The second-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, produced from 1995 to 1999, remains a beloved sports coupe for its sleek design and performance capabilities. Understanding the different trims available during this generation can help enthusiasts and potential buyers make informed decisions. Let's dive into the specifics of each trim, exploring their unique features, performance aspects, and overall value.

Exploring the 2nd Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse Trims

When it comes to the 2nd gen Mitsubishi Eclipse trims, there's a lot to unpack! This sporty car, made from 1995 to 1999, had different versions to suit various tastes and needs. Knowing what each trim offers can really help you if you're thinking about buying one or just want to learn more about these cool cars. Let's get into the details and check out what makes each trim special. The trims included the base RS, the GS, the GS-T, and the GSX. Each trim level offered a unique combination of features and performance, catering to a wide range of drivers. Whether you were looking for an affordable daily driver or a high-performance sports car, there was likely a 2nd gen Eclipse trim to meet your needs. From the naturally aspirated engines in the RS and GS to the turbocharged power of the GS-T and GSX, the Eclipse provided a variety of options for those seeking sporty performance. This generation also saw improvements in handling and overall refinement, making it a popular choice among sports coupe enthusiasts. In the following sections, we'll explore each trim in detail, highlighting their key features, performance specs, and differences.

Mitsubishi Eclipse RS

The Mitsubishi Eclipse RS served as the entry-level trim in the 2nd generation lineup. While it was the most basic model, it still offered the sporty styling and fun-to-drive nature that the Eclipse was known for. The RS was powered by a 2.0-liter 420A inline-4 engine, producing around 140 horsepower. This engine provided adequate performance for daily driving and was known for its reliability. The RS trim typically came with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, offering a more engaging driving experience. An automatic transmission was also available as an option for those seeking more convenience. Inside, the Eclipse RS featured cloth seats, basic audio system, and manual windows and door locks. While it lacked some of the luxury features found in higher trims, it still provided a comfortable and functional interior. The exterior of the RS was distinguished by its simple styling, with steel wheels and minimal exterior trim. Despite being the base model, the RS still had the sleek lines and sporty profile that made the Eclipse so appealing. The RS trim was an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable sports coupe with decent performance and iconic styling. Its simplicity and reliability made it a popular option for budget-minded buyers. While it may not have had the raw power of the turbocharged models, the RS still offered a fun and engaging driving experience that was true to the Eclipse spirit.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GS

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GS represented a step up from the base RS trim, offering additional features and a slightly more refined experience. Like the RS, the GS was powered by a 2.0-liter 420A inline-4 engine, producing around 140 horsepower. However, the GS trim often included additional features such as alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, and improved interior trim. These enhancements made the GS a more desirable option for those seeking a balance of affordability and comfort. The GS trim also offered a wider range of optional features, such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a sunroof. These options allowed buyers to customize their Eclipse to better suit their needs and preferences. The exterior of the GS was subtly different from the RS, with more stylish alloy wheels and additional trim pieces. These small changes gave the GS a more upscale appearance. Inside, the GS featured improved upholstery and additional comfort features, such as adjustable lumbar support. These enhancements made the GS a more pleasant place to spend time, especially on longer drives. The Eclipse GS was a popular choice for those seeking a sporty coupe with a few extra creature comforts. It offered a good balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it a compelling option in the sports coupe market. While it may not have had the turbocharged power of the GS-T or GSX, the GS still provided a fun and engaging driving experience.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T marked a significant leap in performance, thanks to its turbocharged engine. The GS-T was powered by a 2.0-liter 4G63T turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing around 210 horsepower. This engine transformed the Eclipse into a true sports car, with significantly improved acceleration and overall performance. The GS-T came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to fully exploit the engine's power. An automatic transmission was also available, but it slightly detracted from the driving experience. The GS-T trim also featured upgraded suspension and brakes to handle the increased power. These enhancements improved handling and stopping power, making the GS-T a more capable performer on the road. The exterior of the GS-T was distinguished by its sporty appearance, with larger alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and unique badging. These visual cues set the GS-T apart from the naturally aspirated models. Inside, the GS-T featured sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other sporty accents. These touches enhanced the driving experience and gave the GS-T a more premium feel. The Eclipse GS-T was a favorite among enthusiasts for its turbocharged power and aggressive styling. It offered a thrilling driving experience that was unmatched by the base models. While it required more maintenance than the naturally aspirated engines, the GS-T was well worth the effort for those seeking maximum performance. The turbocharged 4G63T engine in the GS-T was a legend in its own right, known for its tunability and potential for even more power. Many owners modified their GS-Ts to extract even greater performance, making it a popular platform for aftermarket upgrades. The GS-T represented the sweet spot in the Eclipse lineup, offering a compelling combination of performance, features, and value. It was a true sports car that could hold its own against more expensive rivals.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX represented the pinnacle of performance in the 2nd generation Eclipse lineup. The GSX shared the same 2.0-liter 4G63T turbocharged inline-4 engine as the GS-T, producing around 210 horsepower. However, the GSX added all-wheel drive (AWD) to the equation, providing superior traction and handling. The AWD system in the GSX significantly improved its performance in all weather conditions. It allowed the GSX to put its power down more effectively, resulting in quicker acceleration and better handling in corners. The GSX also featured upgraded suspension and brakes to match its increased performance capabilities. These enhancements made the GSX a formidable performer on both the street and the track. The exterior of the GSX was similar to the GS-T, with sporty styling cues such as larger alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and unique badging. However, the GSX's AWD system set it apart visually, with a slightly higher ride height and a more aggressive stance. Inside, the GSX featured sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other sporty accents. These touches enhanced the driving experience and gave the GSX a premium feel. The Eclipse GSX was the ultimate expression of the 2nd generation Eclipse, offering unmatched performance and handling. Its AWD system made it a capable performer in all conditions, while its turbocharged engine provided thrilling acceleration. The GSX was a favorite among enthusiasts who demanded the best possible performance from their sports coupe. The all-wheel-drive system in the GSX made it a unique offering in the sports coupe market. It provided a level of traction and control that was unmatched by its competitors. The GSX was a true all-weather sports car, capable of handling anything from sunny summer days to snowy winter nights. The GSX represented the ultimate evolution of the Eclipse, combining turbocharged power with all-wheel-drive grip to create a truly exceptional sports car. Its performance and handling were unmatched by any other trim level, making it the most desirable and sought-after of all the 2nd generation Eclipses.

Performance and Handling

Discussing the performance and handling of the 2nd gen Mitsubishi Eclipse trims, it's clear that each model offers a distinct driving experience. The RS and GS trims, equipped with the 2.0-liter 420A engine, provide adequate power for daily commuting and offer a balanced ride. These trims are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, enthusiasts seeking more exhilarating performance often gravitate towards the GS-T and GSX trims. The turbocharged 4G63T engine in these models delivers a significant boost in power, transforming the Eclipse into a true sports car. The GS-T, with its front-wheel-drive configuration, offers a thrilling experience with noticeable torque steer, adding to the excitement. The GSX, on the other hand, takes performance to another level with its all-wheel-drive system. This provides superior traction and control, allowing drivers to confidently tackle corners and accelerate quickly in various conditions. The GSX's AWD system also enhances its stability, making it a more forgiving car to drive at the limit. In terms of handling, all 2nd gen Eclipse trims benefit from a well-tuned suspension system that provides a good balance between comfort and sportiness. However, the GS-T and GSX trims feature upgraded suspension components that further improve handling precision and reduce body roll. These enhancements make the GS-T and GSX more capable performers on twisty roads and racetracks. Overall, the performance and handling characteristics of the 2nd gen Eclipse trims vary significantly depending on the model. Whether you're looking for an affordable daily driver or a high-performance sports car, there's an Eclipse trim to suit your needs. The RS and GS offer a balanced and practical driving experience, while the GS-T and GSX deliver exhilarating performance and sporty handling.

Exterior and Interior Features

When examining the exterior and interior features across the 2nd gen Mitsubishi Eclipse trims, there are notable differences that cater to varying preferences and budgets. The base RS trim typically features a more understated exterior design, with steel wheels and minimal aesthetic enhancements. Moving up to the GS trim, you'll often find alloy wheels and subtle body-colored accents, providing a slightly more refined appearance. However, the GS-T and GSX trims boast a more aggressive and sporty exterior, with features like rear spoilers, larger alloy wheels, and unique badging that set them apart. These visual cues hint at the enhanced performance capabilities of these turbocharged models. Inside the cabin, the RS trim offers a functional but basic setup, with cloth upholstery and essential features. The GS trim adds a touch of comfort with upgraded seating materials and additional convenience features. Stepping into the GS-T and GSX trims, you'll find sportier seats with enhanced bolstering, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and other premium accents that create a more engaging driving environment. The GSX often includes additional features like a sunroof or upgraded sound system, further enhancing the overall experience. Across all trims, the 2nd gen Eclipse features a driver-focused cockpit design with easy-to-reach controls and a sporty instrument cluster. The rear seats are best suited for smaller passengers or cargo, as space is somewhat limited. Overall, the exterior and interior features of the 2nd gen Eclipse trims reflect their respective performance levels and target audiences. From the understated simplicity of the RS to the sporty aggression of the GSX, each trim offers a unique combination of style and functionality.

Reliability and Maintenance

Addressing the reliability and maintenance aspects of the 2nd gen Mitsubishi Eclipse trims is essential for potential buyers and current owners alike. The 2nd gen Eclipse, like any vehicle, has its share of potential issues, but overall, it's considered to be reasonably reliable, especially when properly maintained. The naturally aspirated engines in the RS and GS trims are known for their durability and longevity, with fewer potential problems compared to the turbocharged engines in the GS-T and GSX. However, the turbocharged 4G63T engine, while offering exhilarating performance, requires more frequent maintenance and is more susceptible to issues like turbocharger failure and boost leaks. Regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and timing belt services are crucial to keeping the 4G63T engine running smoothly. The all-wheel-drive system in the GSX also adds complexity and requires additional maintenance, such as fluid changes and inspection of the transfer case and differentials. Common issues across all 2nd gen Eclipse trims include electrical problems, such as faulty sensors and wiring, as well as suspension wear and tear. Rust can also be a concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. To ensure the long-term reliability of a 2nd gen Eclipse, it's essential to perform regular maintenance, address any issues promptly, and use quality parts. A well-maintained Eclipse can provide years of reliable service and continue to be a fun and enjoyable sports coupe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2nd generation Mitsubishi Eclipse offers a range of trims to suit various preferences and budgets. From the economical RS and GS to the high-performance GS-T and GSX, each trim provides a unique driving experience and set of features. Whether you prioritize affordability, performance, or all-weather capability, there's likely a 2nd gen Eclipse trim that meets your needs. By understanding the differences between the trims and considering your own priorities, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect Eclipse for you.