceleration (except base, GS)
- Wet-weather traction (AWD)
Cons
- Engine noise
- Cargo room
- Rear-seat room
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse is right for you.
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."
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."
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse .
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:
Vibration at idle is probably due to the upper radiator mounting posts not being centered in the mounting brackets. (1990-94)
Vehicle shake:
Drivetrain vibrations may be eliminated by replacing the transmission 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Eclipse | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Eclipse Turbo | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Eclipse | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Eclipse Turbo | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Eclipse | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Eclipse Turbo | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Eclipse | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
| Eclipse Turbo | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Eclipse | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Eclipse Turbo | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 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: -- |
| 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: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mitsubishi Eclipse include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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