The original Mitsubishi Eclipse (and Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser) was a winner: great looks, handling, performance and an affordable price. As a sports coupe, it seemed to have something for everyone, a base front-drive car for the entry-level buyer to the turbocharged all-wheel-drive version for the buyer on good terms with his insurance company.
Year-to-year changes[]
1994[]
This was the last model year for the 1.8-liter base and GS coupes.
1995[]
Mitsubishi managed to change everything, yet left it all the same for 1995. While all of the hardware were massaged, all of the categories were retained and improved, and prices were close to the originals. The Eclipse has not lost the sporting edge that it had over the Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX.
The 1995 Eclipse was unveiled in March 1994, when pricing for all of Mitsubishi's 1994 models increased. It went on sale in September 1994.
There were four models: RS was the entry level. It now had a 2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder. The GS was more aggressive, sportier, but still didn't have the turbo (and the insurance penalty it brings). GS-T was the bargain rocket ship, it provided a turbo but not the all-wheel drive that the GSX had. The GSX also had a rear spoiler, foglamps, leather, and an 8-speaker stereo.
All levels of Eclipse had seatback memory, height-adjustable driver's seat, adjustable steering column, height-adjustable shoulder belts, center console and a new antilockout provision. A new power sunroof was available on the upper three levels, as was a keyless entry and security system. Power windows and door locks were an option on GS-T and GSX, which also had air conditioning as standard, the other two had air as an option. Disc/drum brakes were standard on the RS; 4-wheel discs were standard on the others. ABS was optional on all.
1996[]
After a one-year hiatus, the base model returns halfway through the 1996 model year, as a 1996.5 model. Also unveiled is the Eclipse Spyder convertible, on February 10, 1996.
Retail prices[]
As of March 9, 1994:
- $12,099 (1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS)
- $14,219 (1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 1.8L)
- $15,959 (1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS)
- $18,689 (1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo)
- $21,459 (1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX)
As of September 12, 1994:
- $14,359 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS)
- $16,329 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS)
- $19,999 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo)
- $22,929 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX)
As of mid-1995:
- $14,436 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS)
- $16,408 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS)
- $20,097 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T)
- $23,041 (1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX)
As of October 1, 1995:
- $14,970 (1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS)
- $17,330 (1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS)
- $20,940 (1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T)
- $23,910 (1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX)
Gallery[]
