| Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
|---|---|
 Fourth-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse GS coupe | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 1989–2011 (906,876 units) |
| Model years | 1990–2012 |
| Assembly | United States: Normal, Illinois (Diamond-Star Motors/MMNA) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sport compact |
| Body style | 3-door liftback coupé (1989–2011) 2-door convertible (1996–2011) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, All-wheel-drive (first and second generation only) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mitsubishi Cordia Mitsubishi Starion (US-spec) |
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car that was produced by Mitsubishi in four generations from 1989 until 2011.[1] A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.
The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser captive imports. They were built during Mitsubishi Motors' close relationship with Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared a redesigned platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform.
According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that won 18 races in a row and then retired.[2][3]
At the end of August 2011, the final Eclipse was manufactured and subsequently auctioned for charity.[4]
In 2017, Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name on a compact crossover vehicle, called the Eclipse Cross.
- ^ Beene, Ryan (25 April 2011). "Mitsubishi to halt U.S. production of 3 models in August". Automotive News. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
- ^ "Facts & Figures" (PDF). Mitsubishi Motors. 2006. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
- ^ Torchinsky, Jason (21 August 2017). "Holy Crap, The Mitsubishi Eclipse Was Named for a Horse, Not An Eclipse". Jalopnik. Archived from the original on 26 May 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
- ^ "Mitsubishi plans to halt U.S. production of 3 models in August". autoweek.com. 25 April 2011. Archived from the original on 27 April 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2013.